Solar PV Charge Controllers are a integral part of any solar system to prolong the life of batteries. They take the uncertain voltage from a solar panel and condition it to safely charge lead acid batteries. These solar PV charge controllers use pulse width modulation (PWM) or Maximum Point Power Tracking (MPPT) , and a 3 or 4 stage charging method, bulk, absorption, and float (maintenance) charge. They also protect the panels from energy backflow from the solar batteries after the sun goes down. Solar charge controllers are necessary to protect your PV investment. We carry Phocos and Morningstar charge controllers.
Solar Charge Controllers
Phocos is a leading player in the world of renewable energy in grid-independent power supplies. All Phocos controllers are German engineered and designed. We emphasize on quality solar charge controllers at an affordable price. Different models are available.
This is the high end model. The most sophisticated of the charge controller series, it has PWM regulation with integrated temperature compensation with a LCD display, programming- and safety functions.
The battery state of charge is clearly displayed with a bar chart, as well as energy flows from and to the battery and the load status (e.g. overload, load short circuit). The deep discharge protection function can be set up to three different modes: voltage controlled, SOC controlled or adaptive (fuzzy logic). Acoustic warnings are built in, and also a programmable nightlight function.
Features
- Working voltage: 12V / 24V Autoselect
- Battery State-of-Charge display LCD Charge and discharge status display
- Programmable controls.safety functions
- Full solid-state safety protection & alarm
- 5 load disconnect algorithm options
- Integrated temperature compensation
- Covered wire terminals(16mm2 max)
- Built-in nightlight function and datalogging
- Optional CXM Remote Display
The CML series is a popular mid range solar charge controller family for general applications. It is suitable for most purposes. Uses include solar streetlights, solar pathlights and solar home power systems. The electronic circuit is equipped with a microcontroller that provides high-efficiency charging technology together with a number of outstanding status display, warning and safety functions.
Features
- Working voltage: 12V / 24V Autoselect
- Quality solar charge regulator for low cost applications
- Temperature-compensated three-stage PWM charging method
- Full solid-state safety protection & acoustic load disconnect alarm
- Suitable for sealed or vented VRLA batteries
- Battery State-of-Charge display with 3 LEDs
- Night Light NL version and CMM meter display options available
Item# CA06, CA08 – Solar Charge Controller
The CA06 & CA08 are affordable low end Phocos solar charge controller models especially designed for small solar systems with the need of a low battery disconnect (LVD) feature. Suitable for most uses, leisure and rural electrification systems etc. Perfect for cost-sensitive systems and features the same fully electronic protection as its other Phocos brothers.
Very popular with educational institutes and hobbyists.
Features
- Working voltage: 12V
- PWM series charging method , no panel short circuit
- Deep discharge protection
- 4 LED indications: Charge status,SOC, LVD, Overload/Short Circuit
- CMM meter display options available
- Available models (amps): 6A, 8A
The CM series is a solar charge controller family for low cost uses that do not require DC load disconnect function like on boats, yatchts or running purely AC loads. The charging regime provides best battery treatment at reasonable cost.
Features
- Working voltage: 12V DC
- Quality solar charge regulator for low cost applications
- PWM charging method
- Charging display with LED
- Solid-state overvoltage protection
- Reverse polarity protection
- Available Models (amps): 4A, 10A
Phocos’ CXM remote display is designed to display panel current, load current and battery voltage of your PV system; charging, overload, low voltage disconnect status too. Additional you can display several values of CXN’s data logger of the past 7 days as Ah, SOC, Battery voltage (morning, evening). This provides you more detailed information of your PV system.
Features
- Display panel current, load current, and battery voltage, Ah, SOC, etc
- Clear, readable 3-digit LCD Display and symbols
- Two push button to select displayed value
- DIN rail and wall mounting
The Phocos CMM remote meter display is designed to accurately measure and the display panel current, load current and battery voltage of your PV system. CMM can be used with our Phocos CA, CML and CML-NL (Nightlight) series charge controllers. This is a valuable tool for understanding your PV system.
Features
- Measuring and display panel current, load current and battery voltage.
- Clear, readable 3-digit LCD Display
- 3-position switch to select which value to be displayed
- DIN rail and wall mounting
The solar charge controller detects day and night using the PV array and sets when to turn on the connected DC load. This nightlight function is programmable between Dusk to Dawn mode or Evening mode. It is perfect for solar lighting applications. Both the CML-NL (nightlight version) and CXN models have this function.
Morningstar Corporation is a world-leading supplier of photovoltaic (PV) controllers and inverters using advanced technology. Their controllers and inverters have set new standards in the industry for quality, high reliability and extended battery life. USA engineered and designed. We are a authorised distributor of Morningstar solar charge controllers.
The SunSaver MPPT series supports up to 15A while the TriStar MPPT series supports up to 60A.
Morningstar’s SunSaver MPPT solar controller with TrakStar Technology™ is an advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) battery charger for off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The controller features a smart tracking algorithm that maximizes the energy harvest from the photovoltaic system and also provides load control to prevent over discharge of the battery. The SunSaver MPPT is well suited for both professional and consumer PV applications. Its charging process has been optimized for long battery life and improved system performance. This product is epoxy encapsulated for environmental protection, may be adjusted by the user via four settings switches or connection to a personal computer, and has an optional remote meter and battery temperature sensor.
- Maximizes Energy Harvest– TrakStar MPPT Technology features: peak efficiency of over 97%, almost no power losses, recognition of multiple power peaks during shading or mixed PV arrays, excellent performance at low solar insolation levels
- Converts 36V or 24V PV Arrays– Able to use up to a 36V PV array to charge either a 24V or 12V battery. Charge and discharge status display
- Lower System Cost– Less expensive than other MPPT controllers and is affordable in smaller PV systems up to 400Wp. Allows system costs to be reduced by down-sizing the PV array, using on-grid or thin film modules and decreasing cable sizes.
- Use of High Voltage Modules – Enables the use of high voltage and thin film modules for off-grid battery charging.
- Includes Load Control– Automatically disconnects loads when the battery has been discharged to a low state of charge.
- Longer Battery Life – Efficient MPPT tracking and 4-stage charging increases battery life.
- Data Logging – Records key operating parameters of the PV system and includes 30 days of data logging.
- Diversion Control Capability – May be programmed to control charging using an auxiliary DC resistive load.
Morningstar TriStar MPPT solar controller with TrakStar Technology™ is an advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) battery charger for off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems up to 3kW. The controller provides the industry’s highest peak efficiency of 99% and significantly less power loss compared to other MPPT controllers.
The TriStar TS MPPT 45 features a smart tracking algorithm that maximizes the energy harvest from the PV by rapidly finding the solar array peak power point with extremely fast sweeping of the entire I-V curve.
FEATURES
- Maximizes Energy Harvest – TrakStar MPPT Technology features: peak efficiency of over 97%, almost no power losses, recognition of multiple power peaks during shading or mixed PV arrays, excellent performance at low solar insolation levels
- Extremely High Reliability – Robust thermal design and no cooling fans. Parallel circuit design provides less stress and longer life for electronic components
- No Nechanical Relays– Extensive electronic protections including PV short circuit protection, epoxy encapsulated inductors and conformally coated printed circuit boards.
- Very High Efficiency Peak efficiency of 99% – Proprietary tracking algorithm minimizes power losses. Low self-consumption. Continuous operation at full power to 45°C without need to de-rate. Selected electronic devices with higher ratings to minimize losses from heating
- Extensive Networking and Communications Capabilities– Enables system monitoring, data logging and adjustability. Uses open standard MODBUS™ protocol and Morningstar’s MS View software. Meterbus: communications between compatible Morningstar products. Serial RS-232: connection to a personal computer. EIA-485: communications between multiple devices on a bus.
- Metering and Data Logging – Optional TriStar meter and remote meter provides detailed operating data, alarms and faults. Three LED’s display system status. Up to 200 days of data logging via meters or communications ports
- Battery Charging – Charging algorithm 4-stage. Charging stages Bulk, Absorption, Float, Equalize. Temperature Compensation. Coefficient –5mV/°C/cell (25° ref). Range –30°C to +80°C. Set points Absorption, Float, Equalize, HVD.
- Note: Remote Temperature Sensor is included.
- Available Models (amps): 30A(new), 45A, 60A