Controller

More on Solar Regulators

What is a PWM regulator?

The solar regulator PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) - (Modulation of the pulse amplitude) is a type of technology by means of which the amplitude of the input sine wave signal (current wave and voltage of the solar panels) is modified to adapt with the conditions of current, frequency and output voltage of the regulator to subsequently go to the solar batteries. In this way the output power of the solar panels is matched with that of the input of the solar batteries. These types of regulators are used for voltage values of standard solar panels as we will explain later (12V-24V-48V) and although they are robust, compact and competitive solutions, they can present some problem of interference by radio frequency waves. In general, PWM charge regulators will be used for low-power isolated solar installations with voltage values no greater than 48V and currents not greater than 30A.

Advantages of PWM type solar regulators::

• Older, robust and proven technology.
• More economical solar regulators.
• Although its usual use for isolated solar installations does not usually exceed 30A, there are up to 60A.
• They usually have a longer life since they have convection cooling fins.

Disadvantages of PWM type solar regulators::

• The input voltage (V) to the regulator must be consistent with that of the solar batteries.
• Controllers with currents higher than 60A are not common.
• Due to their voltage and current limitations they can limit the growth and expansion of a solar installation.

What is a MPPT regulator?

The MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) solar controller focuses on always looking for the voltage and current points that provide the highest power in the system. This technology focuses on sweeping the points of voltage and current allowed by the system, always looking for the product of these two variables that results in the power to be as large as possible (P = V x I). This technology allows to modify the conditions of use of the system both when the solar radiation changes (therefore changes the voltage and current of the solar panels) and the consumption of the load (more or less energy need depending on the time of day and energy needs). This type of solar regulators allow greater flexibility of the system, always obtaining the highest possible efficiency in the face of changes in the generation parameters as well as in the consumption parameters. In order to obtain this difference in parameters (V-I), the MPPT regulators have a variable resistance for this purpose.

These types of regulators are generally used for isolated solar installations with solar panels that do not necessarily have standard isolated voltages, and are suitable for high power and number of panels, with currents greater than 30A, as explained below. These regulators, although more efficient, are more expensive than PWMs. For information purposes, it should be noted that this is the technology used in high-power grid inverters for large solar plants since the MPPT system allows the highest system performance to be obtained under variable conditions.

Advantages of MPPT regulators: :

• More efficient technology that allows up to 30% additional energy, which increases the charge of solar batteries.
• They allow greater variability in the design of the continuous part (solar panels), being able to install modules with higher voltages than solar batteries, allowing the use of the most economical models of solar panels.
• They can go up to 80A of current and up to 7000W per regulator.
• They are more modular when the photovoltaic installation has to be expanded with greater power from panels or batteries.

Disadvantages of MPPT regulators: :

• They are more expensive than their PWM alternative..
• They are larger and bulkier components than PWM regulators.
• They are more complex when designing since more variables (Power, current, voltage, etc ...) intervene in this process In our online store we have a wide variety of solar regulators of both technologies that allow us to find the most suitable solution for each case.

We distribute the best brands on the market (STECA, Morningstar, Victron, Schneider, EPSolar, SCL) at very competitive prices.

But how do you choose a solar charge controller? or what solar regulator do i need?

Each case will be different, but below we explain the general rules for choosing one type or another of solar charge regulator.

PWM type solar regulator - The open circuit voltage of the panel (Voc) or panels that are connected must be approximately 50% higher than the standard voltage of the solar battery bank, usually (12V-24V-48V). Additionally, the total current of the solar panels cannot exceed the amperage determined by the regulator. Depending on the solar installation, the daily consumption needs (Wh / day) we will decide what power of solar panels and batteries we will need. Finally, we will have to find out if solar regulators that adapt to them are available in the market according to our needs.

MPPT Solar Regulator- This type of solar regulators are more flexible and allow a greater variety of combinations, as well as higher solar installations power. In this case, to choose the necessary regulator we must take into account that the solar panel combinations (string / strings) do not exceed the maximum power of the regulator, the input current and voltage of the MPPT (usually 1 or 2) dictated by the manufacturer. This type of regulators allow the use of practically any type of panels and batteries on the market since the ranges offered in the market are wide and varied.

How to choose a solar charge controller?

Choosing the right charge controller for a solar power system is essential to ensure efficient and safe operation of your solar panels and batteries. Here are some key steps and considerations to help you choose the right solar charge controller:

• - System Type: Determine whether you have a grid-connected solar system (on-grid) or an off-grid system. Charge controllers can vary depending on whether you are storing energy in batteries or connecting directly to the grid.
• - System Voltage: Know the voltage of the solar system, which could be 12V, 24V, 48V or other voltage. The regulator must be compatible with your system voltage.
• - Maximum Panel Current: Calculate the maximum current your solar panels can provide. This will help you determine the capacity of the regulator you need.
• - Battery Charging Current: Determine how much charging current your battery needs. This is important to ensure that the regulator can manage the charge effectively.
• - Battery Type: Consider the type of battery you are using, such as lead-acid batteries, gel batteries or lithium batteries. Some regulators have specific modes for different types of batteries.
• - Regulator Capacity: Choose a regulator that has an adequate rated capacity to handle the maximum current of the system. Make sure the regulator can handle at least 25% more current than the system maximum to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• - Advanced Features: Some regulators come with additional features, such as maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to improve charging efficiency, programmable settings and remote monitoring. These features can be beneficial depending on your needs.
• - Protections: Check that the regulator includes protections such as overload protection, short-circuit protection and deep battery discharge protection.
• - Brand and Quality: Opt for charge controllers from reliable, good quality brands. Quality is important to ensure safe and long-lasting operation.
• - Installation and Mounting: Consider the ease of installation and mounting of the regulator. Some regulators can be wall mounted, while others may require DIN rail mounting.
• - Budget: Make sure the controller you choose fits your budget, but remember that quality and the right features are essential for an efficient and reliable solar system.

It is advisable to consult with a solar professional or certified installer for specific recommendations based on your needs and local conditions.

What is the function of a solar charge controller?

A solar charge controller, also known as a solar charge controller, is an essential component in a solar PV system. Its main function is to manage and control the charging of the batteries connected to the solar system. Here are the main functions of a solar charge controller:

• - Battery Charge Control: The main function of a solar charge controller is to control the amount of energy supplied to the batteries from the solar panels. It prevents the batteries from overcharging by stopping charging when they reach their maximum capacity.
• - Overcharging Prevention: The regulator prevents overcharging of the batteries, which can damage them and reduce their lifespan. It stops solar charging when the batteries are fully charged.
• - Deep Discharge Prevention: A good charge controller also prevents batteries from over-discharging, which can irreversibly damage them. It cuts off the discharge of the battery when it reaches a safe minimum voltage level.
• - Charge Optimisation: Some solar charge controllers use maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques to optimise the amount of energy captured from the solar panels and ensure that the battery receives as much energy as possible.
• - Short Circuit Protection: The charge controllers also protect the system against short circuits in the solar system. They cut off the current in the event of a short circuit to prevent damage.
• - Reverse Current Protection: Some regulators prevent current from flowing from the batteries to the solar panels at night or in low light conditions, which could damage the panels.
• - Display and Monitoring: Many solar charge controllers have LED displays or indicators that show information about the state of charge, battery voltage and other important parameters.
• - Charge Connection: Charge controllers also provide output ports for connecting loads such as lights, appliances or other devices to the solar system.

In short, a solar charge controller is essential to ensure that the batteries in a solar power system are charged and discharged safely and efficiently. Its function is to protect both the batteries and the overall system, optimising the lifetime of the components and ensuring reliable operation.

What is a solar panel controller?

A "solar panel controller" is another term for a "solar charge controller" or "solar charge controller". This essential component in a solar power system is responsible for regulating the charge flowing between the solar panels, batteries and electrical loads, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the system. The term "solar panel regulator" is simply a way of describing its function in relation to solar panels in particular.

As mentioned earlier, the solar charge controller controls the flow of energy at various stages of the process:

• - Battery Charging: Regulates the amount of power sent to the batteries from the solar panels to charge them and prevent overcharging.
• - Battery Discharge: Controls the release of energy stored in the batteries to power electrical loads, preventing deep discharge and damage to the batteries.
• - Protection: Provides protection against overcharging, deep discharge, short circuits and other conditions that could damage system components.
• - Charge Optimisation: Some controllers, especially MPPT (maximum power point tracking) controllers, optimise the conversion of solar energy into electricity, maximising the efficiency and performance of the system.

In short, a solar charge controller, regardless of whether it is called a "solar panel controller", "solar charge controller" or by another name, plays a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a solar power system. Its function is to protect batteries and other components, optimise the charging of solar energy and ensure a reliable power supply.

How much power does a solar controller consume?

The power consumption of a solar controller depends on the type of controller, its characteristics and its handling capacity. In general, solar charge controllers are low-power electronic devices and therefore their energy consumption is relatively low compared to other components of the solar system, such as solar panels or inverters.

Solar charge controllers are designed to be efficient in terms of energy consumption, as their main function is to control the charging of the batteries and to monitor the system. Most modern solar regulators in standby or no-load mode have a very low power consumption, often in the range of 0.1 to 1 watt.

However, during active operation, when the regulator is regulating the load between the solar panels and the batteries, its power consumption may increase slightly, but it is still usually low compared to other components of the solar system.

It is important to read the specifications of the controller manufacturer to know the exact power consumption of that specific model. When choosing a solar controller, pay attention to its energy efficiency and make sure that the power consumption is adequate for your system and battery capacity. In general, the power consumption of the solar controller is a minor concern compared to the overall efficiency of the system and the performance of the components.

If you have any questions or queries, we are at your disposal at info@tienda-solar.es.