rv solar charge controller

RV solar systems are more than just panels on the roof. Any well designed RV solar system has a rv solar Charge Controller or Regulator as part of the system. It is the heart of the solar system. Without it, the batteries will not be properly charged and damage to the battery pack will occur. Or, at the very least, shorter battery life will result. One should NEVER EVER connect a solar panel directly to a battery pack without a controller….unless the solar panel is so small it is classified as a trickle charger.

Picking the right charge controller for your RV solar system is important. There are plenty of good products on the market today, and a few great ones. Charge controllers of average quality work well, are very reliable if installed correctly, and won't break the bank. There are a few basic differences in technology that are important to consider before buying. With this knowledge, a well informed consumer can make the right choice easily.

The latest Charge Controller technology to be brought to the RV industry employs MPPT or Maximum Power Point Tracking. A charge controller with MPPT (a technology borrowed from the commercial and residential solar industry) will deliver 10%-30% more energy from the solar panels to the RV batteries than one without this feature. This is not because MPPT makes the controller more efficient, instead MPPT is just smarter. Every solar panel made has a different maximum power point. A point at which current (amperage) and voltage peak. An MPPT controller is designed to sense this point and adjust itself for maximum output. This point is referred to as the ‘knee of the curve' and is shown on the IV graph found on almost every solar panel datasheet. MPPT controllers are more expensive than PWM types. A good MPPT charge controller can cost $ 30- $ 80  depending on the power rating. So, the added value of the energy produced, versus the added cost, must be considered. Depending on the size of the system, it could make as much difference as adding another panel. In some cases updating just the controller itself to MPPT is about the same cost as adding another solar panel to the system with the same benefit and cost. Something to consider for those with older controllers.

Solar charge controllers are usually mounted inside the passenger compartment of the RV and recessed in a wall cavity. While this installation looks good, it can sometimes be problematic if larger than 30amp rating.  Heat must be dissipated otherwise the charge controller will fail. We would never suggest locating the charge controller in the battery compartment. There are many reasons for this, the biggest of which are corrosion caused by battery off-gassing and the potential for fire should there be a spark.

Now , there have the new design RV solar charge controller in China , this rv soalr controller with APP phone control the charging , it can display all situation in your phone APP . It more convenience to protec your safe and protec the solar power system when you are in RV trip or camping.

If you are interests , please send mail to us :sale3@olys-digital.com

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