Solar Slowpumps – Backwoods Solar

Charge ControllersCHOOSING A CHARGE CONTROLLER Charge controllers regulate the output of solar modules, wind generators and hydroelectric generators to prevent overcharging of the battery. For off grid solar power systems, when battery voltage rises to a preset maximum, where the battery is completely charged, the control automatically reduces or stops the solar charge. Some charge controllers are that simple, but most include some other features like volt & amp meters, voltage conversion, low battery load disconnect or night light timer. Read More VOLT AND AMPERE RATING OF THE CONTROL Select a control able to handle a little more than the amperes your solar modules are rated to generate. Though solar modules don’t usually produce more than their rated amperes, they can momentarily produce 15% more on cold bright days. The electric code recommends leaving a 25% margin, that is, for a 47 amp solar array use a 60 amp control rather than a 50 amp control. And if you plan future expansion of your solar array, allow a lot more headroom to accommodate the added solar panels. Be sure the model you choose is designed for your battery voltage: 12, 24 or 48 volts. A given control will handle twice as…