If you’re planning to make your home or office go solar, one of his things you’re going to need is a solar charge controller. This can be described as a current or voltage controller that keeps your solar battery from overcharging. Solar charge controllers are available in a range starting from 4.5A and up to 80A. Thus, along with solar panels and a battery, you will also have to include solar charge controller price in your budget calculations. Let’s take a closer look at what this element does, why you need it and everything else you need to know before buying one.

Types of Solar Charger Controller:

Solar charge controllers can be categorized into 3 types:

1. Simple 1 or 2 stage controls
2. This type of charge controller has shunt transistors that control current by shorting the solar panel when the desired voltage is achieved. These charge controllers have very few segments and hence are extremely durable.
3. PWM (pulse width modulated)

These are the most commonly used charge controllers. They work by making a direct connection between the solar array and the battery. As the battery voltage increases while charging, it increases the voltage output of the solar panels as well. 

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)

These charge controllers identify the ideal voltage and amperage of the battery bank and the solar panels and help maintain it. By doing this, they increase the power harnessing capabilities by 10-30%.

Why do you need a Solar Charge Controller?

The main role of a solar charge controller is to control the device voltage and pause charging when the battery reaches full capacity. Thus, it protects batteries form overcharging and increases their lifespan. It also reduce system maintenance needed.  It can also help control reverse power flow. Reverse power flow refers to the flow of charge from the battery to the solar panels at time when the panels aren’t producing any electricity. Thus, the little bit extra you would pay for solar charge controller price can help boost the efficiency levels of your solar inverter and battery.

Some charge controllers are also programmable to help you control your lighting. For example, they could be programmed to turn on and off an attached light based on sunrise and sunset. They may also be set to run for a few hours or all night based on your needs.

Electricity harnessed by solar energy is amongst the cleanest forms of electricity. It can be used in the same way as electricity from the main power grid and can run any appliance. If yo’ve been shying away from harnessing solar energy or your home or office only because of the initial costs, it’s time you took a look at the long-term picture. While solar charge controller price, solar panel prices, etc. may be slightly high during installation, these elements will pay for themselves within a few months. Solar systems require minimal maintenance and can provide you with reliable, constant power without the high electricity bills.