What is a solar conditioner?

What is a solar conditioner?

The solar conditioner ensures that the electricity generated by the solar panel is intelligently transferred to the battery in a way suitable for the battery chemistry and charge level. A good regulator will have a multi-stage charging algorithm (usually 5 or 6 stages) and provide different programs for different types of batteries. Modern, high-quality regulators will include specific programs for Lithium batteries, while many older or cheaper models will be limited to AGM, Gel and Wet batteries. It is important that you use the correct program for your battery type.

A good quality solar regulator will include a number of electronic protection circuits to protect the battery, including reverse polarity protection, short circuit protection, reverse current protection, overcharge protection, transient overvoltage protection, and overtemperature protection.

Types of Solar Regulators

There are two main types of solar conditioners available for portable solar panels. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). They all have their own advantages and disadvantages, which means each is suitable for different camping situations.

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), the regulator has a direct connection between the solar panel and the battery, and uses a “fast switching” mechanism to regulate the charge flowing into the battery. The switch remains fully open until the battery reaches the sink voltage, at which point the switch begins to open and close hundreds of times per second to reduce the current while keeping the voltage constant.

In theory, this type of connection reduces the effectiveness of the solar panel because the panel’s voltage is lowered to match the battery’s voltage. However, in the case of portable camping solar panels, the practical effect is minimal, as in most cases the panel’s maximum voltage is only around 18V (and decreases as the panel heats up), while the battery voltage is usually between Between 12-13V (AGM) or 13-14.5V (Lithium).

Despite the small loss in efficiency, PWM regulators are generally considered a better choice for pairing with portable solar panels. The benefits of PWM regulators compared to their MPPT counterparts are lower weight and greater reliability, which are key considerations when camping for extended periods of time or in remote areas where service may not be easily accessible and may be difficult to find Alternative regulator.

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

Maximum power point tracking MPPT, the regulator has the ability to convert excess voltage into additional current under the right conditions.

An MPPT controller will constantly monitor the panel’s voltage, which is constantly changing based on factors such as panel heat, weather conditions and the position of the sun. It uses the full voltage of the panel to calculate (track) the best combination of voltage and current, then reduces the voltage to match the charging voltage of the battery so it can supply additional current to the battery (remember power = voltage x current).

But there is an important caveat that reduces the practical effect of MPPT controllers for portable solar panels. To get any real benefit from the MPPT controller, the voltage on the panel should be at least 4-5 volts higher than the battery’s charge voltage. Given that most portable solar panels have a max voltage of around 18-20V, which can drop to 15-17V when they get hot, while most AGM batteries are between 12-13V and most lithium batteries between 13-14.5V During this time, the voltage difference is not enough for the MPPT function to have a real effect on the charging current.

Compared with PWM controllers, MPPT controllers have the disadvantage of being heavier in weight and generally less reliable. For this reason, and their minimal impact on power input, you won’t often see them used in solar foldable bags.