Charge Controllers
Solar Charge Controllers
As a battery gains a higher level of charge, the best voltage at which to charge it changes.
Charge controllers improve battery life by tracking a battery's state of charge and
adjusting charging voltage accordingly.
PWM Controllers
PWM controllers improve battery life by adjusting charging voltage as the battery gains more charge.
What is a charge controller?
A charge controller is a regulator that prevents batteries from overcharging. Almost all battery based systems use charge controllers as they are a critical component to higher voltage PV arrays. Charge controllers regulate the electric current that flows in and out from the battery bank, motor or pump. By controlling the rate of electric current, charge controllers prevent overcharging and can protect against over-voltage which could damage the battery or motor. A charge controller can also prevent totally draining ("deep discharging") a battery, or perform controlled discharges, depending on the battery technology, to protect battery life.Popular Manufacturers
MPPT and PWM: Which one Is For Me?
There are several different sizes and styles of charge controllers. You can drill down the one you need by reviewing the two main types of charge controllers, MPPT and PWM. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) charge controllers are the most basic charge controllers. These units regulate the flow of energy into the battery by turning "on" and "off". This cycle will continue until the voltage charge set-point is reached and will proceed to trickle charge your battery. These types of charge controllers are popular for smaller, lower voltage systems. (Example: 12V nominal solar panel charging a 12V battery bank.) When the input voltage from your PV array is close to that of your battery bank, using a rudimentary charge controller will be a very cost effective way to charge your batteries safely. Keep in mind that if you want to use a higher voltage panel to charge your battery bank, the "on"/ "off" function of the PWM style controller could reduce the life of your battery bank by charging it constantly with a significantly higher voltage. This is where MPPT charge controllers come in. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controllers track the voltage curve as the sun moves along the sky using an algorithm to ensure that at any point during the day, you achieve maximum energy harvest. As a rule of thumb, anytime your solar panel voltage is twice that of your battery bank, an MPPT charge controller is the best choice. While more expensive, these units will consistently charge your battery bank to ensure the maximum charge rate (about 30% higher than PWM style charge controllers) without overcharging your batteries. MPPT charge controllers also allow for larger and higher voltage solar arrays. Most PWM charge controllers reach a 60 amp maximum output and around 120V solar panel voltage input. MPPT charge controllers can be up to 100 amps. MPPT charge controllers also come in higher voltage options like 150V, 200V, 250V, 300V and 600VDC configurations. For example, if you need to mount your solar panels a few hundred feet away from your battery bank, looking into a higher voltage input MPPT charge controller will help you minimize wire sizing and voltage drop.How do I size my charge controller?
There are several factors that you need to consider when sizing your charge controller for your system. You can start by first determining your system voltage. Will this be a 12V, 24V or a 48V system? If you are starting from scratch and need a gauge to help determine your system voltage, a good rule of thumb is:
12V systems - generally under 1200 watts
24V systems - 1200 watts - 3000 watts
48V systems - above 3000 watts
MPPT Solar Charge Controller Sizing Tools from the Manufacturers
- Morningstar Sizing Tools
- OutBack Power String Sizing Tool
- Midnite Solar String Sizing Tool
- Blue Sky Energy Sizing Tools
For more information on overall system design you can reference our blog post "Charge Controller Sizing – PWM and MPPT."
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Morningstar ProStar PS-MPPT-25A > 25 Amp 12/24 Volt MPPT Charge Controller > No Meter
MorningstarOriginal price $398.00 - Original price $398.00Original price$398.00$398.00 - $398.00Current price $398.00DescriptionMorningStar ProStar MPPT 25 Amp 12/24 Volt MPPT Charge Controller - No Meter Options: Digital Meter Manufacturer Part Number: PS-MPP...
View full detailsOriginal price $398.00 - Original price $398.00Original price$398.00$398.00 - $398.00Current price $398.00 -
Morningstar ProStar PS-MPPT-40M > 40 Amp 12/24 Volt MPPT Charge Controller - with Digital Meter
MorningstarOriginal price $578.00 - Original price $578.00Original price$578.00$578.00 - $578.00Current price $578.00DescriptionMorningStar ProStar MPPT 40 Amp 12/24 Volt MPPT Charge Controller - With Digital Meter Manufacturer Part Number: PS-MPPT-40M Detaile...
View full detailsOriginal price $578.00 - Original price $578.00Original price$578.00$578.00 - $578.00Current price $578.00 -
Morningstar SHS-6 > 6 Amp 12 Volt PWM Charge Controller > International
MorningstarOriginal price $33.00 - Original price $33.00Original price$33.00$33.00 - $33.00Current price $33.00Description Morningstar SHS 6 Amp 12 Volt Solar Controller Manufacturer Part Number: SHS-6 Minimum order qty of 4 units for SHS-6 Charge Contr...
View full detailsOriginal price $33.00 - Original price $33.00Original price$33.00$33.00 - $33.00Current price $33.00 -
Morningstar SHS-10 > 10 Amp 12 Volt PWM Charge Controller > International
MorningstarOriginal price $42.00 - Original price $42.00Original price$42.00$42.00 - $42.00Current price $42.00Description Morningstar SHS 10 Amp 12 Volt Solar Controller Manufacturer Part Number: SHS-10 Minimum order qty of 4 units for SHS-10 Charge C...
View full detailsOriginal price $42.00 - Original price $42.00Original price$42.00$42.00 - $42.00Current price $42.00 -
Morningstar Sunsaver SS-6-12V Back Plate Assembly
MorningstarOriginal price $155.00 - Original price $155.00Original price$155.00$155.00 - $155.00Current price $155.00Description Assembly 1- Charge Controller : SunSaver 6-12V (6Amps / 12 Volts) 3- Circuit breakers – Rated for 6 Amps. 6- Din Rail m...
View full detailsOriginal price $155.00 - Original price $155.00Original price$155.00$155.00 - $155.00Current price $155.00 -
Morningstar RSC-1 > EIA-485/RS-232 Communications Adapter
MorningstarOriginal price $66.00 - Original price $66.00Original price$66.00$66.00 - $66.00Current price $66.00Description MorningStar EIA-485/RS-232 Communications Adapter Manufacturer Part Number: RSC-1 By converting to EIA-485, the RSC-1 allows up to 12...
View full detailsOriginal price $66.00 - Original price $66.00Original price$66.00$66.00 - $66.00Current price $66.00 -
MorningStar RTS > Remote Temperature Sensor w/33' cable
MorningstarOriginal price $40.00 - Original price $40.00Original price$40.00$40.00 - $40.00Current price $40.00Description MorningStar Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) Manufacturer Part Number: RTS Remote temperature probe for use with the ProStar, TriStar...
View full detailsOriginal price $40.00 - Original price $40.00Original price$40.00$40.00 - $40.00Current price $40.00 -
Morningstar ProStar PS-MPPT-40A > 40 Amp 12/24 Volt MPPT Charge Controller > No Meter
MorningstarOriginal price $538.00 - Original price $538.00Original price$538.00$538.00 - $538.00Current price $538.00DescriptionMorningStar ProStar MPPT 40 Amp 12/24 Volt MPPT Charge Controller - No Meter Options: Digital Meter Manufacturer Part Number: PS-MPP...
View full detailsOriginal price $538.00 - Original price $538.00Original price$538.00$538.00 - $538.00Current price $538.00 -
Morningstar ProStar PS-MPPT-WB > Wire Box for Morningstar ProStar Charge Controller
MorningstarOriginal price $46.00 - Original price $46.00Original price$46.00$46.00 - $46.00Current price $46.00DescriptionMorningstar ProStar PS-MPPT-WB > Wire Box for Morningstar ProStar Charge Controller Morningstar's Wire Box for ProStar MPPT (model ...
View full detailsOriginal price $46.00 - Original price $46.00Original price$46.00$46.00 - $46.00Current price $46.00 -
Morningstar PS-15 > ProStar 15 Amp 12/24 Volt PWM Charge Controller
MorningstarOriginal price $139.05 - Original price $139.05Original price$139.05$139.05 - $139.05Current price $139.05DescriptionMorningStar ProStar 15 Amp 12/24 Volt PWM Charge Controller Options: None Manufacturer Part Number: PS-15 Morningstar's ProStar 1...
View full detailsOriginal price $139.05 - Original price $139.05Original price$139.05$139.05 - $139.05Current price $139.05 -
Morningstar PS-30 > ProStar 30 Amp 12/24 Volt PWM Charge Controller
MorningstarOriginal price $169.07 - Original price $169.07Original price$169.07$169.07 - $169.07Current price $169.07DescriptionMorningStar ProStar 30 Amp 12/24 Volt PWM Charge Controller Options: None Manufacturer Part Number: PS-30 The Morningstar ProStar...
View full detailsOriginal price $169.07 - Original price $169.07Original price$169.07$169.07 - $169.07Current price $169.07 -
MorningStar RM-1 > Remote Meter
MorningstarOriginal price $84.00 - Original price $84.00Original price$84.00$84.00 - $84.00Current price $84.00Description MorningStar Remote Meter Manufacturer Part Number: RM-1 Morningstar’s Remote Meter (RM-1) is a universal, four digit display with cu...
View full detailsOriginal price $84.00 - Original price $84.00Original price$84.00$84.00 - $84.00Current price $84.00 -
Morningstar Sunsaver MPPT15L Back Plate Assembly
MorningstarOriginal price $450.00 - Original price $450.00Original price$450.00$450.00 - $450.00Current price $450.00Description Assembly 1 EA ...
View full detailsOriginal price $450.00 - Original price $450.00Original price$450.00$450.00 - $450.00Current price $450.00 -
Morningstar PS-30M > 30 Amp 12/24 Volt ProStar PWM Charge Controller > Includes Digital Meter
MorningstarOriginal price $239.00 - Original price $239.00Original price$239.00$239.00 - $239.00Current price $239.00DescriptionMorningStar ProStar 30 Amp 12/24 Volt PWM Charge Controller Options: Digital Display Manufacturer Part Number: PS-30M The Morning...
View full detailsOriginal price $239.00 - Original price $239.00Original price$239.00$239.00 - $239.00Current price $239.00 -
Morningstar MSC > PC MeterBus Adapter
MorningstarOriginal price $36.00 - Original price $36.00Original price$36.00$36.00 - $36.00Current price $36.00Description Morningstar PC MeterBus Adapter Manufacturer Part Number: MSC Morningstar's PC Meterbus Adapter (MSC) converts a controller's meter...
View full detailsOriginal price $36.00 - Original price $36.00Original price$36.00$36.00 - $36.00Current price $36.00 -
Morningstar GFPD-150V > 150 Volt Ground Fault Protection Device
MorningstarOriginal price $218.00 - Original price $218.00Original price$218.00$218.00 - $218.00Current price $218.00DescriptionMorningstar GFPD-150V > 150 Volt Ground Fault Protection Device Morningstar's new ground fault protection device (GFPD-150V) is com...
View full detailsOriginal price $218.00 - Original price $218.00Original price$218.00$218.00 - $218.00Current price $218.00 -
MorningStar DIN-1 > DIN Rail Clips - Pack of 2 Clips
MorningstarOriginal price $2.00 - Original price $2.00Original price$2.00$2.00 - $2.00Current price $2.00DescriptionMorningstar DIN Rail Clips - Pack of 2 Sold as a pack of 2 DIN Rail clips. Manufacturer Part Number: DIN-1 These rugged plastic clip...
View full detailsOriginal price $2.00 - Original price $2.00Original price$2.00$2.00 - $2.00Current price $2.00 -
MorningStar HUB-1 > Meter Hub
MorningstarOriginal price $104.00 - Original price $104.00Original price$104.00$104.00 - $104.00Current price $104.00Description MorningStar Meter Hub Manufacturer Part Number: HUB-1 Morningstar’s MeterHub (HUB-1) allows multiple Morningstar products to communica...
View full detailsOriginal price $104.00 - Original price $104.00Original price$104.00$104.00 - $104.00Current price $104.00 -
Morningstar GFPD-600V / 600 Volt Ground Fault Protection Device
MorningstarOriginal price $432.00 - Original price $432.00Original price$432.00$432.00 - $432.00Current price $432.00DescriptionMorningstar 600 Volt Ground Fault Protection Device Morningstar's ground fault protection device (GFPD-600V) is compatible with both th...
View full detailsOriginal price $432.00 - Original price $432.00Original price$432.00$432.00 - $432.00Current price $432.00 -
MorningStar EMC-1 > Ethernet MeterBus Converter
MorningstarOriginal price $159.00 - Original price $159.00Original price$159.00$159.00 - $159.00Current price $159.00Description Morningstar Ethernet MeterBus Converter Manufacturer Part Number: EMC-1 The Ethernet MeterBus Converter (model: EMC-1) enable...
View full detailsOriginal price $159.00 - Original price $159.00Original price$159.00$159.00 - $159.00Current price $159.00 -
Midnite Solar MNWBjr > Whiz Bang Jr Current Sense Module
Midnite SolarOriginal price $59.00 - Original price $59.00Original price$59.00$59.00 - $59.00Current price $59.00DescriptionMidnite Solar Whiz Bang Jr Current Sense Module The MidNite Whiz Bang Jr is a current-sense module that attaches to a standard Deltec 5...
View full detailsOriginal price $59.00 - Original price $59.00Original price$59.00$59.00 - $59.00Current price $59.00 -
Midnite Solar Kid Marine > 30 Amp 12 - 48 Volt MPPT Charge Controller
Midnite SolarOriginal price $395.00 - Original price $395.00Original price$395.00$395.00 - $395.00Current price $395.00DescriptionMidnite Solar Kid Marine > 30 Amp 12 - 48 VDC MPPT Charge Controller (Marine) This medium-sized MPPT charge controller from Midnite...
View full detailsOriginal price $395.00 - Original price $395.00Original price$395.00$395.00 - $395.00Current price $395.00 -
Midnite Solar The Kid > 30 Amp 12 - 48 Volt MPPT Charge Controller
Midnite SolarOriginal price $352.00 - Original price $352.00Original price$352.00$352.00 - $352.00Current price $352.00DescriptionMidnite Solar 30 Amp 12 - 48 VDC MPPT Charge Controller This medium-sized MPPT charge controller from Midnite Solar is a versatile opt...
View full detailsOriginal price $352.00 - Original price $352.00Original price$352.00$352.00 - $352.00Current price $352.00 -
Midnite Solar Classic-250 > 63 Amp 250 Volt MPPT Charge Controller
Midnite SolarOriginal price $812.00 - Original price $812.00Original price$812.00$812.00 - $812.00Current price $812.00DescriptionMidnite Solar 63 Amp 250 VDC MPPT Charge Controller The Midnite Solar Classic 250 is a powerful, US-made charge controller that featur...
View full detailsOriginal price $812.00 - Original price $812.00Original price$812.00$812.00 - $812.00Current price $812.00
