How do I size a solar charge controller?

Selecting the Right Size Controller To size a solar charge controller, take the total watts of your solar array and divide it by the voltage of your battery bank, then multiply by a safety factor of 1.25. This calculation will give you the output current of the charge controller.

How are solar charge controllers measured?

Solar charge controllers are measured based on your solar array current and your solar system’s voltage. Usually, you want to make sure that you have a charge controller that is big enough to accommodate the amount of power and current produced by your panels. Usually, charge controllers are present in 12, 24, and 48 volts.

What type of solar charge controller do I Need?

The type of solar charge controller, either PWM or MPPT, matters a lot. Your controller needs to handle the power level and electric current of your solar panels. Charge controllers come in different sizes, like 12, 24, and 48 volts. Their current capacity ranges from 1 to 60 amps.

What size charge controller do I Need?

Charge controllers are sized depending on your solar array's current and the solar system’s voltage. You typically want to make sure you have a charge controller that is large enough to handle the amount of power and current produced by your panels. Typically, charge controllers come in 12, 24 and 48 volts.

How much does a solar charge controller cost?

In contrast, the more efficient MPPT charge controllers will cost anywhere from $80 to $2500, depending on the voltage and current (A) rating. All solar charge controllers are sized according to the charge current, which ranges from 10A up to 100A.

How many volts does a solar charge controller have?

Typically, charge controllers come in 12, 24 and 48 volts. Amperage ratings can be between one and 60 amps and voltage ratings from six to 60 volts. If you haven’t sized your system yet or calculated your energy needs, we recommend using the Renogy solar power calculator.