Solar Charge Controllers - Standard and MPPT, DC-DC Converters
Voltage controlled switches

A charge controller, or charge regulator is similar to the voltage regulator in your car. It regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels going to the battery. Solar panels put out 15.5 to 35+ volts, so if there is no regulation the batteries may be damaged from overcharging. Generally, there is no need for a charge controller with the small trickle charge panels, such as the 1 to 5 watt panels. A rough rule is that if the panel puts out 1/60th or less per day of the rated battery amp-hour capacity, you don't need one.

Testing charge controllers: Nearly all charge controller REQUIRE that they be hooked up to a battery in order to operate. You cannot hook up a solar panel to the input and use the LOAD or OUTPUT with no battery connected. Also, if you try to measure the volts or amps on those terminals with no battery, you will not get a valid reading.

** All About Charge Controllers ** - Not sure what a charge controller is, or what type you need, of if you even need one? Then read our Charge Controller FAQ first.

Not sure what MPPT is and why it is neat? Read this page about power tracking controllers on our technical information website.

We carry solar charge controllers from the manufacturers listed below.

Click on the link for the manufacturers website info:

• Outback Power - 60 & 80 amp MPPT controls
• Xantrex - All types, including the new XW-SCC MPPT
• Morningstar - All types, all Morningstar products
• Steca - We carry all, we stock only the most popular. 3-6 days on non-stocked
• Apollo - 80 Amp MPPT charge controller
• Blue Sky Energy - All products