A solar charge controller is a voltage and current regulator which monitors and controls the power going into and coming out of the rechargeable battery of a solar power system, based on a set of voltage thresholds (termed setpoints). Charge controllers play a critical role in solar systems. In off-grid systems, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity by means of the photovoltaic effect. A charge controller connected between the solar array and battery manages the power generated by solar panels. While the primary function of a solar charge controller is to prevent battery overcharge, many other functions may be demanded. The charge controller must ensure that the connected loads don’t over-discharge the battery. It must disconnect the battery from the load when the battery reaches a predefined depth of discharge (DoD). This function is normally referred to as low voltage disconnect (LVD). A charge controller may be designed to execute charging algorithms for the purpose of enhancing battery performance and battery life. As the rate of electrochemical activity within a rechargeable battery is strongly dependent on temperature, charge controllers are often required to correct the charge regulation setpoints to the temperature of the battery.
at the Open Lighting Product Directory (OLPD)
