Solar charge controller, solar charge regulator | FraRon.de | FraRon electronic

Solar charge controller

Go directly to the frequently asked questions

A solar charge controller is always used in motorhomes when the onboard battery is charged via a solar system. Its task is to adjust the output voltage of the solar modules to the respective battery voltage. It also monitors the proper charging of the 12, 24, or 48V batteries.

In the FraRon online shop, you will find high-performance solar charge controllers from various manufacturers such as Victron Energy and Votronic. They are suitable for motorhomes, boats, or stand-alone solar systems that operate with a current between 10 and 200A. We also stock the appropriate cable sets and Fuse elements for installation.

Why you should use a solar charge controller in your motorhome

Solar modules must not be connected directly to the battery in order to avoid damage caused by overcharging. The solar charge controller prevents the battery voltage from rising uncontrollably and at the same time utilizes the full power of the solar system.

The Battery is charged using the set charging characteristic curve. Depending on the model, all solar charge controllers in our range can be set to the respective battery type using a DIP switch, rotary control or conveniently via Bluetooth from a smartphone.

PWM or MPPT – which is better?

Solar charge controllers for mobile and stationary systems work with PWM or MPPT technology. Both types are generally suitable for charging the supply battery with solar energy.

PWM stands for pulse width modulation. PWM solar charge controllers in motorhomes connect the solar modules to the battery, which reduces the module voltage to almost the same level as the battery voltage. Since PWM controllers do not allow the optimal operating point of the solar modules to be utilized, these devices are not as effective as MPPT solar charge controllers, but they do offer a more cost-effective alternative.

When the battery reaches saturation, the actual work of the PWM solar charge controller in motorhomes begins: it disconnects the solar system from the battery like a switch. However, as soon as the battery voltage drops by a few mV, it reconnects the solar module. This regulation takes place several times per second.

MPPT charge controllers are equipped with Maximum Power Point Tracking technology. The controller detects the ideal power point of the photovoltaic modules by scanning the power curve.

Like a DC/DC converter, the MPPT solar charge controller converts the voltage of the solar module to the battery voltage. This process is so effective that MPPT achieves up to 20% more power compared to PWM!

3 tips for buying a solar charge controller

MPPT charge controllers offer better performance and are therefore ideal for use in fall and winter, as well as when the solar modules are not optimally aligned.
In strong sunlight, PWM technology is comparable.
PWM solar charge controllers are cheaper than models with MPPT technology.

It is worth weighing up the better performance and lower price based on your own requirements. You can also ask our team of experts any questions you may have about PWM and MPPT solar charge controllers—they are happy to help!

Important: Good solar RV charge controllers of both types increase battery life and optimize performance and capacity.

Buy motorhome charge controllers online at FraRon

When it comes to high-quality and reliable motorhome electronics, FraRon is your experienced specialist dealer. Order the right solar charge controller from the comfort of your own home and, if required, take advantage of the installation service in our workshop. Do you have any questions? Then get in contact with us right away!

Frequently asked questions about solar charge controllers (FAQ)

What exactly does a solar charge controller do?

A solar charge controller is a device that controls the charging process between solar modules and the battery. It protects the batteries from overcharging and ensures controlled charging by regulating the flow of current accordingly.

Which solar charge controller do I need?

The selection of the appropriate solar charge controller depends on the output of the solar system. The maximum current and voltage of the solar panels as well as the battery system voltage should be taken into account.

How large should the solar charge controller be designed?

The size of the solar charge controller is determined by the maximum power of the solar panels, the type of connection (parallel or series connection) and the system voltage (12V, 24V, etc.).

Example:

350Wp solar system consisting of two solar modules, each with a capacity of 175Wp
Module open-circuit voltage: 27.3V
Module short-circuit current: 6.77A
Series connection of the two modules
Battery system voltage: 12V (final charging voltage: 14.4V)

Formula: ((2 x module voltage) * (module short-circuit current) / end-of-charge voltage
Result: 25.7A
The solar charge controller to be selected must be designed for at least 25.7A current and an open-circuit voltage >57.6V.
The following solar charge controllers are available:

What is the difference between PWM and MPPT charge controllers?

Solar charge controllers generally work with PWM or MPPT technology, both of which are suitable for charging a supply battery with solar energy.

PWM (pulse width modulation) connects the solar module directly to the battery, thereby reducing the module voltage to almost battery voltage. This means that the solar module's optimum operating point is not fully utilized, resulting in lower efficiency. However, PWM controllers are a cost-effective solution. When the battery reaches saturation, the controller briefly disconnects the solar system and reconnects it when the voltage drops slightly – this process is repeated several times per second.

MPPT charge controllers, on the other hand, use maximum power point tracking. They continuously determine the ideal power point of the solar modules and optimally adjust the voltage and current to the battery in a similar way to a DC/DC converter. This allows an MPPT controller to use up to around 20% more solar power than a PWM controller.

In short: PWM is the simple and inexpensive option, while MPPT stands for higher efficiency and maximum energy yield.

When is an MPPT charge controller worthwhile?

An MPPT charge controller is worthwhile in most cases, as it maximises the efficiency of the charging process. An MPPT solar charge controller should be used especially for solar systems on the roof of motorhomes or boats, where the greatest possible amount of energy needs to be generated in the smallest possible space.

Which is better - series connection or parallel connection?

As a rule, series connection is preferable to parallel connection of solar modules. Today's MPPT solar charge controllers have a high input voltage range, which makes series connection possible without any problems.

Advantages:

low cable cross-section required
lower power loss on the cable route
MPPT solar charge controllers start working early because the input voltage at the controller is already high even when light conditions are not yet optimal.

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Why you should use a solar charge controller in your motorhome

PWM or MPPT – which is better?

3 tips for buying a solar charge controller

Buy motorhome charge controllers online at FraRon

Frequently asked questions about solar charge controllers (FAQ)

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