24v Charge Controllers

24V Charge Controllers

For any solar installation with a battery you often want a regulator to keep it safe. Obviously, it should be able to work with the voltage of your energy storage. Since 24V batteries are probably most popular for residential installations, 24V solar charge controllers are in high demand.

Why do you need a controller?

Like any other regulator, a 24 volt solar battery charger serves to protect the energy storage. Here are its main functions:

• A 24 volt controller lowers the voltage of an array to the acceptable level for a battery to prevent overheating. Overheating leads to swift decrease of a lifetime of a battery.
• A controller doesn’t let panels overcharge the battery. If it detects that the load of battery dropped too low, it pauses its usage until it’s charged back up again. Both these measures prolong the lifespan of your energy storage.
• A 24 volt solar charger also gives the information concerning the load, voltage and state of your battery.
• Finally, a 24V charge controller deals with a problem of reverse currents. It doesn’t allow the electricity to flow from a battery to an array which it tends to do at night. It’s just another safety measure: without a controller you risk starting a fire on your roof.

MPPT and PWM controllers

Basically, there are two types of 24 volt solar battery chargers on the market: PWM and MPPT. The first one is simple, cheap and longer-lasting. The second one is more expensive and complex, but very efficient.

Both types perform the basic functions similarly. The main difference is in the way that they deal with voltage of an array. PWM-controllers are designed to cut down the voltage to the safe level of battery. As a result you lose a lot of power, especially if the voltage of your array greatly surpasses the one of the battery. This is why PWM-controllers aren’t suitable for every solar system.

MPPT-controllers, on the other hand, are much more flexible. They basically fit any installation. Besides, a 24v solar charge controller not just lowers the voltage but makes current out of surplus. You get to use the electric power of your panels at full capacity. Even in situations where two types are interchangeable, MPPT regulator is 20-25% more efficient.

How to install charge controller

Usually, there are three terminals in a 24 volt solar charge controller: one for panels, one for battery and one for DC loads. First you connect a controller to a battery with a proper type of electrical connector (usually it’s just a copper wire). Then you turn your regulator on and once it recognizes the battery, you can wire it together with an array. Try to minimize the distance between all parts of your installation: PV modules, battery, inverter and controller to lower the energy losses.

If you are looking for a 24 volt solar panel battery charger, we have a variety of models to offer. Just contact us and we’ll help you with your needs.

Why buy from us

• Our distribution centres are located in California, Washington, Colorado, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and Missouri.
• We work only trusted manufacturers and guarantee the authenticity of all products we sell.
• We process every order within 24 hours and ship it within 48 hours.
• Delivery usually takes 4-7 business days.