Charge Controller

Solar charge controllers connect your solar panels to your battery or battery bank. Charge controllers monitor battery state of charge and modify the energy produced by the solar panels to charge batteries as quickly and as safely as possible.The most basic units have a single LED power indicator, whereas more advanced units have an LCD display giving a range of system information. Mid range and budget charge controllers use 'pulse wave modulation' (PWM) technology, whereas high end units often use 'maximum power point tracking' (MPPT) to optimise power generation. Whilst many people believe MPPT to be the superior technology, we only recommend MPPT controllers when necessary, i.e. when using panels with a voltage much higher than the charging voltage of the battery(ies)

Please ensure that the total short circuit current rating of your solar panel(s) does not exceed the maximum current rating of your controller. When in doubt, also overestimate current requirements. If you are using our monocrystalline panels, the following quick reference table should help you find the right size controller:

Choosing the correct size cable

It is important to choose the correct size cable when connecting to the mains. The wire has to be the correct size so that it can cope with the power demands of the device. The size stated for cables is given in mm² and this measurement is actually the cross sectional area of the wire inside. The larger that area the higher the current it can carry.

If a cable is used which is too small for the amount of current passing through, it becomes dangerous. This results in the wire overheating and causing a serious safety risk. The table below gives typical values of cable size available plus corresponding current rating and maximum power ratings.

Conductor Size	Current	Maximum power (Watts)
1.0 mm2	10 amps	Up to 2400 Watts
1.25 mm2	13 amps	Up to 3120 Watts
1.5 mm2	15 amps	Up to 3600 Watts
2.5 mm2	20 amps	Up to 4800 Watts
4.0 mm2	25 amps	Up to 6000 Watts