You'll notice that solar charge controllers are specified by both amperage and voltage.  You will need a charge controller that matches the voltage of your solar panel array and battery bank.  (Usually 12, 24 or 48 VDC) And you'll want to make sure the solar panel charge controller has enough capacity to handle the current (in amps) from your solar panel array.  The basic formula for sizing a solar panel charge controller is to take the short circuit current (Isc) of the array, and multiply it by 1.56.  Be sure that the charge controller you select can handle at least that many amps.  Please protect this important part of your system with appropriate overcurrent protection before and after the controller. 

Now that you know what size controller to look for, identify which type of charge controller is right for your application: MPPT, PWM, and PWM shunt controllers.  A PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) charge controller is the traditional style.  They are robust, inexpensive and widely used in PV applications.  PWM shunt controllers are used less often and mostly in applications where electrical interference is an issue.  The MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller is the shining star of today's PV systems.  These controllers actually detect the optimum operating voltage and amperage of the solar array and match that with the battery bank.  The result is additional 15-30% more power out of your array versus a PWM controller.  Although the MPPT controller is more expensive than its PWM counterpart, it is generally worth the investment for any solar electric system over 200 watts.

Traditional Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) charge controllers have been around for several years and force your solar panels to operate at the same voltage as your battery bank during charging. They tend to be less expensive than MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controllers, but they're also less efficient than the MPPT type.

GAMMA SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER (5A or 10A)

RM88   -   5A                                 US$26.70

RM148 - 10A                                                           US$44.85

Our latest version 5A & 10A GAMMA Solar Charge Controller series are especially designed for reliability and affordability.  It is perfect for small & medium solar systems with the need of a multi functions and programing features.

The GAMMA regulation circuit provides series regulation to prevent single cell overheat problems of short-circuited solar panels.  The terminal section has been replaced by a rugged, well profane 2.5mm square terminal block.

The melting fuse of the predecessor has been replaced by a fully electronically protected circuit.

3 LEDs to display charging in progress, battery SOC, load disconnect and overload status.

Leisure and rural electrification systems are the typical applications for this product. It is a perfect solution for cost-sensitive systems which require state-of- the-art system management.

Key Features and Benefits

Download: User Manual 5A and User Manual 10A (Please click to download)

PHOCOS SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER (CA06)

RM98                                              US$29.70 

The new version of CA solar charge controller series is especially designed for small solar systems with the need of a low battery disconnect feature.

Main differences to the preceding CA series: The regulation circuit provides now series regulation to prevent single cell overheat problems of short-circuited solar panels. The terminal section has been replaced by a rugged, well profane 16mm2 terminal block.

The melting fuse of the predecessor has been replaced by a fully electronically protected circuit.

2 LEDs and 1 Duo-LED to display charging in progress, battery SOC, load disconnect and overload status.

Leisure and rural electrification systems are the typical applications for this product. It is a perfect solution for cost-sensitive systems which require state-of- the-art system management.

Key Features and Benefits

Download: Datasheet and User Manual (Please click to download)

PHOCOS SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER (CML20)

RM348                                                           US$111.55 

The CML series is a sophisticated solar charge controller family for low-cost applications.  The electronic circuit is equipped with a microcontroller that provides high-efficiency charging technology together with a number of outstanding status display, warning and safety functions.

The temperature-compensated three-stage PWM charging method (boost-equalization-float) is now adjustable to sealed and vented lead-acid batteries. The new version also allows an either SOC or voltage controlled low voltage disconnect function. The battery status is clearly indicated by three LEDs.  As the first controller on the market in this price range it comes with an acoustic low voltage load disconnect pre-warning feature.

Key Features and Benefits

• Battery State-of-Charge display with 3 LEDs
• Acoustic load disconnect pre-warning
• PWM-regulation (series type)
• Boost, Equalize and Float charging, also for VRLA
• Automatic 12/24 Volt detection
• Integrated temperature compensation
• Large terminals (up to 16mm2 wire size)
• SOC and voltage controlled LVD
• Fully electronically protected 
• Certifications: CE,

Donwload: Datasheet and User Manual (Please click to download)

MORNINGSTAR SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER (SHS-6)

RM148                                                        US$48.50

Morningstar's well-known high-quality and reliability is now available in a low cost solar controller. The SHS Controller is ideal for rural electrification systems with one to three solar panels.

Designed for SHS projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Key Features and Benefits

• Low Cost
  
• High Reliability
  
• Complete Electronic Protections
  
• Tropicalization
  
• Easy to Use
  
• Provides Controller and Battery Information
  
• Better Battery Charging
  
• High Quality Automated Production
  
• Meets International Testing Standards
  
• Multi-language Documentation
• Certifications: CE, World Bank specification
• 5 Year Warranty 
  

Donwload: Datasheet and User Manual (Please click to download)

PHOCOS SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER (CX10)
RM288                                            US$90.30 

The CX series is a sophisticated solar charge controller family with exceptional features for its price range. Beside a perfect PWM regulation with integrated temperature compensation the controllers provide extraordinary display, programming and safety functions.

The battery state of charge is clearly displayed with a bar chart, as well as energy flows from and to the battery and the load status (e.g. overload, load short circuit). The deep discharge protection function can be set up to three different modes: voltage controlled, SOC controlled or adaptive (fuzzy logic).

Acoustic warnings are built in, and also a programmable nightlight function.

As an accessory we can provide an Excess Energy Management output to control special Phocos appliances like the SF solar refrigerators/coolers.

The compact case design is prepared for DIN rail mounting (mounting device available as an accessory).

Key Features and Benefits

• Battery State-of-Charge display LCD Charge and discharge status display
• Acoustic load disconnect pre-warning
• Load status indication
• Choose between 5 load disconnect algorithms
• boost/absorption/float PWM-regulation (series type)
• Integrated temperature compensation
• Covered terminals(up to 16mm² wire size)
• Full solid-state protection
• Certifications: CE

 Download: Datasheet and User Manual (Please click to download)

 

 

 

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BETA SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER (15A or 20A, Automatic 12V/24V) WITH REMOTE METER

RM248  - 20A                                                             US$81.25 

RM198 -  15A                                                                                        US$60.00

Our BETA PWM 20A solar charge controllers (Voltage Controller, PV Charge Controller) are of pocket size and light weight, which have been widely applied in solar photovoltaic system, coordinating the operation of solar panels, batteries and loads, ensuring rapid and stable charging for batteries.

It is design collects battery charge current, discharge current, battery voltage, battery temperature, charge time, discharging time and other battery working datum.  Make use of discharge characteristic of storage battery and patented system of numbering by us, it can detect all the movements of remnant capability when battery is in charge and discharge states.  The precise controlling of charge process can extend the battery lifetime, also exert the performance farthest.

Key Features and Benefits

• CPU control and LCD-display
• Record and calculatethe charged AH and display it on the LCD screen
• Record and calculatethe charged AH and display it on the LCD screen
• Batteries stop and charge voltage HVD sets up
• Batteries stop discharge SOC sets up
• Professional numeration of SOC
• Loads and comeback setups
• Intellectualized temperature compensation
• Overload protection
• Short circuit protection
• Reverse discharge protection
• Converse polarity connection protection
• Thunder protection
• Low voltage protection
• Overcharge protection
• Rated Voltage: 12V/24V Automatic voltage recognition
• Max load current: 20A
• Input Voltage: 12V～17V/24V～34V
• Length≤1m,Charge loop drop: ＜0.25V
• Length≤1m,Discharge loop drop: ＜0.15V
• Over voltage protection: 17V/34V
• Full charge cut: 13.7V
• Low voltage cut: 30%
• Temperature compensation:- 3mv/℃/cell
• No load loss: ≤20mA
• Max wire area: 4mm square
• Ambient temperatur:- 25℃ to 55℃

Optional Add On Remote Meter -    RM168           US$50.95

Download: User Manual (Please click to download)

Maximum Power Point Tracking solar charge controllers or MPPT charge controllers are relatively new to the solar energy industry.  These charge controllers are different than the traditional charge controllers in that they are more efficient and in many cases more feature rich.  MPPT charge controllers allow your solar panels to operate at their optimum power output voltage, improving their performance by as much as 30%.  Traditional charge controllers reduce the efficiency of one part of your system in order to make it work with another.  Several MPPT charge controllers can accept high input voltages (up to 120V+ DC) from your solar array and efficiently down convert the DC voltage to that of your system (e.g. 12, 24, 48VDC, etc) which means you aren't losing any generated power and you are able to use what you generate more efficiently. Additionally, using a much higher DC voltage on the input side allows you to use thinner wire, decreasing your wire cost and making installation easier.

We carry all of the best brands of MPPT charge controllers.  Although MPPT is more expensive, but the return on your investment will come that much more quickly as your system performance will be significantly improved.  Choosing a well made charge controller is integral to the long life and efficiency of your entire solar power system.  By optimizing the power coming in from your solar panels, you'll get that much closer to offsetting your use of traditional on grid power sources and by protecting your battery supply you protect yourself from any unwanted and unneeded replacement costs.  Your solar charge controller is an item well worth investing in and researching as your customize your solar panel electric system.  Make sure you choose an option that is scalable and appropriate for your power load and make sure that you have sufficient battery storage space for the solar panels you've chosen to install.  Use our resources at solarpower-mart.com to construct the right solar power electric system for your home or alternate location.  We'll advise you on everything from optimizing your current power load to how best to install your solar panels and on choosing the right solar charge controller!

PHOCOS SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER (MPPT100/20)
RM1,398                                                                 US$423.65 

With innovative maximum-power-tracking technology, Phocos' MPP-Tracker ensures maximum performance from your solar array at all times and in all weather conditions. The MPPT can yield an energy gain of up to 30% from your PV array (with the average gain being 10%-25%).

MPPT includes a sweep-function which runs through the whole solar-panel voltage range once every 2h to find the point of the absolute maximum power output

The temperature-compensated three-stage I-U curve charge regulation alogarithm significantly extends the lifespan of your battery.

The possibility to use less expensive grid-feed-in solar-panels with up to 95V open circuit voltage for 12V or 24V stand-alone systems will significantly reduce the cost of the total system.

Key Features and Benefits

Download: Datasheet and User Manual (Please click to download)

BLUE SKY MPPT SOLAR BOOST 3024iL
RM1,318                                       US$369.10 

Solar Boost 3024iL's advanced fully automatic 3-stage charge control system will properly charge flooded lead-acid, AGM and GEL batteries resulting in improved battery performance with less maintenance.  The dual 30/40 amp rating will deliver at up to 30 amps in 24 volt systems, or up to 40 amps in 12 volt systems.  An automatic or manual equalize function is also provided to periodically condition flooded lead-acid batteries.  To further enhance versatility, a user configurable auxiliary output and Blue Sky Energy's advanced IPN™ network interface are also included.

Blue Sky Energy’s advanced Integrated Power Net™, or IPN Network, allows up to 8 IPN capable charge controllers to communicate with each other and operate as a single machine rather than separate charge controllers.  The IPN network also allows networked controllers to share an optional battery temperature sensor and remote display.  The IPN network does not require a display or other special hardware to operate.

The user configurable auxiliary output can serve as either a 20 amp load controller, or as a 2 amp auxiliary battery charger.  The load control feature can be used to limit excessive battery discharge in unattended remote systems, whereas the auxiliary battery charge feature is ideal for charging a separate battery such as the engine battery in an RV.  The auxiliary output can also provide fully adjustable dusk to dawn lighting control.

Key Features and Benefits

How Do Solar Boost Charge Controllers Increase Charge Current?

Solar Boost controllers increase charge current by operating the PV module in a manner that allows the module to produce all the power it is capable of. A conventional charge controller simply connects the module to the battery when the battery is discharged. When the 75W module in this example is connected directly to a battery charging at 12 volts its power production is artificially limited to about 53 watts. This wastes a whopping 22 watts or nearly 30% of the available power!

Patented MPPT technology used in Solar Boost controllers operates in a very different fashion. The Solar Boost controller continually calculates the module’s maximum power voltage, in this case 17 volts. It then operates the module at its maximum power voltage to extract maximum power. The higher power extracted from the module is then provided to the battery in the form of increased charge current. In conditions where extra PV power is not available, Solar Boost controllers will operate as a conventional controller with very low voltage drop.

Typical 75W PV Module Performance 25°C Cell • 1000W/m2

The actual charge current increase you will see varies primarily with module temperature and battery voltage. In comfortable temperatures, current increase typically varies between 10 to 25%, with 30% or more easily achieved with a discharged battery and cooler temperatures. What you can be sure of is that Solar Boost charge controllers will deliver the highest charge current possible for a given set of operating conditions.

Download: Datasheet and User Manual (Please click to download)

PHOCOS REMOTE DISPLAY (CXM) FOR CX SOLAR CONTROLLER
RM178                                                                                       US$53.95 

Phocos' CXM can be used in combination with Phocos CXN series charge controllers via interface connector.

Phocos' CXM remote display is designed to display panel current, load current and battery voltage of your PV system as true values and status values like charging, overload, low voltage disconnect as symbols. Additional you can display several values of CXN's data logger of the past 7 days as Ah, SOC, Battery voltage (morning, evening).

This provides you more detailed information of your PV system.

Key Features and Benefits

• Display panel current, load current, and battery voltage, Ah, SOC, etc
• Clear, readable 3-digit LCD Display and symbols
• Two push button to select displayed value
• Prepared for DIN rail and wall mounting

Download: Datasheet and User Manual (Please click to download)

PHOCOS REMOTE DISPLAY (CMM) FOR CA, CML SOLAR CONTROLLER
RM178                                                                                                    US$53.95 

Phocos' CMM multi-meter is designed to accurately measure and the display panel current, load current and battery voltage of your PV system.

CMM can be used in combination with Phocos CA, CML and CMLNL series charge controllers.

 

Download: Datasheet and User Manual (Please click)

 

Key Features and Benefits

• Measuring and display panel current, load current and battery voltage.
• Clear, readable 3-digit LCD Display
• 3-position switch to select which value to be displayed
• 3LEDs to show which value is displayed by LCD
• Prepared for DIN rail and wall mounting