Also in the Renewable Energy Market, an additional end product being produced is Charge Controllers (Solar Regulators). Some of the manufacturers of these products are also making Inverters as well.
A solar regulator (sometimes referred to as a charge controller) is used in conjunction with a stand alone system, or a grid connect solar power system with a battery bank for backup. For a grid connect system without a battery bank, a solar regulator is not required, just a power inverter.
A solar regulator (charge controller) is a small box situated between the solar panel and the batteries (see picture below). Its role is to control the amount of charge coming from the panel that enters into the battery bank to ensure that it doesn't overcharge the batteries. A regulator can also offer a direct connection to load; i.e. you can run appliances directly from it, bypassing the battery bank; but the batteries will continue to be charged.
PV Solar - System Architecture
- Energy Source (Sun)
- PV Module (Solar Panel)
- Solar Regulator (charge controller)
- Inverter
A charge controller (solar regulator), charge regulator or battery regulator limits the rate at which electric current is added to or drawn from electric batteries. It prevents overcharging and may prevent against over-voltage, which can reduce battery performance or life-span, and may pose a safety risk. It may also prevent completely draining ("deep discharging") a battery, or perform controlled discharges, depending on the battery technology, to protect battery life. The terms "charge controller" or "charge regulator" may refer to either a stand-alone device, or to control circuitry integrated within a battery pack, battery-powered device, or battery recharger.
