A diagram of an efficient 12V charger (solar controller) is shown, with battery protection from low voltage.

Device characteristics

Low power consumption during idle mode
The circuit was designed for small to medium-sized lead-acid batteries and consumes low current (5 mA) when idle. This increases the lifespan of the batteries.

Easily accessible components
The device uses regular components (not SMD), which can be easily found in stores. There is no need to flash anything, the only thing you will need is a voltmeter and an adjustable power supply to configure the circuit.

Latest device version
This is already the third version of the device, so most of the errors and shortcomings that were present in previous versions of the charger have been corrected.

Voltage adjustment
The device uses a parallel voltage stabilizer to ensure that the battery voltage does not exceed the norm, usually 13.8 Volts.

The controller disconnects the battery if the voltage drops below a certain point (adjustable), usually 10.5 Volts

Most solar chargers use a Schottky diode to protect against battery current leakage to the solar panel. A shunt voltage stabilizer is used when the battery is fully charged.
One of the problems with this approach is losses on the diode and, as a consequence, its heating. For example, a 100 Watt, 12V solar panel supplies 8A to the battery, the voltage drop across the Schottky diode will be 0.4V, i.e. power dissipation will be about 3.2 watts. Firstly, this is a loss, and secondly, the diode will need a radiator to remove heat. The problem is that it will not be possible to reduce the voltage drop; several diodes connected in parallel will reduce the current, but the voltage drop will remain the same. In the circuit presented below, mosfets are used instead of conventional diodes, therefore power is lost only through active resistance (resistive losses).
For comparison, in a 100 W panel using IRFZ48 (KP741A) mosfets, the power loss is only 0.5 Watt (at Q2). This means less heat and more energy for the batteries. Another important point is that mosfets have a positive temperature coefficient and can be connected in parallel to reduce the on-resistance.

The above scheme uses a couple of non-standard solutions.

Charger

There is no diode between the solar panel and the load, instead there is a Q2 mosfet. The diode in the mosfet allows current to flow from the panel to the load. If a significant voltage appears on Q2, then transistor Q3 opens, capacitor C4 charges, which causes op-amps U2c and U3b to open mosfet Q2. Now, the voltage drop is calculated using Ohm's law, i.e. I*R, and it is much less than if there was a diode there. Capacitor C4 is periodically discharged through resistor R7, and Q2 closes. If current flows from the panel, then the self-inductive emf of inductor L1 immediately forces Q3 to open. This happens very often (many times per second). In the case when current flows to the solar panel, Q2 closes, but Q3 does not open, because diode D2 limits the self-induction EMF of inductor L1. Diode D2 can be designed for a current of 1A, but during testing it turned out that such a current rarely occurs.

Trimmer VR1 sets the maximum voltage. When the voltage exceeds 13.8V, the operational amplifier U2d opens mosfet Q1 and the output from the panel is “shorted” to ground. In addition, op-amp U3b disables Q2, etc. the panel is disconnected from the load. This is necessary because Q1, in addition to the solar panel, short-circuits the load and the battery.

N-channel mosfets control

To drive mosfets Q2 and Q4, more voltage is required than that used in the circuit. To do this, op-amp U2 with a string of diodes and capacitors creates an increased voltage VH. This voltage is used to power U3, whose output will be increased voltage. The combination of U2b and D10 ensures the stability of the output voltage at 24 Volts. At this voltage, the voltage through the gate-source of the transistor will be at least 10V, so the heat generation will be small.
Typically, N-channel mosfets have much lower resistance than P-channel ones, which is why they were used in this circuit.

Undervoltage protection

Mosfet Q4, operational amplifier U3a with external wiring of resistors and capacitors, are designed for protection against low voltage. Here Q4 is used non-standard. The mosfet diode ensures a constant flow of current into the battery. When the voltage is above the set minimum, the mosfet is open, allowing a small voltage drop when charging the battery, but more importantly, it allows current to flow from the battery to the load if the solar panel cannot provide sufficient power output. The fuse protects against short circuits on the load side.

Below are pictures of the arrangement of elements and printed circuit boards.

Device setup

During normal use of the device, jumper J1 should not be inserted! LED D11 is used for tuning. To configure the device, connect an regulated power supply to the “load” terminals.

Installation of undervoltage protection
Insert jumper J1.
In the power supply, set the output voltage to 10.5V.
Rotate trimming resistor VR2 counterclockwise until LED D11 lights up.
Turn VR2 slightly clockwise until the LED goes out.
Remove jumper J1.

Setting the maximum voltage
In the power supply, set the output voltage to 13.8V.
Rotate trimming resistor VR1 clockwise until LED D9 goes out.
Slowly turn VR1 counterclockwise until LED D9 lights up.

The controller is configured. Don't forget to remove jumper J1!

If the power of the entire system is small, then the mosfets can be replaced with cheaper IRFZ34. And if the system is more powerful, the mosfets can be replaced with more powerful IRFZ48.

List of radioelements

Designation	Type	Denomination	Quantity	Note	Shop	My notepad
U1	Voltage reference IC	LM336-2.5	1			To notepad
U2	Operational amplifier	LM324	1			To notepad
U3	Operational amplifier	LM358	1			To notepad
Q1, Q2, Q4	MOSFET transistor	IRFZ44	3	KP723A		To notepad
Q3	Bipolar transistor	BC327	1	KT685A		To notepad
D1	Schottky diode	1.5KE16	1			To notepad
D2, D4	Schottky diode	1N5819	2	KDSh2105V		To notepad
D3, D5-D8, D10	Rectifier diode	1N4148	6	KD522A		To notepad
D9, D11	Light-emitting diode		2			To notepad
C1, C3		1000 µF 25 V	2			To notepad
C2, C4-C7	Capacitor	100 nF	5			To notepad
C9	Electrolytic capacitor	100 µF 35 V	1			To notepad
C8, C10, C12	Electrolytic capacitor	10 µF 25 V	3			To notepad
C11	Capacitor	1 nF	1			To notepad
R1, R9, R11, R16, R19	Resistor	10 kOhm	5			To notepad
R2, R10	Resistor	56 kOhm	2			To notepad
R3	Resistor	1 kOhm	1			To notepad
R4, R12	Resistor	2.2 MOhm	2			To notepad
R5, R8, R13-R15, R18	Resistor	100 kOhm	6			To notepad
R6	Resistor	4.7 kOhm	1			To notepad
R7	Resistor

The operating principle of controllers for charging solar panels, the device, what to consider when choosing

In modern solar power plants, different circuits for connecting current sources are used to transfer generated electricity to working batteries. They do not use the same algorithms, are created on the basis of microprocessor technologies, and are called controllers.

How solar charge controllers work

Electricity generated by a solar battery can be transferred to storage batteries:

2. via the controller.

In the first method, electric current from the source will go to the batteries and begin to increase the voltage at their terminals. Initially, it will reach a certain limiting value, depending on the design (type) of the battery and the ambient temperature. Then it will overcome the recommended level.

At the initial stage of charging, the circuit works normally. But then extremely undesirable processes begin: the continued supply of charging current causes an increase in voltage above the permissible values ​​(about 14 V), overcharging occurs with a sharp increase in the temperature of the electrolyte, leading to its boiling with an intense release of distilled water vapor from the elements. Sometimes until the containers dry out completely. Naturally, the battery life is sharply reduced.

Therefore, the problem of limiting the charging current is solved by controllers or manually. The last method: constantly monitoring the voltage level using instruments and switching switches by hand is so ungrateful that it exists only in theory.

Algorithms for the operation of solar battery charge controllers

Depending on the complexity of the method for limiting the maximum voltage, devices are manufactured according to the following principles:

1. Off/On (or On/Off), when the circuit simply connects the batteries to the charger according to the voltage at the terminals,

2. pulse-width (PWM) transformations,

3. scanning the maximum power point.

Principle #1: Off/On Circuit

This is the simplest, but most unreliable method. Its main disadvantage is that when the voltage at the battery terminals increases to the limit value, the capacity does not fully charge. In this case it reaches approximately 90% of the nominal value.

Batteries constantly experience a regular lack of energy, which significantly reduces their service life.

Principle No. 2: PWM controller circuit

The abbreviation for these devices in English is PWM. They are produced based on microcircuit designs. Their task is to control the power unit to regulate the voltage at its input within a given range using feedback signals.

PWM controllers can additionally:

take into account the temperature of the electrolyte using a built-in or remote sensor (the latter method is more accurate),

create temperature compensation for charging voltages,

configured for a specific type of battery (GEL, AGM, liquid acid) with different voltage graphs at the same points.

Increasing the functions of PWM controllers increases their cost and reliability.

Principle #3: Scanning the maximum power point

Such devices are designated by the English letters MPPT. They also work using the method of pulse-width converters, but they are extremely accurate because they take into account the largest amount of power that solar panels are capable of delivering. This value is always precisely defined and entered into the documentation.

For example, for 12 V solar batteries, the maximum power output point is about 17.5 V. An ordinary PWM controller will stop charging the battery when the voltage reaches 14 - 14.5 V, and one operating using MPPT technology will allow additional use of solar battery life up to 17.5 IN.

As the depth of battery discharge increases, energy losses from the source increase. MPPT controllers reduce them.

The nature of tracking the voltage corresponding to the output of the maximum power of a solar battery of 80 watts is demonstrated by the average graph.

In this way, MPPT controllers, using pulse-width conversions in all battery charging cycles, increase the output of the solar battery. Depending on various factors, savings can be 10 - 30%. In this case, the output current from the battery will exceed the input current from the solar battery.

Basic parameters of solar charge controllers

When choosing a controller for a solar battery, in addition to knowing the principles of its operation, you should pay attention to the conditions for which it is designed.

The main indicators of the devices are:

input voltage value,

the value of the total solar energy power,

nature of the connected load.

Solar battery voltage

The controller can be supplied with voltage from one or more solar panels connected in different circuits. For proper operation of the device, it is important that the total voltage supplied to it, taking into account the no-load source, does not exceed the limit value specified by the manufacturer in the technical documentation.

In this case, you should make a reserve (reserve) ≥ 20% due to a number of factors:

It’s no secret that individual parameters of a solar battery can sometimes be slightly overestimated for advertising purposes,

The processes occurring on the Sun are not stable, and during abnormally increased bursts of activity, energy transfer is possible, creating an open-circuit voltage of the solar battery above the design limit.

Solar power

It is important for choosing a controller because the device must be able to reliably transfer it to working batteries. Otherwise it will simply burn out.

To determine the power (in watts), multiply the output current from the controller (in amperes) by the voltage (in volts) generated by the solar battery, taking into account the 20% reserve created for it.

Nature of the connected load

You need to have a good understanding of the purpose of the controller. You should not use it as a universal power source by connecting various household devices to it. Of course, some of them will be able to work normally without creating anomalous conditions.

But...how long will this last? The device operates on the basis of pulse-width conversions, uses microprocessor and transistor technologies, which take into account only as a load, and not random consumers with complex transient processes during switching and the changing nature of power consumption.

Brief overview of manufacturers

Many countries are producing controllers for solar power plants. The following companies' products are popular on the Russian market:

Morningstar Corporation (leading US manufacturer),

Beijing Epsolar Technology (operating since 1990 in Beijing),

AnHui SunShine New Energy Co (PRC),

Phocos (Germany),

Steca (Germany),

Xantrex (Canada).

Among them, you can always choose a reliable controller model that is most suitable for the specific operating conditions of solar power plants with certain technical characteristics. To do this, simply use the recommendations in this article.

The solar charge controller Designed for charging a lead-acid battery from a solar panel. This circuit is suitable for solar panels with a power of 15 watts and above and contains a light indicator of the controller operation process.

The solar battery is a continuous source of voltage that is supplied to the controller input, and a battery is connected to the controller output. As a result, the battery does not overcharge and its service life is accordingly extended.

Description of the operation of the solar battery charge controller

The voltage from the solar panel first passes through diode D6 (preferably a Schottky diode), which prevents the battery from discharging back through the panel when the sun is not shining. After diode D6 comes a classic linear regulator based on LM317. The output voltage of the regulator is determined by the ratio of the resistances of resistors R20 and R1.

The output voltage should be around 13.6...13.8 volts. The exact value can be set by selecting resistance R19, the value of which is determined experimentally. In this particular case, its resistance (R19) was 390K, so this value can be taken as a starting point.

Diode D5 is protective. After the LM317 stabilizer there is a light indication circuit consisting of three LEDs (D2, D3, D4). LED D2 glows indicating that the battery is fully charged (voltage 13 volts).

LED D3 is used to indicate the voltage on the solar panel (15.5 volts). The last LED D4 indicates the battery charging process. A threshold value of 50 mA is selected to trigger the indication.

To operate LED D3, a comparator is used on the operational amplifier LM339, which compares the voltage from the output of the solar panel with the reference voltage obtained using zener diode D1. To save battery power, the LEDs are powered directly from the solar panel through a 78L12 stabilizer.

Setting up a solar battery charge controller

After installing the parts and checking for errors, you need to connect an regulated power supply to the input (instead of the solar panel) and first apply a voltage of 17...20 volts. By changing the resistance of resistor R19, it is necessary to set the output voltage of the stabilizer in the region of 13.6...13.8 volts. After this, the input voltage from the power supply must be selected at about 13.1 volts and the trimming resistor R18 must be used to ensure that LED D2 lights up. When the power supply voltage drops below 13 volts, LED D2 should go out.

Next, set the input voltage to 15.5 volts and, by rotating the R4 adjuster, make sure that the D3 LED lights up. To set up the charging indication, you will need a battery. Connect it to the controller via an ammeter, and set the voltage on the power supply so that the battery is charged with a current of about 50 mA. After this, set resistor R14 so that D4 lights up. When the current drops below 40mA, LED D4 should go out. The controller's own consumption (from the battery) is about 9-10mA, which is insignificant when using a lead-acid battery.

http://www.pctun.czechian.net/solarko/solarko.html

Hello. Today I’ll try to tell you about a fairly low-power (10A charge and discharge current) battery charge controller from solar panels.
The review contains detailed photos of the controller inside and out, as well as testing...
So, everyone knows that solar panels convert light radiation into electrical current, so during the daytime you can receive electrical energy from the Sun. In order to save this energy for use in the dark, the solar power plant must be equipped with a battery, which will be charged during daylight hours and release energy to consumers during the dark.
But what is a charge controller for? Indeed, it is enough to simply connect the solar battery to the battery, and if there is at least some light, or even better - the Sun, charging current will flow from the solar battery to the battery without using a controller. However, each battery has a voltage limit, exceeding which leads to overcharging, boiling of the electrolyte and ultimately to battery failure. The same can be said about the discharge cycle. Also, you should not discharge batteries below the voltage specified for each type of battery. It is for these purposes that the charge controller serves, which monitors the correct charge and discharge of the battery, and also has some additional functions. There are relay-type controllers that simply connect and disconnect the solar panel from the battery when the maximum voltage is reached, and there are also controllers with PWM modulation that can regulate the voltage supplied to the battery. The latter are preferable, because they charge the battery more fully.
In this case, I’ll tell you about such a controller with PWM. Due to its low power, its main purpose is to control autonomous lighting. But first things first.
The kit consists of the controller itself and instructions in English:








I can say that I rarely read such instructions, but I looked into this one.
General appearance and dimensions:






I will duplicate the dimensions in numbers: 14x9x3 cm (approximately);
The case is made of plastic, with 4 “ears” for mounting, on the front panel there are:
1. Group of 3 LEDs (top left). The left green indicates the presence of current from the solar panel, the middle 2-color indicates the state of charge of the battery (red - the battery is discharged, green - the battery is charged) and the right yellow - load activation;
2. 7 segment red dot indicator to indicate the selected operating mode;
3. Button under the 7-segment indicator to select the desired operating mode;
4. Screw terminal blocks for connecting solar panel, battery, load.
On the back of the case there is a metal plate attached to the case with 4 screws, which serves as a radiator for power transistors.
Let's take a look inside:








I won’t say anything from a circuit design point of view; for those interested, the names of the microcircuits are visible in the photographs. I will only note the fairly neat installation and the possibility of increasing the power of the device by adding power transistors to the missing places; of course, this must be done wisely.
Let's move on to testing, for this, in addition to the controller under review, we will need solar panel elements (I'll tell you about them some other time), a piece of laminate for attaching these elements, a 12 volt lead battery, wires, hot melt adhesive, solder, flux, a multimeter, adjustable DC power supply, 12 volt LED strip acting as a load:








The output voltage of each solar cell used for testing, judging by the manufacturer's technical specifications, is about 6 volts, so we need to connect 3 such elements in series and secure these elements and wires with hot glue on a piece of laminate.
Let's check what happened:




The voltage is 17 volts, the short-circuit current is only 7 mA, everything is fine with the voltage, but the current is not very high, although I note that the elements are in the shade. Let's open the curtains:




The voltage is 20 volts, the short-circuit current is about 40 mA, that’s something.
Let's assemble a test layout:


The LED strip does not light up, which corresponds to the selected mode 17 (see instructions), in which the load is turned on only when there is no current from the solar panel, which corresponds to the dark time of day. The multimeter shows 27 mA charging current.
The following video demonstrates how automatic lighting works when day and night change (both this and the following video are best viewed in full screen so that the prompts are displayed correctly):

For further experiments, we will connect an regulated DC power source instead of a battery and the first experiment will be to measure the quiescent current of the device. Those. what current does the charge controller consume without solar panel and load:


It turned out to be only 5 mA, which is comparable to the self-discharge current of the battery.
In the following video, I tried to demonstrate how the charge controller behaves when the voltage on the battery changes with shaded solar cells:

A few words about operating modes:
0 - load is constantly on (this mode can be used for general use);
16 - switching the load on/off is carried out by the control button;
17 - load is turned on at night;
01...15 - switch on the load after sunset for as many hours as the mode is selected (1...15)
What more can be said? The controller is quite functional in its field of application. One chain of solar cells is clearly not enough; it is necessary to add several more in parallel, but it is important not to forget to decouple them with diodes; it is better to use Schottky diodes (the forward voltage drop is lower).
That seems to be all, if you have any questions, ask in the comments, I’ll try to answer.

P.S. Yes, I almost forgot, the product is provided free of charge for testing.

I'm planning to buy +52 Add to favorites I liked the review +26 +59

Solar energy is so far limited (at the household level) to the creation of photovoltaic panels of relatively low power. But regardless of the design of the photoelectric converter of solar light into current, this device is equipped with a module called a solar battery charge controller.

Indeed, the solar photosynthesis installation includes a rechargeable battery - a storage device for the energy received from the solar panel. It is this secondary energy source that is primarily served by the controller.

An electronic module called a solar controller is designed to perform a number of control functions during the charge/discharge process.

This is what one of the many existing models of charge controllers for a solar battery looks like. This module is one of the PWM type developments

When sunlight falls on the surface of a solar panel installed, for example, on the roof of a house, the device's photocells convert this light into electric current.

The resulting energy, in fact, could be supplied directly to the storage battery. However, the process of charging/discharging a battery has its own subtleties (certain levels of currents and voltages). If you neglect these subtleties, the battery will simply fail in a short period of operation.

To avoid such sad consequences, a module called a charge controller for a solar battery is designed.

In addition to monitoring the battery charge level, the module also monitors energy consumption. Depending on the degree of discharge, the solar battery charge controller circuit regulates and sets the current level required for the initial and subsequent charge.

Depending on the power of the solar battery charge controller, the designs of these devices can have very different configurations

In general, in simple terms, the module provides a carefree “life” for the battery, which periodically accumulates and releases energy to consumer devices.

Types used in practice

At the industrial level, two types of electronic devices have been launched and are being produced, the design of which is suitable for installation in a solar energy system:

1. PWM series devices.
2. MPPT series devices.

The first type of controller for a solar battery can be called “old man”. Such schemes were developed and put into operation at the dawn of the development of solar and wind energy.

The operating principle of the PWM controller circuit is based on pulse width modulation algorithms. The functionality of such devices is somewhat inferior to the more advanced devices of the MPPT series, but in general they also work quite effectively.

One of the popular solar station battery charge controller models in society, despite the fact that the device circuit is made using PWM technology, which is considered outdated

Designs using Maximum Power Point Tracking technology (tracking the maximum power limit) are distinguished by a modern approach to circuit solutions and provide greater functionality.

But if we compare both types of controller and, especially, with a bias towards the domestic sphere, MPPT devices do not look in the rosy light in which they are traditionally advertised.

MPPT type controller:

• has a higher cost;
• has a complex configuration algorithm;
• gives a gain in power only on panels of a large area.

This type of equipment is more suitable for global solar energy systems.

A controller designed for operation as part of a solar power installation. It is a representative of the class of MPPT devices - more advanced and efficient

For the needs of an ordinary user from a domestic environment, who, as a rule, has small-area panels, it is more profitable to buy and operate a PWM controller (PWM) with the same effect.

Block diagrams of controllers

Schematic diagrams of PWM and MPPT controllers to consider them with a layman's eye are too complex a point associated with a subtle understanding of electronics. Therefore, it is logical to consider only structural diagrams. This approach is understandable to a wide range of people.

Option #1 – PWM devices

The voltage from the solar panel travels through two conductors (positive and negative) to the stabilizing element and the separating resistive circuit. Due to this piece of the circuit, potential equalization of the input voltage is obtained and, to some extent, they organize protection of the controller input from exceeding the input voltage limit.

It should be emphasized here: each individual device model has a specific input voltage limit (indicated in the documentation).

This is approximately what the block diagram of devices made on the basis of PWM technologies looks like. For operation as part of small household stations, this circuit approach provides quite sufficient efficiency

Next, the voltage and current are limited to the required value by power transistors. These circuit components are in turn controlled by the controller chip through the driver chip. As a result, the output of a pair of power transistors sets the normal value of voltage and current for the battery.

The circuit also contains a temperature sensor and a driver that controls the power transistor, which regulates the load power (protection against deep discharge of the battery). The temperature sensor monitors the heating status of important elements of the PWM controller.

Usually the temperature level inside the case or on the heatsinks of power transistors. If the temperature goes beyond the limits set in the settings, the device turns off all active power lines.

Option #2 – MPPT devices

The complexity of the circuit in this case is due to its addition to a number of elements that build the necessary control algorithm more carefully, based on operating conditions.

Voltage and current levels are monitored and compared by comparator circuits, and based on the comparison results, the maximum output power is determined.

The main difference between this type of controller and PWM devices is that they are able to adjust the solar energy module to maximum power, regardless of weather conditions.

The circuitry of such devices implements several control methods:

• disturbances and observations;
• increasing conductivity;
• current sweep;
• constant voltage.

And in the final segment of the overall action, an algorithm for comparing all these methods is also used.

Controller connection methods

Considering the topic of connections, it should immediately be noted: for the installation of each individual device, a characteristic feature is working with a specific series of solar panels.

So, for example, if a controller is used that is designed for a maximum input voltage of 100 volts, a series of solar panels should output a voltage no greater than this value.

Any solar power installation operates according to the rule of balancing the output and input voltages of the first stage. The upper limit of the controller voltage must correspond to the upper limit of the panel voltage

Before connecting the device, you need to decide on the location of its physical installation. According to the rules, the installation location should be chosen in dry, well-ventilated areas. Avoid the presence of flammable materials near the device.

The presence of sources of vibration, heat and humidity in the immediate vicinity of the device is unacceptable. The installation site must be protected from precipitation and direct sunlight.

Connection technology for PWM models

Almost all manufacturers of PWM controllers require that the devices be connected in the exact sequence.

Peripheral devices must be connected in full accordance with the designations of the contact terminals:

1. Connect the battery wires to the battery terminals of the device in accordance with the indicated polarity.
2. Switch on the protective fuse directly at the point of contact of the positive wire.
3. Attach the conductors coming from the solar panel battery to the controller contacts intended for the solar panel. Observe polarity.
4. Connect a test lamp of the appropriate voltage (usually 12/24V) to the load terminals of the device.

The specified sequence must not be violated. For example, connecting solar panels first when the battery is not connected is strictly prohibited. By doing this, the user runs the risk of “burning” the device. The diagram for assembling solar panels with a battery is described in more detail.

Also, for PWM series controllers, it is not permissible to connect a voltage inverter to the controller load terminals. The inverter should be connected directly to the battery terminals.

Procedure for connecting MPPT devices

The general physical installation requirements for this type of device do not differ from previous systems. But the technological setup is often somewhat different, since MPPT controllers are often considered more powerful devices.

For controllers designed for high power levels, it is recommended to use large cross-section cables equipped with metal end caps for power circuit connections.

For example, for powerful systems, these requirements are supplemented by the fact that manufacturers recommend using a cable for power connection lines designed for a current density of at least 4 A/mm 2. That is, for example, for a controller with a current of 60 A, you need a cable to connect to the battery with a cross-section of at least 20 mm 2.

Connecting cables must be equipped with copper lugs, tightly crimped with a special tool. The negative terminals of the solar panel and battery must be equipped with adapters with fuses and switches.

This approach eliminates energy losses and ensures safe operation of the installation.

Block diagram of connecting a powerful MPPT controller: 1 – solar panel; 2 – MPPT controller; 3 – terminal block; 4.5 – fuses; 6 – controller power switch; 7.8 – earth bus

Before connecting to the device, you should make sure that the voltage at the terminals matches or is less than the voltage that can be supplied to the controller input.

Connecting peripherals to the MTTP device:

1. Switch the panel and battery switches to the “off” position.
2. Remove the protective fuses on the panel and battery.
3. Connect the battery terminals with a cable to the controller terminals for the battery.
4. Connect the terminals of the solar panel with a cable to the controller terminals indicated by the corresponding sign.
5. Connect the ground terminal to the ground bus with a cable.
6. Install the temperature sensor on the controller according to the instructions.

After these steps, you need to reinsert the previously removed battery fuse and turn the switch to the “on” position. A battery detection signal will appear on the controller screen.

The device screen will show the voltage value of the solar panel. This moment indicates the successful launch of the solar energy installation.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The industry produces devices that are multifaceted in terms of circuit designs. Therefore, it is impossible to give unambiguous recommendations regarding the connection of all installations without exception.

However, the main principle for any type of device remains the same: without connecting the battery to the controller buses, connection to photovoltaic panels is unacceptable. Similar requirements apply for inclusion in the scheme. It should be considered as a separate module connected to the battery via direct contact.

If you have the necessary experience or knowledge, please share it with our readers. Leave your comments in the block below. Here you can ask a question about the topic of the article.