Build a Solar Charge Controller

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Battery charge in relation to battery voltage.
Battery charge in relation to battery voltage.
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A schematic diagram for building a solar battery charge controller.
A schematic diagram for building a solar battery charge controller.
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Positive of circuit board.
Positive of circuit board.
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Parts layout.
Parts layout.
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Temperature versus battery voltage.
Temperature versus battery voltage.

Solar Charge Controller

Photovoltaics, the process of making electricity from sunlight, is growing in popularity among alternative-energy enthusiasts . . . and for good reasons. In operation, PV panels are absolutely pollution-free (the same can’t be said for their manufacture, of course) and require very little maintenance. What’s more, solar cells are steadily dropping in price and are now competitive with other energy alternatives in many situations.

As is the case with so many of these independent power-generation systems, however, a photovoltaic setup requires some means of energy storage . . . and the most popular medium now is the lead-acid battery. During the day, when sunlight is plentiful, the electricity generated by the PV panel produces chemical changes in the battery cells. Then at night — and during other nonproductive hours — that chemical process can be reversed to retrieve the stored power from the battery.

But charging a lead-acid battery isn’t a simple chore. These sensitive electrical instruments require specialized care: There must be a harmonious relationship between the photovoltaic generator and the storage battery if the system is to perform efficiently and provide the years of service that it’s capable of. 

Battery Charging

  • Published on Mar 1, 1984
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