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Solar Electric Charge Controller Questions & Answers
Q, Can you tell me how do I know if my Solar Power Charge Controller is working or not?
A, Solar chargers are state-of-the-art built and tested. If the LEDs are on, then it is most probably working. To know for sure you must use a DC multimeter. When the indicator light shows to be
charging, the controller has connected the solar module to the battery. The voltage measured at
the output terminals must be under 14.4 volts, and the solar module at the input must be a little
higher than the battery voltage. Disconnect and reconnect the solar panel while watchingt the
voltage change.
Q, Can I connect more than one solar module to my charger?
A, Yes, you can connect more than one solar module as long as it is in parallel (+ to + and - to -).
The current from each module will combine. The total sum of the solar power input voltage and
amps must not exceed the limits of your controller unit. Always read the charger's instructions.
Q, Can more than one battery be connected at the controller output?
A, Yes, as long as the batteries are connected in a voltage for which the charge controller is made.
Q, Why does the controller have to be placed close to the battery?
A, The shorter the cables the less voltage loss, By placing the controller near the battery, you will
reduce the cost of your system by shorter cables. It is also recommended that you fuse any wire to
or from the batteries or charge controller. Always consult local electrical codes.
Q, Can I test the charging unit by hooking up a solar panel and reading the voltage at the battery terminals?
A, No. A battery will have to be connected to the circuit.
Q, Will the controller work with dead batteries?
A, If the battery is really dead you should replace it. The life of your battery depends on how deep
you discharge the batteries.
Q, Will the charge controllers discharge the battery at night?
A, No, Little power will feed back and would take months before a noticeable discharge would
be seen.
A, Solar chargers are state-of-the-art built and tested. If the LEDs are on, then it is most probably working. To know for sure you must use a DC multimeter. When the indicator light shows to be
charging, the controller has connected the solar module to the battery. The voltage measured at
the output terminals must be under 14.4 volts, and the solar module at the input must be a little
higher than the battery voltage. Disconnect and reconnect the solar panel while watchingt the
voltage change.
Q, Can I connect more than one solar module to my charger?
A, Yes, you can connect more than one solar module as long as it is in parallel (+ to + and - to -).
The current from each module will combine. The total sum of the solar power input voltage and
amps must not exceed the limits of your controller unit. Always read the charger's instructions.
Q, Can more than one battery be connected at the controller output?
A, Yes, as long as the batteries are connected in a voltage for which the charge controller is made.
Q, Why does the controller have to be placed close to the battery?
A, The shorter the cables the less voltage loss, By placing the controller near the battery, you will
reduce the cost of your system by shorter cables. It is also recommended that you fuse any wire to
or from the batteries or charge controller. Always consult local electrical codes.
Q, Can I test the charging unit by hooking up a solar panel and reading the voltage at the battery terminals?
A, No. A battery will have to be connected to the circuit.
Q, Will the controller work with dead batteries?
A, If the battery is really dead you should replace it. The life of your battery depends on how deep
you discharge the batteries.
Q, Will the charge controllers discharge the battery at night?
A, No, Little power will feed back and would take months before a noticeable discharge would
be seen.