The main function of a controller or regulator is to fully charge a battery without permitting overcharge or reverse current flow at night. If a solar array is connected to lead-acid batteries with no overcharge protection, battery life will be compromised. Simple controllers contain a relay that opens the charging circuit, terminating the charge at a pre-set high voltage and, once a pre-set low voltage is reached, closes the circuit again, allowing charging to continue. More sophisticated controllers utilize pulse-width modulation (PWM) or maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) to assure the battery is being fully charged in the most efficient manner. Kyocera Solar stock a full range of quality charge controllers from MorningStar and Plasmatronics.
Morning Star charge controllers offer unmatched quality and reliability. Most models come with a 5year warranty and have an expected life of 15 years or more. PWM is available on all units. MorningStar products are designed with a 25% safety margin, meaning that there is no need to derate them below their nameplate rating.
Plasmatronics is an Australian owned company, which manufactures some of the most sophisticated charge controllers available. Kyocera Solar stock the PL range which offer intelligent charging and battery monitoring as well as the ability to log data and communicate with a computer for an added level of diagnostic ability.
The main function of a controller or regulator is to fully charge a battery without permitting overcharge or reverse current flow at night. If a solar array is connected to lead-acid batteries with no overcharge protection, battery life will be compromised. Simple controllers contain a relay that opens the charging circuit, terminating the charge at a pre-set high voltage and, once a pre-set low voltage is reached, closes the circuit again, allowing charging to continue. More sophisticated controllers utilize pulse-width modulation (PWM) or maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) to assure the battery is being fully charged in the most efficient manner. Kyocera Solar stock a full range of quality charge controllers from MorningStar and Plasmatronics.