PV Battery Charge Controllers
from Xantrex, Outback Power and more...
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There are numerous charge controllers on the market with many different features and options, but they all have one thing in common; preventing your batteries from being overcharged. Some of the older style charge controllers used a simple voltage sensitive relay that connected the solar array to the battery bank when the battery voltage was low and disconnected it when the battery voltage was high. Most charge controllers today utilize pulse width modulation (PWM) or maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charging algorithms (or both) to get the most power out of your array and to maintain your batteries at the highest state of charge possible. Some of the options available on charge controllers include digital displays, battery temperature compensation and low voltage disconnect of a DC load. We carry charge controllers from 4 different manufacturers so please read the information below and feel free to call us
toll free
at
877-627-4778 if you have any questions.
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All of the charge controllers from Xantrex feature a 3-stage PWM charging algorithm which is a big step up from the older relay style controllers. The C12 is a small 12V/12A unit that is unique in that it can operate as a charge controller and 12 VDC load controller at the same time (something most other controllers can't do). The C12 also has a built-in automatic lighting control circuit that will turn a 12VDC light on at dusk and run it for a user adjustable time period or from dusk-to-dawn if there is enough energy stored in the battery bank. Add to this the fact that the C12 has user adjustable voltage setpoints, a tri-color system status LED, battery temperature sensor option and it is outdoor rated and you have a very versatile 12V charge/load/light controller. The C12 measures 6.5" H x 4.3" W x 1.5" D and features a two year warranty.
more info...
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MorningStar has a full line of PWM charge controllers ranging in size from their basic 4 amp SunGuard up to their brand new top of the line 60 amp TriStar. All of their controllers feature a PWM charging algorithm and battery temperature sensing either built into the unit (SunGuard, SunSaver, SunLight & ProStar) or with an optional sensor (ProStar & TriStar). MorningStar is driven to make their controllers as efficient and reliable as possible while keeping the price competitive with other manufacturers. All of the MorningStar controllers feature a 5 year warranty and we highly recommend them for small to medium sized photovoltaic systems.
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RV Power Products was the first company to really pursue the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) market with their line of Solar Boost charge controllers. Given the right conditions (low battery voltage and cool ambient temperatures), these controllers can increase your solar array's charging current by 30% or more as compared to other conventional charge controllers. There are 4 basic models of the Solar Boost charge controllers, one meant for 12V RVs or small cabin systems (SB 2000E) and the other three designed for medium to large home or commercial PV systems. These larger controllers can charge a lower voltage battery from a higher voltage array (ex. a 24V solar array can charge a 12V battery bank) which reduces the necessary wire size from the solar array to the controller which can save a lot of money. All of the Solar Boost charge controllers are covered by a 3 year limited warranty and all but the small SB2000E are ETL listed to UL standard 1741.
more info...
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Outback Power Systems only makes one charge controller the
FLEXmax and many of us in the industry think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
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Midnite Solar
The Classic
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One of the only MPPT charge controllers that
offers arc fault detection, a feature that will soon be required by the
FEC, click here to learn
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