SB 2000E
Unless there is a constant load on a system or a
very small panel combined with a large battery, a charge controller
is recommended. The basic function of a charge controller is to
regulate the current going into a battery as it approaches fully
charged. As a battery charges it will accept less and less current.
Continuing to charge at high rates will shorten the life of the
battery and cause excessive electrolyte loss in a wet cell.
This page will outline the features of different
charge controllers for RV and Marine applications. Some things to
look for are metering (if you want), Low-Voltage disconnect options,
and marine grade terminals and encapsulation if necessary. Controllers
are rated in amps - this must exceed the total amps put out by the
PV panels. Use the short circuit current rating of your panels (Isc)
and add a bit of safety margin. Also be sure to consider future
expansion (more panels).
If a controller has a Low Voltage Disconnect feature,
this will also have a rating in amps, which is the max amps of a
load it can "monitor". Large loads can always be run directly
off the battery.
Morningstar:
Controllers feature conformal-coated electronics and
stainless terminals, so they are good for marine use. These controllers
are somewhat forgiving of hookup mistakes. Sunsaver line is a good
basic controller with colored LEDs to indicate status. ProStar Line
has been recently updated, and has metering option available.
MORNINGSTAR
WEBSITE
Blue Sky Energy:
For heavily used systems needing maximum charging
in winter conditions, Maximum Power Point Tracking puts all available
power into the battery when panel output is at high voltage and
battery is at low voltage. Most controllers lose a large fraction
of power due to this voltage disparity.
BlueSky Energy
WEBSITE
Basic wiring scheme for RV:
("opt. fuses" are recommended)
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