I'm using a budget 12/24v 10 amp blue solar charge controller with a 40v 10 amp solar panel and a 12v 100Ah car battery. The issue is that the charge controller seems to overcharge the battery—after connecting to the solar panel, the voltage rises to 15-16 volts after about 10 minutes, which doesn't seem right. I'm wondering if I should invest in a new controller (any recommendations?) or if I should try building a charge regulator myself. I have plenty of electronic components at my disposal and decent electronics skills, so I'm open to any schematics or suggestions!
3 Answers
You didn’t specify the battery chemistry or the model of your solar charge controller. How are you adjusting it? Maybe sharing a photo of your setup could help diagnose the problem further.
Just check if your charge controller is set for lead-acid and not lithium. Honestly, it sounds like the controller you have might just be low quality. If you're on a budget, it’s worth looking in local marketplaces for a better MPPT controller that isn’t overly expensive—people often sell small ones after upgrading!
Yeah, it's definitely one of the cheaper models. I got it for just about 5 or 6 euros, so I thought it was worth a shot. Thanks for the tip about looking into MPPT controllers on the used market!
Make sure your charge controller is set for the correct battery type. If it's configured properly but still overcharging, it might be time to ditch it. If you do decide to buy a new one, I recommend checking out the Victron 75/15 as a solid option.
You're right, it's set for my battery type but still overcharging. I’ll definitely look into that Victron option but want to hear more opinions.
I mentioned it’s a 12v 100Ah car battery, and from what I understand, most batteries like that are lead-acid.