A charge controller’s primary purposes are to increase charging efficiency and improve battery lifespan. A traditional solar charge controller improves battery life by disconnecting the solar panel from the battery to prevent overcharging and disconnecting the battery from the load to prevent over-discharging. Advanced charge controllers increase charging efficiency with an MPPT algorithmand a digitally controlled DC/DC converter. In order to reach maximum efficiency the MPPT algorithmmust control the DC/DC converter’s output based on the:
- Solar panel’s maximum power point
- Battery type
- Battery’s current state of charge