Getting the Most out of Your Solar Power Story and photos by Melanie Cullen
Solar panel charge controllers are selected based on total number of watts of the PV (Photovoltaic) system, battery voltage, and type of PV panel. Te purpose for using a solar panel charge controller is to regulate the power output from the PV panel to the battery to promote optimum battery charging and increase battery life. Without a charge controller, it is possible to overcharge the battery and shorten the life of the battery. Blue Sky Energy, manufactures
a variety of solar panel charge controllers, specializing in MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology. We introduced the first MPPT solar controller to the commercial marketplace in 1998. We hold 2 patents on our MPPT technology. MPPT technology is most useful for PV systems of around100 watts or more due to the fact that MPPT solar controllers will extract more power from a PV array over conventional controllers. A 75 watt panel in a 12 V system will only deliver 53 watts maximum when using a non MPPT controller. An MPPT controller will typically deliver the full 75 watts due to the difference in technology employed. Tis type of controller will cost more than conventional controllers due to the technology and parts involved to manufacture them. RV enthusiasts that like to dry
camp or boondock will find that Solar Boost™ MPPT controllers will provide an advantage in camping since these controllers will deliver more power faster to the battery in a safe and efficient manner. Blue Sky Energy offers the largest variety and price points for MPPT solar controllers with options for adding digital displays. Our SB2000E was our first MPPT controller introduced in 1998 and
includes a built in digital display. Tis product remains a solid performer and a popular product for RV and marine customers. Our next generation technology
solar controllers were developed using our IPN™ (Integrated Power Network) technology . Te advantage of these newer controllers is the additional features we have been able to include. One of the popular features is the addition of an auxiliary output that allows for an additional 2 amp trickle charge to another battery (typically the engine battery). Te products can be networked together (up to 8) on a system to allow for growth in a solar panel system from small to large. Te controllers will support from 350 watts to 540 watts of PV input. Several of our products can accept 24 volt panels and charge 12V batteries. It is generally preferred to keep the PV and battery voltage the same, but there are times when it is necessary to have a controller with this capability. Te IPN network in these controllers allows them to network together by a simple daisy-chain method and allows
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