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A solar panel regulator, also known as a controller, will make sure your system is charging properly. A regulator will control the amount of power being delivered to your battery and ensure that it is not undercharging nor overcharging. It can detect how full the battery is and stop it from being overcharged by altering the amount of power directed to it. At Outbax, we have tested our solar panels regulator to make sure they are suitable for camping, caravans, and other outdoor uses. Our staff members are all experienced in outdoor adventures and have tested these to make sure they are up to the job of handling tough Australian conditions.
There are regulators with large LCD display panels so you can quickly check to see if everything is operating at peak efficiency. Many models also offer additional USB ports so you charge your phone, GPS unit, or any electronics that can be connected via a USB charge port. A solar panel regulator will also stop your battery from discharging through the night if you forget to disconnect it. If you need any assistance in choosing the right regulator for your specific set up, then you can call one of our team members during business hours and they’ll be happy to assist with your enquiry. All our regulators are sold with a twelve-month warranty, and a 60-day returns policy.
Shopping online at the Outbax store is the best way to get the exact solar panel regulator you want. The online store is open 24/7 and our staff members are available for help during working hours (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm). All orders are processed within 24 hours, and will be shipped out to you within three to seven days. For your peace of mind, we recommend taking out postal insurance to protect you against any damages that might occur during transportation. As outdoor power specialists, we offer a large range of items to provide you with power no matter how far you are from home. You’ll find everything you need such as foldable solar panels, solar blankets, solar panel cables, lithium batteries (including the popular 100Ah and 200Ah), and even portable generators for cloudy days.
What is a solar panel regulator?
A solar panel regulator is a device that sits in between your solar panels and the circuit load. This load could the batteries that you’re recharging or a device that can operate using direct current (DC). You need a regulator in order to protect your battery from getting an excessive charge, or being charged at the incorrect voltage. Since solar panels are reliant on sunlight to produce energy, there are times that they’re not providing a consistent amount of electricity. During these moments, the regulator can be highly beneficial as it controls the amount of charge being sent to your battery. Additionally, it will stop your battery from overcharging, as it can monitor the health of the battery and slow down the charge rate as the battery nears its full capacity and switch out once it has been fully recharged. The solar panel regulator will also stop your battery from being discharged if you forget to switch the system off overnight.
Most solar panels come with a regulator already attached, but in some cases they may not, especially any panel that is sold for the purposes of extending a current system. When you buy solar panels, it’s always a good idea to check if they have a regulator installed. Even if it does have one installed, it may not offer you extra USB ports, or an easy to read LCD display, and you may wish to upgrade to a better performing model. As all solar systems are designed to be modular in nature, swapping out an old regulator for a more advanced model will not take long.
What size solar panel regulator do I need?
The size of your solar panel regulator will depend on how many watts your current system is operating at. To do this, you’ll need to do a few calculations and follow this simple guide:
- Calculate the combined wattage of your solar power system.
- Work out the nominal voltage system. For panels connected in a parallel setup, the voltage will remain the same. If they are connected in a series, the voltage will increase.
- Determine the maximum power voltage of your system. This should be recorded on your panels or in the instruction sheets that came with it.
- Check the battery charge voltage. This should be marked on your battery
After gathering all of this information, you can perform a calculation to work out which regulator is best for your system. For a MPPT regulator, the formula is:
- Solar system wattage (W) / battery charge voltage (V) = max current (A)
- Maximum power voltage of system = Max solar input voltage (V)
Therefore, your calculation may look something like: 250W/12v = 20.8A
Using this example and working in a system that has a maximum solar input voltage of 18.5V, you’ll want an MPPT regulator that can take more than a 20.8A maximum current, and a maximum solar input voltage of 18.5V. All new additions to any solar power system should be fully tested in a safe environment (where you have access to an additional power source) before you begin to rely on them exclusively. This is just to make sure that everything is working to your specifications.