Solar charge controller

A solar charge controller is utilized by a solar power system to regulate the flow of power from a solar panel into a rechargeable battery. For the most part, there is no need for one to manage smaller maintenance or trickle charge panels, such as those ranging from one to five watts. However, if you do not use one for larger panels, there is a higher potential of the battery becoming damaged by overcharge, excessive discharge, or both.

The solar charge controller is a staple of solar power system accessories. This is because solar panels often put out more voltage than they are labeled as providing. For instance, a twelve volt solar panel often puts out between sixteen and twenty volts in actuality.

In light of this, the widespread necessity of a solar charge controller is often questioned. Why not simply build panels which only release the voltage they advertise? The reason not to do this is because then the panels would only work under ideal conditions. Extra voltage allows solar panels to provide output even on cloudy days.