Introduction

Calculating PV output

BP Solar PV Modules

Other PV Modules

PV Charge Controllers

PV Module Mounts

Solar Trackers

PV Module Roof Mounting

Solar Roofs

Solar Roof Kits

PRICES

Charge Controller Prices

PV Module Prices

PV Mounting Systems & Tracker Prices

Also see the section on inverters

Steca     

Morningstar

OutBack

What is a charge controller?

Charge controllers or voltage regulators protect the batteries from overcharging, subsequent gassing, loss of electrolyte and possible plate damage. By monitoring battery voltage they regulate the charging current from the PV array enabling batteries to be charged but not over-charged.  They also contain suitable protection to prevent any current drain from battery to PV array eg. at night.

This is usually best done by gradually reducing (or tapering) the flow of energy into the battery as a full charge is reached so achieving a more complete charge.  Very fast solid state switching technology is used for this known as pulse width modulated (PWM) control.

Some controllers also include a low voltage warning  or disconnect function to switch off  loads if  the batteries become very low preventing excessive discharge.  Optional displays indicate charging currents, load currents and battery voltage, or separate meters and system monitoring can be used.

In choosing the the proper charge controller the main consideration is the peak charging current you need to regulate.  It is worthwhile selecting one that will handle extra power if needs change in the future.

Controllers should not be used with more modules than they are rated for.  However, a PV array can be split into sub-arrays each with it's own charge controller, in order to accommodate increasing numbers of modules.  For the smaller output panels, or where a relatively large battery store is used, regulators may not be necessary.

All controllers listed include blocking diodes or other protection to prevent any current drain from battery to PV panel at night, so no additional blocking diodes are required.

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Steca Charge Controllers 

Solsum  

Ideal for use with one or two module systems.  Uses pulse width modulation (PWM) for optimum battery charging and includes automatic battery gassing function.  Multi-colour LED indicator shows battery voltage.  12 or 24V.  Solsum 0606 & 0808 include automatic low voltage disconnect facility.  Reverse polarity protected.  c/w blocking diode.  Power consumption:<3mA   

PR Night  

For automatic lighting control.  Detects day and night using the PV array and includes an integrated clock and programmable timer to switch lights on either after sunset or before sunrise.

PRO-303/505  

These are well suited for single module, small solar home 12VDC systems.  Includes a switch so lights etc can be switched on/off without additional wall mounted switches.  Ample protection features  ensure maintenance free operation.  LED indicators show battery condition and charging status.  Includes automatic low voltage disconnection.  Rated from -25 to plus 50˚C. 12V only.

PRO-Series

A range of solar charge regulators rated from 10-30A load, ideal for any small to medium size system which adapts automatically for use in either 12 or 24 V systems.  Includes automatic low voltage disconnection and a manual load switch.  Protection features include an automatically re-settable electronic fuse for maintenance free operation.. Includes large self explanatory LCD display showing voltage, charge & discharge current.  Built in Ah counter.  System settings are configurable by means of buttons on the front of the unit. Operation from - 10 to + 50˚C. 

Terminals take up to 16sq  mm cables. 

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Morningstar Charge Controllers

These sophisticated solar charge controllers all include pulse width modulation (PVM) series charging; temperature compensation 25% design margin for overloads; high efficiency and low self-consumption.  Overvoltage; reverse polarity, short circuit and lightning protected.  Operating temperature range of -40 to 85˚C. Five year warranty

SunGuard-4 

This is the ideal controller for one-module systems.. Fully encapsulated in epoxy potting, they can be mounted in battery enclosures and are weatherproof.  Connection via 200mm leads.

SunKeeper

These are simple controllers which mount directly to the solar module junction box and eliminate the need for additional controller housing.  Fully encapsulated and IP65 outdoor rated, they are approved for hazardous locations and high temperatures (up to 70˚C).  Connection is via flying leads. Use with sealed or vented batteries is field selectable.  12V. Bi-colour LED indicates charging, operation & faults.

SHS

These low-cost controllers are ideal for small lighting systems.  High reliability with built in electronic fuses.  Circuit boards are coated for protection against humidity & insects.  LED's indicate battery level and system status. 12V.

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SunSaver Duo Charge Controller

For use with systems using two separate batteries eg boats and motorhomes.

Includes remote meter to show system status and errors.

SunSaver

These are the ideal controller for small professional and consumer systems. Fully encapsulated , they are approved for hazardous locations.  Connection is via marine rated terminals. Use with sealed or vented batteries is field selectable.  Versions for use in either 12V or 24V systems, optional automatic low battery voltage disconnect (L). LED's indicate charging and load disconnect condition.

SunSaver MPPT

This controller has an advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) battery charger for off-grid PV systems. The controller features a smart tracking algorithm that maximizes the energy harvest from the PV and also provides load control to prevent over discharge of the battery.

It is ideal for both professional and consumer PV applications. It is epoxy encapsulated and can be adjusted via four settings switches or connection to a personal computer and has optional remote meter and battery temperature sensor.

SunLight

These are ideal controllers for solar powered lighting controls.  Fully encapsulated.  Connection is via marine rated terminals. Use with sealed or vented batteries is field selectable.  Switches lights for 2 to 10 hours on, for on all night or after dusk and before dawn. Versions for use in either 12V or 24V systems, includes automatic low battery voltage disconnect (L).  LED's indicate charging and load disconnect condition.

ProStar 

These tropicalized 15 & 30A controllers provide longer battery life and improved system performance. LED's  indicate  battery status and faults.  Digital metering shows voltage & current plus 9 different controller status parameters. Automatic battery equalisation or can be used with sealed and gel batteries. Includes a manual PV and load disconnect button. Versions for 12/24Vor 48V systems.

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TriStar

These powerful tropicalized three-function PWM controllers provide reliable solar battery charging, load control or diversion regulation to divert excess power to a dump load for use in solar, wind or hydroelectric systems. (Two or more controllers may be used to provide multiple functions).  Large heat sink enables operation at up to 45˚C without de-rating. 

3 LED's indicate battery status, alarms and faults.  Optional LCD digital backlit display provides system & controller information: battery voltage; current; temperature; amp-hours and error mode. Versions mount either on face of the controller or remotely. For use in either 12, 24 or 48V systems. Fully adjustable with DIP switches.  RS232 communication for custom settings, data logging, remote monitoring/control.  Reverse polarity, short circuit, over-current, high temperature and over-voltage protection.  Operation from - 40 to+ 45˚C.Terminals take up to 35sqmm cables.

Tristar showing optional LCD display (TS-Meter)

Relay Driver

This is a logic module which provides system control features such as high/low voltage alarms, load control and generator start. It can drive four independent relays by reading digital date inputs from the Morningstar TriStar controller or by reading battery voltage when used in systems with other controllers.  It can be DIN rail mounted and is fully programmable via RS232 port connection.  Supplied pre-programmed with four commonly used settings.  For use in 12 to 48V systems.

OutBack

MX60 MPPT 60A Controller

This Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controller enables a PV array to achieve it's highest possible performance.  It can be used with battery systems from 12 to 60 VDC at up to 60A with a PV open circuit voltage as high as 140 VDC. This allows use of a higher voltage PV array with a lower voltage battery, enabling the use of reduced wire size and reducing power losses. 

The array can operate at it's peak power point so more current is delivered to the battery.  Setpoints are fully adjustable to allow use with virtually  any battery type, chemistry and charging profile.

Built in Data Logging measuring kWh etc.

Includes four line LCD digital backlit display for programming and monitoring of system operation.

Can be connected to Outback Mate controller for remote monitoring at distances of up to ten MX60 controllers. Operation from - 40 to + 60˚C.  Terminals take 35 sq mm cables.

FLEXmax 80 MPPT Charge Controller

FLEXmax 80 is the latest innovation in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers from OutBack Power Systems. The FLEXmax 80’s innovative MPPT algorithm is both continuous and active, increasing your renewable energy yield up to 30%With enhanced cooling, the FLEXmax 80 can operate at its full 80 amp maximum current rating in ambient temperatures as high as 104°F (40°C).

Included in the FLEXmax 80 are all of the features first developed by OutBack Power in the revolutionary MX60, such as support for a wide range of nominal battery voltages and the ability to step-down a high voltage solar array to recharge a low voltage battery. A built-in backlit display shows status information at the touch of a button. Enhanced network communications allow the FLEXmax 80 to be remotely programmed via the optional MATE system display and controller.

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