Outback Controller

     The basic functions of a controller are quite simple. Charge controllers block reverse current and prevent battery overcharge. Some controllers also prevent battery over discharge, protect from electrical overload, and/or display battery status and the flow of power. Battery charging is so important that some manufacturers of quality batteries suggest requirements for voltage regulation, temperature compensation, and low voltage disconnect. If these requirements are not respected failure after less than one quarter of the normal life expectancy is common regardless of their cost. A good charge controller is not expensive compared to the cost of a power system.

     The Outback is the most advanced solar charge controller currently on the market with an emphasis on performance, reliability, and application flexibility. Outback Power Systems only makes one charge controller the MX60. It has a 60 amp output capacity and all you have to do is set your battery voltage (12, 24 or 48V) and it will automatically detect your nominal array voltage of 12, 24, 48 or 60 VDC and find the maximum power point to start charging. It has a 5 charging modes (bulk, absorption, float, silent and equalization) and has fully programmable voltage and time setpoints using the 4 "soft keys" below the digital display. It's 4 line by 80 character display shows a wealth of information including battery voltage, array voltage, array amperage (in & out), cumulative amp-hours and charging mode. The MX60 has a peak power conversion efficiency of 99% and consumes only 1 watt of power for its own operation. It can be connected to the Outback HUB/MATE system controller/manager where it can be monitored remotely along with other Outback controllers and inverters. The MATE also features an RS-232 port which allows you to connect the MX60 to your personal computer for data logging and remote system monitoring. The MX60 is indoor rated and has several knockouts on the bottom, sides and back. It comes standard with a 2 year warranty on parts and labor.
 

  
Xantrex Controller
    
     Also shown is the Xantrex for systems not demanding the performance of the higher amperage systems. A charge controller is an essential part of nearly all power systems that charge batteries, whether the power source is PV, wind, hydro, fuel, or utility grid. Its purpose is to keep your batteries properly charged and safe for the long term. Some controllers also prevent battery over discharge, protect from electrical overload, and/or display battery status and the flow of power. Battery charging is so important that some manufacturers of quality batteries suggest requirements for voltage regulation, temperature compensation, and low voltage disconnect. If these requirements are not respected failure after less than one quarter of the normal life expectancy is common regardless of their cost. A good charge controller is not expensive compared to the cost of a power system. All of the charge controllers from Xantrex feature a 3-stage PWM charging algorithm which is a big step up from the older relay style controllers. The C12 is a small 12V/12A unit that is unique in that it can operate as a charge controller and 12VDC load controller at the same time (something most other controllers can't do). The C12 also has a built-in automatic lighting control circuit that will turn a 12VDC light on at dusk and run it for a user adjustable time period or from dusk-to-dawn if there is enough energy stored in the battery bank. Add to this the fact that the C12 has user adjustable voltage set points, a tri-color system status LED, battery temperature sensor option and it is outdoor rated and you have a very versatile 12V charge/load/light controller.