We have an updated story on how to choose a charge controller for your solar + storage project, written in 2019: How to select a solar charge controller. Click here for the latest information and explanation.
2014 story written by Bob Gudgel & Kim Silva, MidNite Solar
What is the most important factor in choosing the perfect solar charge controller for your project?
When picking a controller there are a few steps that you must follow to make
sure that you get the right controller for the job. The best thing that you can do is to use
the manufacturer’s sizing tools that are offered on their web sites.
The most important job of all solar charge controllers is to properly charge the batteries and to give them as long a life as possible. There are two types of charge controllers:
- Pulse width modulation (PWM)
- Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
The difference between these two types of controllers is that the PWM is not as efficient the MPPT. The MPPT is the most common these days and can gain you up to 30% more power than the PWM controllers. The MPPT controllers also allow the strings of panels to be connected in series for higher voltages, keeping the amperage lower and the wire size smaller, especially for long-wire runs to the PV array.
When picking a charge controller there are a few steps that you must follow to make sure that you get the right controller for the job. The best thing that you can do is to use the manufacturer’s sizing tools that are offered on their web sites. The other option is to give the manufacturer a call — their salespeople will usually be happy to help you to pick the best controller.
If you need to make some quick calculations, the following information will be needed to manually figure out the amperage of the controller needed:
- The wattage of the solar array
- The battery-bank voltage (12, 24, or 48). Typical bank voltage because inverters are offered in these voltages.
- Now Ohm’s Law comes into play: Amps x Volts = Watts
Example: 3,000-watt array/48-volt battery bank = 62.5 amps, so you would need a controller capable of 62.5 amps. Most controllers out there are either 60, 80 or 96 amps so you would pick the controller with the next higher rating. In this case, it would be the 80 amp controller.
Now if you know the amperage of the controller, and you would like to figure out how the maximum solar array wattage that can go into the controller, you would also use Ohm’s law:
Example: 80 amp controller x 48 volt battery bank = 3,840 watts of solar panels. Note that most of the controllers will allow a bit more wattage to go into the controllers. This is where the sizing tools or a call to the manufacture can help out.
The next thing that you must ensure is that we do not exceed the input voltage the controller can take. Again the manufacturer will dictate what the input voltage should be included in the design. Temperature and open-circuit voltages have to be considered. Since PV open-circuit voltage (Voc) goes higher as temperature drops, you will need to make sure the controller’s input voltage ratings can handle this in the cold of winter. Manufacturer’s sizing tools will give you the best design for the controllers.
There are many makes and models of charge controllers available, but it’s best to get the most options for the best price. The following is a list of features available on charge controllers — but not all controllers. The best will offer every option.
- 150,200,250,600 V
- Manual and auto EQ
- Built in GFP and arc fault
- Online status monitoring
- Hyper VOC extend VOC limits
- 12-72 volt battery charging
- Solar, wind and hydro MPPT modes
Disclaimer: We cannot provide advice on your specific project needs. Please reach out to charge controller manufacturers for more information, or assist each other in our comment section, below.
I have made parallel connections of various solar panel of 150watts , 100watts and 50 watts to make it 300 watts and connected to a 20 amps charger controller to charge 150 ah battery will it be okay?
not enough information…in parallel -amps add. so you would have to do the math
300watt/12=25A charge controller needed kindly used maybe 30A above
Please I have an inverter of 2.2kva of 12v and a charge controller of 12/24V of 30amp with a battery of 12v 200amp, please how many 150watts of solar panels can work on it to be able to carry my electronics and my 2 fans and also charge my battery?
I cann use 150w*4 mono panels or at least 3*150watt solar panel
U can use 3*150watt monopanels at least to power it or 4*150watt monopanels
I have 4 200w connected in paralle , and 2260w connected in paralle, my charger controller is 60 arms but is not charging, battery 48v charge controller 48v
about to install 24volts ‘2 X 200ah batteries’ solar installation for 3kva inverter with total load of 4.3amps, but distance between solar panel point and batteries is about 30 meters and MPPT controllers are not very common and costly. what type of charge controller {product}, and cable type/size between panels and charge controller as to minimize loss along the cable? Thank you.
Brother, I will urger u to use at least 50A PWM CHARGE CONTROLLER ALSO 6MM Cable
I have 4 X 150watt run in parallel i.e 600watt and 2X200ah/12v batteries also connected in parallel. 1000watt inverter/12v
During the installation, I connected 12/24v/40ah(pwm) charge controller on the batteries and was running fine. The moment I connected the first leg of the wire from the panels the charge controller blown off
Please what’s the suitable CHARGE CONTROLLER to be used or is there anything I didn’t do right
Hello Properly the power from you panel was too much for the controller to handle
600/ 12 = 50amps you needed nothing less than 50amps controller to charge
Check the rating on charge controller the 600 watt power was too much for the controller on a 12v connection must power rating on pwm12/24 v of 40amp falls at 450 or 650 pv power
That why it blowed of
Imagine feed a controller of 450 watts power with 600watt ……
Kindly follow this up 4*150watt/=600watt
Therefore 600watt/12v
50A charge controller
I have 16units of 330w solar panel with 43.50 open circuit voltage. what of charge controller can i use
330watt*16=5280watt
What’s the battery voltage connection for ur inverter=i.e 48v
°°°5280watt/48=110A charge controller needed
Hi there!
Just want to confirm if my preparation is correct. I have already 1 pc- 310 watts solar panel 33.5vmpp, prefer to have 30 A, CC and 100 AH deep cycle battery. This will serve as back up for power outage using lights and TV.
Please help.
Thank you.
Your Hood To Go !! At 12volts
I have 7 panels of 150W (so 1050W in total). What voltage of MPPT-controller would I need for that?
Depends if you have a 12, 24, or 48 volt battery bank. Then you read the article and it will tell you how to figure it out for yourself.
i have 4 panel of 300watt
how many amps of charger controller can use for it
60amp @24volts to be safe.
Are you connecting them in parallel? If yes, you will need 60A.. The total Ampere of the solar in parallel is 50A. P=IV
What if I connect the in series. What the outcome advice
The volt of your inverter/battery connection voltage is very much needed to advice further
Hi. Just two questions.
What happens if the amps generated by PV is higher than the charge controller rating. For instance, assuming a total of 1200w PV generates 22amp and a charge controller of 10a or 15a is used with it.
What happens if the total PV wattage generated is higher than what the charge controller can take?
Both questions for 24V system
You probably would get a overload error message on the charge controller. Or it would simply burn out and catch fire! I guess because its there for a reason you would get the former.
You are repeating the same question. Because from your questions, the voltage is constant and the PV is in parallel. What will happen is that the power will be too high for charge controller to consume, short circuit will occur and burn the controller.
Hi. I have a 40 amp charge controller mppt.
3×115. panels plus 1x170watt panel.
2 x245 ah batteries.
Is this system bull right to charge the batteries I have
And what do you think is the max load I should put on it at one time ?
you are better using the same size , its all down to how that panel will affect current and voltage, this website has a good explanation. https://solarpanelsvenue.com/mixing-solar-panels/
I have an a 120v inverter, charger controller of 120v and 80amp with 3 solar charger inputs, then have a 10 units of 12v batteries 200ah each, with solar panels of 270v each, 24 units, how do I connect all the solar panels to give 120v and 80ah in the single charger 120v, 80ah charger controller that have 3 solar panels inputs ? Thanks,
I have 200ah battery and 180watts solar panel can i get charge controller for how many amp??
180watts solar panel can not charge a 200ah battery to full to start with, rather it will destroy the battery
What is the battery voltage?, It depends on battery voltage connection, which 12v will use 12v charger or higher can be set to 12v. And 14.3 input.
You need minimum of 20A. But be expecting 13hrs to charge full, which means you have to wait for 2days. You are advice to get 2 solar panels and connect it in parallel to give you 360W and it will charge your 200Ah battery for aleast 7hrs which is okay.
I got 4x260w panels.
The panel details are:
Poc: 38V
Short circuit current(ISC): 8.9A
Max Fuse rate: 15A.
Would it make sense if i split the array in two pairs of 520W each and wired each pair to two different 40A controller? These controllers then would be wired in parallel to the batteries.
Any help is more than welcome.
Hi I have 180solar panel n 10a change controller and 12v inverter 2xbettries it doesn’t last me long concerning power coz I only use it for lights, what seems to be a problem?
inverters are funny beasts when in use, if you have a 1000W inverter it will quickly drain a battery at full load, 1000W/ 12V = 83A ish, if you have say one 80ah battery that’s less than an hours use. plus need to make sure supply cables can handle the excess current.
that’s why the small 150W inverters for car laptop charging are rated so low, 150W/12V= 12.5A suitable for the cigarette lighter.
Thank you!
Just one more question to figure out some details. If I connect 7 solar panel which each is 330 W and 46.7 Voc in series I get 2310 W and Voc 328 V and 9A. I have 18 12V batteries in series (total 220V, because the most appliances use 220 V at home). Then using this formula, which is in site I got:
Power of solar array / battery bank voltage x 1.25 = 2310W / 220V x 1.25 = 13.12 A.
Since solar charge controllers are rated and sized by the solar panel array current (in my case 328 V) and system voltage (in my case 9A) I’m not sure I can use for example 15A/100V MPPT charge controller if the PV system voltage is much higher (328 V) than MPPT charge controller can handle (100V)? If this system is not possible could you please give some advice what charge controller would be suitable? ?
Anna,
are your appliances 220v AD or DC that makes a big difference
Firstly you must know ur inverter DC volt,12,24or48. Then when u get it,calculate the total panel array using the ohms law. Total watts/battery bank and get the size of ur controller in amp.
E.g 330w*7=2,310w
2,310/battery size
Assuming: 24v :2,310/24v=96.25amp.
So u will need controller that is up to 100amp or 60amp 2,to balance the panel.or more over go for mppt for an efficient work.
I think you can use a 40amp charger using 3s 3p
I have 7 solar panels each 330 W (total 2310 W) and have plans to buy 18 batteries 12V 100AH and put it in series to get 220 V (since the voltage at home is 220V). I have some doubts choosing charge controller, how many amps and voltage it should have? I’d be very grateful for advice.
This website explain how to calculate the amperage of the charge controller you will need:
https://www.bluepacificsolar.com/charge-controllers.html
Hi Anna. You need to get an inverter to convert your battery power into alternating current (ac) which will be 220V automatically. Your solar array with 2310W will recharge the batteries through a charge controller. It is also possible to draw load directly off of the charge controller but it will be dc current and not the type of current used by your household appliances. DO NOT connect your batteries in series for 220V but rather into pairs for 24V or four together for 48V according to your inverter spec.
I have 100 watts solar panel, 12 volts battery and I was advised to get 20 amps charger controller,. Is it ok? Any help?
yes it can but better to add another 100w pv to maximize your SCC.
Please how do I know if the my panel is 12v or 24v because I tried using ohm law to determine the voltage but is giving voltage higher than 24. Panel description
Vmp =37.2
Imp =8.88
Wattage =330w. And how do I manage mismatch panels using pwm
hi there, you can make it series and parallel connection to reduce the voltage and amperage but same wattage result… just add 1 more panel to make it even.4s2P (4panel in series connection and another 4 panel in series after that make it parallel those in series connection).in that case you can reduce the voltage and amperage with out sacrificing the wattage…hope it can help you..
by the way why not using inverter? dc to ac. if you are planning to use your appliances with 220v.
I have 20 Solor panel of 24 volt and 10 battery 120 volt.
I will be useing MPPT charge controller.
Can you please help me how to connect these Solor planes to have Maximum output.
You didn’t state the wattage of the solar and amperage of the battery, that matters alot. Anyway i can advise you to connect the solar panel in parallel and for the batteries, connect 5 batteries in series and the other 5 too in series, the connect those 2pairs in parallel
I have (4) 320w 48v Mono panels and I was advised to installed it on my 1.5kva 24v 40amps charge controller system. What might go wrong here?
I have 2 12 volt batteries of 105 ah each. I have a 100 watt solar panel. Is a 20 amp controller ok.
Your project is unbalance you need a minimum solar output of 230w
Why is the project unbalanced?
Willie, a typical 100 watt 12 volt solar panel can provide approximately 5~ 7 amps, depending on construction and age of the panel. For example, a new mono-crystalline panel would be better than an old poly-crystalline panel.
Optimal charging current should be 10% of the battery’s Ah rating. A single 12 volt, 105 Ah battery would like to see a 10 amp charge. If you connect the two 105 Ah batteries in parallel, you’ll have 12 volts @ 210 Ah … so 21 amps would be optimal. It would benefit you to have at least three 100 watt panels (15~21 amps) to keep the batteries charged … four panels (20~28 amps) would be even better.
I have 1 piece of 270w panel, 12v-100ah battery and 30amps charge controller. Can I connect my 12v dc-1amp Internet router to the load end as source of power
Why does current need to be 10 percent of battery? If you have a 100 amp hour battery (lead acid) so you can only use 50ah so 50 x12v = 600ah of power depending on how many hours of sunshine you receive depends on how big of a solar panel you would buy. Say you lowest daylight hours are 6 so 6 x 100 watt = 600 ah so a 100 watt panel will charge this battery but it’s better to increase this to charge the battery on cloudy day so a good rule of thumb is to double it to 200watts. So to calculate charge controller is 200watts/12 watts = 16.66amps so a 20 amp charger controller is required.
With two 12 volt 105Ah batteries connected in parallel, you have 12 volts @ 210Ah.
A typical 12 volt 100 watt panel will produce a charge voltage approximately 14.4 volts @ 5~7 amps of current under load.
For an effective charge, batteries should have a charge rate of 10% of the battery’s Ah capacity. In your case, 210Ah would require roughly 21 amps.
You’ll benefit from adding more 100 watt panels to your system … at least two more, or three more panels would be ideal.
yes but better to add more 100w to maximize your SCC. just remember that 100w solar panel can full charge only 50AH of battery in a single day with a good sunny condition with out using any equipment.in your case, with 100w panel you can full charge your battery in 4-5 days.
I have two solar panels of 80watts and 60 watts respectively, a bettery of12v/ 250ah which inverter and charger controller should i use for efficient power production?
8 solar panesl of
pmax=60 watt
voc=91.8v
isc=1.19A
vpm=67v
ipm=0.9A
inverter of=3000watt
what rating of charge controller should i use and how should i connect my panels? series or pararelle
it depends on your SCC, in my case i got 2200w MPPT( SCC) my PV rated 270w each(8 pcs.) my connection is just like this. 4 pcs. in series and another 4 in series after that they connected in parallel (4S2P) connection and each series facing east and west orientation.
Dear sir, I am having 310 watts, 8 amps, voc 48 volts solar panel and want to use it with 12v 180 ah battery, to charge, which mppt will u suggest?
MPPT ranges 70-380v i think its not suitable better add some more panels
I am setting up a project of the following configuration:
60 units of 300watts solar = 18000watts array
30Kva/360v Inverter
36 units of 200ah batteries.
What capacity of Charge Controller is required for this configuration, please?
Thank you.
I have a solar panel of 80 watts and a battery of 12 volts 75Ah and a solar controller of 20 amps , so my question is , will the controller prevent my battery from damage
Yes, Thats what it does
yes but i think you are lacking of wattage to full charge your battery in a single day. 100w of panel can charge 50AH of battery. and you SCC can handle 200w with out damaging your battery just configure your SCC setting what voltage to float your battery charging, reconnect charging and when to disconnect to prolong your battery’s life.
180 watts of panels. 10 deep cycle battery’s. 5000 amp inverter. What would you recommend for a solar controller. I have gone through a few controllers already. Thank You
I have eight 100 watt Monocrystalline panels and three 100 amp AGM batteries. Should I use a 40 amp or 60 amp charge controller?
Thanks.
I should add, this is mounted in my 12v RV.
60-80A
Paul,
Your question depends on a few factors, like how you are planning to wire up the panel array.
You’ll need to look at the specs on the different charge controllers available to determine maximum voltage vs maximum current (amps) and maximum wattage the controllers can handle.
You’ll also need to look at the physical aspects of your installation. The distance that the panels are away from the charge controller and battery bank will come into play.
Series wiring the 8 panels could produce more than 150 volts dc., with the keeping the current at 5~7 amps, so you’d need a controller that could handle high voltages.
Parallel wiring could produce 14~18 volts, and boosting the current to 40~56 amps, so you’d need a controller that could handle high voltages.
Series wiring could produce in excess of 150 volts, but the current would only be approximately 5~7 amps, so you’d need a controller that could handle high current (amps).
There are charge controllers that can handle both high voltage and high current available, so you’ll have to look into which ones meets your installation criteria … and budget.
Note that larger diameter wiring from your array to the charge controller/battery bank may be required when wiring the array for a lower voltage (12v) system, as voltage drop increases over longer distances.
Connecting 3 100Ah batteries in parallel will provide 300Ah and would like to see a 10% charge current (30 amps). Note that AGM batteries don’t like to see more than a 50% depth discharge, so in reality, you should keep the discharge to less than 150 amps.
go for 80 or 100 amps
Let’s say, I have four 12v 100A battery that are connected into series, which totals 48v. Will I be able to connect it to a 60A MPPT Charge controller?
Possibly. What 60 amp mppt charge controller are you using? I ask because you cannot exceed the max volts DC input from of the charge controller. The solar panels must have a higher voltage output than 48 volts to charge the batteries.
i have a 365w solar panel ( Open circuit voltage =48.2v , Current = 9.57A) and 150W Panel ( Open circuit voltage =24v , Current = 8.62A) both panels are parallel connection and 40A pwm charger controler and 2 * 100A Vehicle battery in parallel connection 600w 12Voltage ups inveter this conection i good or bad
if this setup is bead advice me ( which ampere mppt controller in good )
please help how to improve my setup i am in srilanka
The pwm can use the 150 watt panel to charge a 12 volt battery. Need an mppt charge controller for the 365 watt panel due to the higher 48 voc.
there is also 60 amps PWM. i think 40amps PWM can handle the 365watts panel
Helo Sir, I have Installed 4 x 330 watts panel (18v & 18.33 amps each), 2 in series to provide 36v and then in parallel to provide 36.66amps. I have a 24v battery system (4 x 200 ah gel battery) and a 60amp MPPT solar charge controller. On a bright sunny day the MPPT charge controller only provides 20 amps and 28v, which is 460 watts out of my 1320 solar array. At the same time when I connect the same panels to a PWM controller it provides 43v and 40 amps, however it does not show me the wattage.Please help me to understand as to why m losing so much wattage through the MPPT controller, when it suppose to provide more energy then the PWM controller.
Your assistance to my concern will be highly appreciated.
43v @ 40 amps is 1720 watts….far exceeding the output of your solar array. Doesn’t sound like you’re getting an accurate reading from the pwm. We’re the batteries near full charge while utilizing the mppt?
first check the connection if they are properly connected ( no loose connection on the series of pv wires) 2nd, shadows remember 1 panel affected from shadows from trees, post wires etc. can affect the output of the harvest.3rd, connection to MPPT
I have mst-43mv solar panel (2 pieces). What mppt or pwm controller should i go for? I’ll charge a 12v 100ah lead acid battery.
Your panels are rated 43 watts x2, 98 voc(volts open circuit) or 48 volts nominal. You’ll need an mppt charge controller to step the voltage down for the 12 volt battery. A 10 amp or larger mppt charge controller will work however it must be rated for at least 100 volts DC input . The panels should be wired in parallel.
I plan to install a solar site energy at my house.
I do have an inverter 1500W
I plan to buy 4 deep cycle battery 6volts/ 225 amp.
I plan to buy 3 solar panel of 315 watts.
Can you please tell me if will be ok for me and what kind of charge controller should I have to have an efficient system
This is a 24volts system because of the rating of the inverter. So if you want to connect your battery, connect it in series so that it can match the 24V (6v *4). Then your panels should be connected in parallel. You can use a 24V PWN charge controller.
How many solar panel 150w vmp17.5v imp 9.4a can I connect in series and series and parallel to mppt charge controller 150 volt 30 amper to charge 12v battery?
3 of the panels mentioned would be slightly over the 30 amp limit when charging voltage is in the lower range. 450 watts/14volts is slighty over 30 amps for example. In reality I doubt you would ever actually exceed 30 amps due to some inefficiencies. I would check recommendations(specs) of your mppt manufacturer.
Sir, my problem is that I have a 12 200watt solar panels connected six in series and six in parallel and 50A PWM charge controller 12volt batteries connected in series to 6000 watt inverter. how to set the variable in charge controller and if I on inverter it jost start for few second than stop indicating battery fault
Maybe because its in series,, try these parallel connection from charge controller to battery and inverter
I have 2. 330w solar panels which size of regulator can I use
By 40amps mppt charge controller.
I am making internship and working for dc dc converter for parellel and serial connection. The input voltage is 3v and the input current is 50 ampere. There will be also an storage that will be 12v or24v. Do you have any tips how to develop an dc converter for high current with low voltage.
@ Balarabe : what is the volts of The 6KVA inverter , is it 12 , 24 or 48volts, that should be the determinant of your configuration and not by saying you series six batteries you parallel another six. So check the back of the inverter .
How many batteries did you connect? And what is d DC voltage input of your inverter. Cos they must match. The total voltage output after u must have connected ur batteries must be d same with d DC voltage input of your inverter. You can call me for more guidance, 07066900607.
hello.. ihave 1-320wattpeak solar panel the open circuit voltage(Voc)=45 and voltage at Pmax(Vpm) =36v. then i have Mppt charge contoller rated: 12/24/36/48v. it is possible to connect to 24v battery only?.. any recomendation thanks..
Oliver, it is possible since your charge controller can operate at 12/24/36/48V.
I have 250w solar panel
N200 battery
50A can these work?
Yes it will work perfectly.
I have 2 of 200 wattzn solar panel connected in parallel and 12 volt battery bank. How AMP of charge controller can I get?
I have two 100w solar panels with a 20 amp ppm charge controller and want to connect them all to a 1000w solar generator. Is this possible to connect the 20 amp ppm charger to this generator or would I need to go with a Mppt controller? Also with ppm controller am I limited to just Parallel connection of the two 100w panels?
What is the benefit of parallel vs series in this particular instance. This is for a spinter van
@Djuna: You guys here are making the same mistakes. You don’t need to bother yourself with whether it is two 1000 watts panels or one million 50 watts panels. All what you need to know is your inverter which will definately determine your battery configuration. Maybe it’s 12, 24, 48 or 96 volts. And even the inverter should determine the configuration of your panels, outside from the requirements of your charge-controller.
HI,
I have a 6* 260 Watts panel. 2 each in Series, and the resulting 3 output in Parallel.
My calculation lead me to this result
Total Power = 1560 watts
System Voltage = 63.8 V
System Current = 24.4514 A
I have a 48v Inverted system. Could you recommend me what spec I should look for in a MPPT charge controller.
jacob you can conveniently use a 48v/40a mppt charge controller.
Am having 4 *250watts of 30v voltage maximum and short circuit voltage is 36.9v how can I do the connect for 24v inverter system and which charge controller is suitable for it
Usually solar panels manfuctureres increase SP rated voltage by 25%, to ensure that batteries will receive proper charging voltage even if there is a loss in wiring or in connection high resistance ..etc, the SP comes with 30v is mainly dedicated for 24v systems, and those with 18-20V are for 12v systems, so you can connect your 4 “250”watt panels in parallel connected to your batteries connected in series if they are 2 with 12 v polarity .
Dammy,you have a one thousand watt array.Now the most a thousand watt solar panel can produce is 960 watts and the best voltage this can happen at is 24v which is hardly possible except when you discharge your battery nearly about 50%.So a 24v/40a mppt charger will fit your system very well.
is the PowMr 60a Charge Controller enough or comatible with ALLPOWERS 18V 12V 100W Solar Panel ?
thank you ion advance.
I have installed 150*3 = 450 solar panels, which controller is the best for my installation. my inverter is 12v. 20A or 30A
Solar source 150*3 = 450W
Battery Voltage = 12V
Now,
P/V = I (CHARGE CONTROLLER)
450/12 = 37.5A
Safety factor, 20% of 37.5A = 7.5A
So, u need (37.5+7.5)A = 45A (approximately)
Hello, i have 48v battery and 4 numbers of 300watts solar panels, i grouped the 4 solar panels 2 by 2 and connected them serially, then connected the output of the pairs parallel to the outgoing cable, reading the output i am getting 100v, what charging controller should i use?
Solar source 300*4 = 1200W = 1.2kW
Battery Voltage = 48V
Now,
P/V = I (CHARGE CONTROLLER)
1200/48 = 25A
Safety factor, 20% of 25A = 5A
So, u need (25+5)A = 30A Charge controller (approximately)
I could see some answers to most of the questions about selecting the right solar charge controller can be found here: https://alternativeenergysourcesv.com/best-solar-charge-controller/
Step 1- Voltage selection. Select a charge controller that is compatible with the overall solar panel output voltage. The standard configurations are 12, 24, 36 and 48 V
Step 2 – Current capacity. Select a charge controller that can handle the maximum output current of the solar panel (or solar array).
Below you will find a quick guide to choosing the proper charge controller for several popular solar panel sizes.
Our controller contains 2 types regarding voltage: 12/24V and 12/24/36/48V, Meaning for Type 1 12V and 24V are compatible in one system.
And for Type 2 12V, 24V 36V and 48V are compatible in one system.
12V PV system within 160W: 10A 12/24V, 24V will work
20A 12/24V 24V will work
24V PV system within 200W: 20A 12/24V
24V PV system within 240W: 20A 12/24V or 20A 12/24/36/48V
24V PV system within 360W: 20A 12/24/36/48V
24V PV system within 480W: 20A 12/24/36/48V or 30A 12/24/36/48V
24V PV system within 600W: 30A 12/24/36/48V
36V PV system within 600W: 20A 12/24/36/48V or 30A 12/24/36/48V
36V PV system within 800W: 30A 12/24/36/48V
36V PV system within 1000W: 50A 12/24/36/48V
36V PV system within 1500W: 50A 12/24/36/48V
36V PV system within and above 2000W: 80A 12/24/36/48V
48V PV system within 800W: 30A 12/24/36/48V
48V PV system within 1000W: 30A 12/24/36/48V or 50A 12/24/36/48V
48V PV system within 1500W: 50A 12/24/36/48V
48V PV system within 2000W: 50A 12/24/36/48V or 80A 12/24/36/48V
48V PV system above and within 2500W: 80A 12/24/36/48V
Please help.
I have 10 panels at 300 watts each = 3000 watts
my batteries are 4 lithium Ah 100 batteries = 400Ah
What size MPPT charge controller do I need?
Thanks for any help.
John summers, you had 10 solar panels at 300watts each, you want know the right MPPT charge controller for your system
Let say one of your battery is 12volts, and you wiring them in series 4×12=48volt is your battery bank
Your total array 300watts × 10panels = 3000watts ÷ 48volts = 62.5amps
62.5amps × 1.25 = 78.125 round it up to 80amps
what is 1.25? please guide me
I am to build an Arduino based PWM solar charge controller with a rated charging current of 20A and am new to this and stuck on what calculations should guide me in achieving the charge controller. any guidance will be appreciated
If your rate charging current is 20A, then you need to choose a controller with current 30A or above, namely 40A 50A or 80A. Then regarding the voltage, you can calculate in this way: V=P(SOLAR PANEL OVERALL OUTPUT WATT)/current.
For any more inquiry, please feel free to contact me.
I have a UPS inverter of 180v and mttp charge controller of 180v battery input, 420v maximum panel
40pcs of solar panel 48vlts 250 watts and 26 PCs of batteries of 12vlts 250imphrs how can I connect them b’se they have failed to charge
I have a 500 W solar and a 500 W wind. I want to get an MPPT charge controller. any tips
?
Hello, Dave, since i only deal with solar charger controller, i can only tell you for the 500W solar panel, you should know its output voltage, which is equal to the controller voltage. And then 500W/V=Current of the solar panel, the controller current must be bigger than it.
e.g. if the voltage is 36V, the current is 13.89A, then a 36V20A controller is OK.
For more details, you can contact me by whats app, my phone no. is 17612164059
I have a single, 100 watt panel and I want to get a good charge controller. Can you recommend a charge controller for my sityation.
Hello, Mr. Zahrly. For your panel, a 10A12V PWM controller is OK. Our controller provides 4-stage charging for maximum extension of battery life and 4 load working modes. For further enquiry, please contact me by what’s app 17612164059.
Hie guys. I’m having a 255watt solar panel and 2× 12volt batteries. how many Amps of a controller can I use please. Thanks for your help
Hello, Samuel. In your case, a 20A24V controlLer is OK for you, because the controller must be able to handle the maximum current of the system.
For more details, you can contact me by whats app, my phone no. is 17612164059
I am new in this solar charge business. I have 2 X 60 watt solar panels, a 10 amp controller and a 120aH deep cycle battery. Will this be sufficient to run my 5 amp 12 volt freezer?
Your 120ah / 12v battery has 1440w when fullly charged
Your 12v / 5amp freezer will use 60w When running
It Can run 16hrs On a Full battery continously
With 2x 60w panels you are safe…
Alright. I have tried to figure out the math calculations and I am getting NOWHERE. My question is: I am using 3 305 watt residential panels on my RV and mating them to 1K ah Lithium bank (Battleborns !) Can someone PLEASE tell me which MPPT charger/controller/inverter (?) I need to focus on. PLEASE. Thank you.
Not all charge controllers can run on lithium batteries some are made for lead only your solar panels set up at parallel rate 300watt house panels are usually 36v so parallel you need a controller that rates 50v pv input if you are series the controller needs to be 3x the panels 36v im a novice just learning but i do know alot of people forget to check the volts input and burn out controllers
Mike- Did you have your batteries connected to the charge controller as well? Some controllers will not display voltage unless there is a load on the system…IE The batteries would be the load as they are the ones being charged.
Hi, I have a question regarding Charge Controllers, I have a simple solar set used to power a small tool shed on my property. I have (2) 12V / 100W Solar Panels and 8 marine type deep cycle 12V battery’s. When I use a multi meter and check voltage coming out of the panels I’m getting 19.30 volts but when I connect to a charge controller it shows 0 voltage coming in ?..I had 20amp charge controller that worked for a long time then got hot and stopped showing input voltage, I just purchased a cheap 100Amp controller on ebay and it does same thing, no input voltage from panels. Ive checked the out put of the panels together and individually, both show them putting out 19V, Any suggestions, anything I am missing or could it all be the fault of cheap charge controllers …thanks for any input.
Is your charge controller connected to the batteries as well? Some charge controllers are looking for a load so the batteries would be the load.
I have a 240 volt freezer with a power of 115 watt. What size panel, battery & charge controller will I need if I were to use a solar system of 12 volts?
It seems the administrator is gone to sleep. Nobody received any answer to their inquiries.
I’m afraid I’m not the best at math! I would suggest anyone with questions about charge controllers reach out to charge controller manufacturers like MidNite Solar (featured in this story).
Example: 80 amp controller x 48 volt battery bank = 3,840 watts of solar panels. Note that most of the controllers will allow a bit more wattage to go into the controllers but you must ensure that you do not exceed the input voltage the controller can take.
93Amps exceed the 80A limitation that thr charge controller can handle.
I have an 80 Watts solar panel made by Sharp
to use for two lights at the beginning of my long driveway.
1-What kind of controller do I need?
2- Do I need more a 12 Volt battery?
how much is the wattage of the two lights that you will use. is it 5 watts or 20 watts? A PWM 12 V Charge Controller is enough with one battery 12 volts 35 A-H is enough.
Hello, I’m new to solar panel installations. I have 4 solar panels of 245W each. A power bank of 102 AH on 12V and a PWM regulator with 40A. On the regulator it says Max PV Input power 480 W for 12V but I connected all 4 solar panels and now the regulator won’t charge the batteries any more (most likely I burned it). Should I just leave 2 solar panels connected? Thank you
Are your solar panels set up parallel or series because the pv input volts need to match the the charge controller or you will cook it
I have 24 volts batteries bank in series of 200 Ah and have two solars of 24 volts which are giving out volts of 36 max so which charge controller is best to charge my batteries to get best result and also simultaneously get load for appliances
50A is too small for your system. Get around 70-80 Amps.
p.s. the controller i have burned out details can be find here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hybrid-Wind-solar-charge-controller-wind-regulator-12V-24V-charge-controller/122019286305?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
how or why did it burn out?
Hello,
I have 2x12v 240a batterys, i have connected them 12v 480a (paralel connection). I need information what charger controler i need for it, as i got 160w solar panel and 400w wind turibine. I have just burned my Hybrid Wind solar charge controller, wind regulator 12V 24V charge controller, everything inside melted – couple lines burned out and one of the brains completely burned out. Is it because of the powerfull batteries i have or its just kind of faulty charger? Any help will be nice. Dont want to buy another one just to burn it again.
Many Thanks
Ged
Is it okay to have big amperage of charge controller than its normal ratings let say double its nominal amps.
Commenters, the author makes an effort to supply the formula (and if you don’t believe him, look up ohm’s law, watts law). Learn to fish, and eat forever.
What charge controller do I need for an 12 volt 9 – 100 watt solar panel array? 900 watts and 12 volts. I want to wire panels in series.
hey there .. fishing here .. i am in the philippines. i have an off grid system … 14panels @ 100 w each. MPPT CONTROLLER 50A .. 24V SYSTEM BATTERY BANK .. 10 100 AMP BATTERIES.
IS MY CONTROLLER TOO small in amps? will it hurt my batteries .. i suspect not .. but am i wasting charging current?
I have a 60amp solar regulator, so how many solar panels and batteries I need to cater for 60amp regulator
Thanks for sharing. I want a you to take a cross check my calculation. I have a 3600Wp array with 48V battery bank. Am doing 3600/48 = 75A X 1.25 = 93A. Is it ideal to use an 80A CC.
Hi,the formular you used at arriving at your answer is very correct
Go for the 100A controller
Dear sir ,
I have installed 600watt solar panel and I want to increase the back up time of the system kindly suggest me what is the best way to improve it. the present solar system description as follows
Pwm 12V/24v 30A charge controller
1400VA inverter 24v
24V 150AH*2=300Ah battery
Kindly, what are the problems and the difficults in designing the MPPT charger controller?
Do you want to design your own MPPT charge controller?
I don’t think its worth the effort unless you are doing it for fun. All the soldering and programming is going to take quite some time.
The end product might work but it won’t be as efficient or versatile as something you pick from a shop.
MPPTs are nowadays very cheap and you can even can decent ones from Aliexpress if you want to save even more