Choosing the right solar charge controller in Kenya within minutes.

Getting a solar charge controller should be a pretty straight forward over the counter transaction.

"just like grabbing a burger"

However. it is easy to get lost in the jargon most engineers love to use such as PWM, MPPT, reverse circuit protection, et al.

This article will shed some light on the different types of solar charge controllers available in Kenya today, their affordability and of course some other factors you might want to consider before the BIG purchase.

Solar charge controllers are used in most solar power systems that use batteries. They regulate power as it moves from the solar panels to your battery. A proper one should protect the battery from overcharging or over-discharging

Where it ALL BEGAN

The simplest controllers monitor the battery voltage by opening and closing the circuit at different voltage levels.

Early controllers accomplished this via a mechanical relay.

The PWM solar charge controller

Eventually PWM (PULSE WAVE MODULATION) solar charge controllers hit the market promising longer battery life achieved through a gradual reduction of the power from the solar panels as the battery approaches maximum voltage.

Apparently, this reduces 'stress' on the battery making sure it lives to a pensionable age

(who knew even batteries get stressed sometimes)

PWM controllers also introduced the concept of FLOATING CHARGE or keeping the battery fully charged for as long as you please.

"Another feature that ensures your batteries live to senility."

Compared to the early types they are more durable because they don't have breakable or mechanical parts.

The MPPT solar charge controller

MPPT or Maximum Power Point Tracking is the latest technological advancement in the field of solar charge controllers in Kenya today.

As you may be aware, most solar modules produce more voltage than required for charging the battery. The MPPT controller has the ability to convert the surplus voltage into amperes which in turn optimizes the charging voltage reducing charging time considerably.

MPPT controllers ensure the highest possible level of efficiency in your solar power system.

MPPT controllers are more efficient than their PWM counterparts, this is because they maintain relatively high voltages even in lowly lit conditions taking full advantage of your solar modules.

In regards to price, MPPT charge controllers cost a little more than PWM due to their advanced features.

These are some other features that my customers find interesting in modern controllers such as:

• Dual USB ports to enable you to charge your phones.

• A humanized LCD display to monitor the parameters of your solar power system in real-time. The display indicates the voltage of the battery, room temperature, the load, etc.

• Reverse circuit protection and thermal protection,

• durable housing.

• Look out for genuine manufacturers warranties while purchasing electronics such as solar charge controllers.

In conclusion. Consider this article as a general overview of the different types of charge controllers to enable you to make an enlightened decision while choosing the right solar charge controller in Kenya today.

I hope we all agree on the important role played by solar charge controllers whether it is bringing the best out of your solar modules or prolonging the life of your valuable battery.

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I DONT consider myself a guru yet when it comes renewable energy but I have sold and installed solar energy systems for the last two years. The journey has been both challenging and interesting, Join me as we explore various products in the renewable energy line.