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From laptops to refrigerators, all appliances run on electricity, and it is not surprising that electricity is getting scarce now that our consumption is increasing. India needs another source of energy to fulfill its energy requirements. Thankfully, solar energy is now coming into the picture. Interestingly, in the last five years, India’s solar power capacity has increased manifold as everybody is installing solar systems in their homes and workplaces. But the most common question remains, is it safe? Yes, it is, but with solar controllers, you can ensure maximum safety.
Table of Contents
What are Solar Controllers?
A solar controller is a device that regulates the power consumption of the battery banks from the solar array. The main role of solar controllers is to ensure that the battery banks do not get overcharged.
Additionally, some solar controllers also control the rate of the current and the voltage at which the battery banks get charged. Apart from that, solar controllers also prevent electricity from flowing out of the battery bank by allowing the flow to move in one direction into the batteries.
Explaining this with a simple example, solar controllers work like how taps are used by us. Imagine yourself filling a glass of water.
Now when you know the glass is empty or has water only till the brink, you’ll turn on the tap at full speed. Likewise, when you know the glass is almost filled, you’ll try to slow down the flow of water from the tap.
Ergo, the point remains, solar controllers, prevent the batteries from overcharging when the sunlight is in abundance and prevents the batteries from losing their charge when there’s no sunlight. In other words, it regulates charging during night and day.
Types of Solar Charge Controllers
Solar chargers come in two technologies: PWM and MPPT.
PWM Solar Controllers, or Pulse Width Modulation Solar Controllers: This type of technology works by establishing a direct connection between the solar array and battery bank. This allows the current from the solar array to modulate according to charging needs and battery condition.
The many advantages of Pulse Width Modulation solar controllers are:
- PWM solar chargers help recover lost battery capacity
- Controls battery heating
- Regulates voltage levels
- They are budget-friendly
- Suitable for off-grid household solar solutions
- They have a long battery life
- Diminishes load disconnectivity
MPPT or Maximum Power Point Tracking: This type of technology gives greater flexibility to the users. MPPT technology works when the voltage from the photovoltaic module reduces with a corresponding rise in current to adjust according to the battery bank, implying faster charging.
These solar charge controllers will automatically modulate according to the P = V x A equation. Consequently, the power required to charge the batteries would increase without any battery loss.
The many advantages of Maximum Power Point Tracking are:
- Prevents battery loss
- Promotes charging efficiency
- Suitable for commercial establishments
- It comes with a high warranty
Which Should You Choose?
Both types of solar controllers come with their own advantages. You can choose the one that suits your convenience, requirements, and budget the most.
If you are looking for high efficiency, MPPT solar controllers are the go-to choice. However, if budget is a constraint, you can opt for PWM solar chargers. At the same time, the purpose matters too.
If you are looking to buy solar controllers for commercial establishments, MPPT solar controllers are ideal. If you are looking for households, PWM solar chargers are suggested.
You can visit the websites of notable solar solution providers like Luminous to explore their range of solar controllers.
