Selecting the topology
Steca solar charge controllers are available as professional hybrid-shunt controllers, serial charge controllers or MPP trackers. A suitable topology should be selected depending on the requirements of the application.
Switch charge controllers such as shunt and serial charge controllers can only be used on 12 V systems in connection with 36-cell solar modules. On 24 V or 48 V systems, two 36-cell solar modules (24 V) or two 72-cell solar modules (48 V) must be wired serially as a string.
Serial charge controllers are well suited to small applications and solar home systems. Shunt controllers are recommended for larger-scale applications and hybrid systems, as these have a lower power loss during charging.
Due to their good electromagnetic compatibility, shunt controllers are also recommended for use in telecommunication applications.
A solar charge controller with MPP tracking must be used when solar modules which are not comprised of 36 or 72 cells are used. These include most optimised solar modules for grid-connected systems and all thin-film modules.
The use of an MPP tracker is also increasingly recommended depending on the coldness of the average annual temperature and importance of efficient charging at low battery charges (even when standard 36-cell modules are used).
Dimensioning the solar charge controller
The short-circuit current (Isc) of the solar module is decisive when dimensioning solar charge controllers (under standard test conditions). Steca recommends always dimensioning the solar charge controller generously. The rated current on the solar charge controller should be approximately 20% higher than the total short-circuit current on all connected solar modules.
Two criteria are decisive on charge controllers with MPP tracking: Firstly, the total output of all connected solar modules (in Wp) must not exceed the maximum input power of the solar charge controller. Secondly, the open circuit voltage (Uoc) on all solar modules (also series-connected) must not exceed the maximum input voltage of the solar charge controller under any circumstances. Care must be taken here, especially due to the temperature dependence of the open circuit voltage on the solar modules. This voltage increases as the temperature decreases. Based on the lowest temperature which occurs during the application, the open circuit voltage of the solar module must be calculated using the temperature coefficients from the module data sheet. The maximum input voltage of the solar charge controller must be higher than this voltage.
User interface
If the solar charge controller is used in an application where persons have access to the system, it is important that the controller is equipped with a large LCD screen for displaying the operating statuses using symbols. The solar charge controller should be equipped with an integrated energy meter for notifying the user of the system and its operation.
On pure technical systems (such as night-light systems), a solar charge controller with a simple LED display is sufficient.
Cables and design
In order to ensure a long service life, it is important to use a robust solar charge controller with short, thick cables for connecting it to the battery. The device should always be screwed to a non-flammable wall directly above the battery. It is important that there is enough free space around the solar charge controller so that it can be cooled sufficiently by the ambient air. The guidelines in the instruction manuals must be adhered to in all cases.
Additional functions
It makes sense to use solar charge controllers with additional functions in applications with stand-alone inverters or hybrid systems. The possibility of connecting to the stand-alone inverters for communication and synchronisation of the devices is a requirement for effective inverter systems or hybrid systems. Special energy management functions remain of key importance on hybrid systems.