Wind & Solar Charge Controllers

Wind and solar energy systems often require the use of charge controllers.

Solar and wind energy are increasingly viable options for supplemental or replacement power for homes and businesses. Charge controllers are important components in these alternative energy systems.

Battery Function

Sometimes the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow. Because solar and wind power offer intermittent energy, batteries are typically used to store excess energy for times of poor energy output.

Charge Controller Function

Batteries are only designed to absorb a certain amount of charge, and overcharging them can cause damage. Solar panels and wind turbines frequently produce higher charges than their battery banks can handle. Controllers protect batteries by opening, diverting or shunting generator circuits.

Considerations

The charge controller you use must match the capacity of your battery bank. For this reason, if you are using both wind and solar power, you can't use a single charge controller for both systems. Most solar panels generate 12 to 18 volts, and require charge controllers with a maximum capacity of 20 volts. Most wind turbines can generate as many as 100 volts.

References

• TG Windpower Products: Charge Controllers for Wind Power
• Northern Arizona Wind and Sun: Solar Electric Charge Controllers