Portable solar panels work by capturing sunlight and converting it into useful electricity through a device called a charge controller or regulator. This controller is then connected to the battery, keeping it charged.

What is a solar regulator?

Solar regulators ensure that the power generated by the solar panels is intelligently transferred to the battery in a manner appropriate to 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 procedures 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 procedure for your battery type.

A good solar regulator will include extensive electronic protection circuitry 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 regulators 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 that 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 as the voltage from the panel is lowered to match that of the battery. However, in the case of portable camping solar panels, the practical effect is minimal, since in most cases the maximum voltage of the panel is only around 18V (and decreases as the panel heats up), and the battery voltage is usually at 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 benefit of a PWM regulator over its MPPT counterpart is less weight and greater reliability which is a key consideration when camping for extended periods of time or in remote areas where repairs may not be easily accessible and may be hard to find Alternative regulator.

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

Maximum Power Point Tracking MPPT, the regulator has the ability to convert excess voltage into excess current under the right conditions.

An MPPT controller will constantly monitor the panel's voltage, which is constantly changing based on factors such as the panel's heat, weather conditions, and the position of the sun. It calculates (tracks) the best combination of voltage and current using the full voltage of the panel, and then steps down the voltage to match the charging voltage of the battery so that additional current can be supplied to the battery (remember power = voltage x current).

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

The disadvantage of MPPT controllers compared to PWM controllers is that they are heavier and generally less reliable. For this reason, and the fact that they have minimal impact on the power input, you don't see them used in solar packs very often.

Portable Solar Panel Supplier - AES PV Technology

AES PV Technology Co., Ltd. is one of the earliest manufacturers for small solar panels and has been devoted to the production of solar panels and mounting structures from 2008. We are one of the pioneers for small solar panels and its solar applications. AES PV Technology Co., Ltd., focusing on the development of smart cities, focusing on 3W~365W solar panels and have been developing higher efficient 545W to 700W solar panels with HJT, Top con and Shingled technologies. If you want to know more about solar panels, please contact us - AES PV Technology Co., Ltd.