Solar Array Charge Controllers
Solar charge controllers or regulators are recommended to avoid battery damage from overcharging or deep discharge. The Steca range of regulators are designed for simplicity of installation and can be used with gel, AGM (absorbed glass matt), sealed and non-sealed lead acid batteries. They should be protected from the weather and located within 1.5m run of cable from the battery bank.
Q. Do I need to fit a regulator?
A. Yes, we recommend a regulator if working over our recommended minimum ratio of 10W of solar panel to 100Ah battery capacity.
Q. How do I calculate the Amp rating of the regulator needed?
A. Employ the physics equation of Amps x Volts = Watts (AxV=W). Therefore an 80W solar panel charging a 12V battery should be regulated using a solar regulator rated 6.7A or more.
(Photos for illustration only and their size is not relative to each other)
Regulator Specifications
Solsum and PR Range Product Features:
Diode protection to prevent reverse current from the solar panel in darkness
Efficient PWM regulation (pulse width modulation)
LED System Indicators
Low voltage disconnect feature to maximum load current rating of the model
Temperature compensation for accurate voltage sensing
Reverse polarity protection
Automatic system voltage detection for 12V or 24V systems
PR Range and Tarom incorporate a microprocessor giving the following additional features:
Digital display of battery volts or state of charge
Digital display of charge and load currents
Digital display of accumulated ampere hours charged and drawn
| Regulator Model |
Order Code |
Maximum
Solar Panel Rating: |
Dimensions
(mm) |
Weight
(grams) |
| 12 Volt |
24 Volt |
| Solsum 6.6 |
MLRECA1132 |
72W or 6A |
146W or 6A |
85x98x34 |
110 |
| Solsum 8.8 |
MLRECA1133 |
96W or 8A |
192W or 8A |
85x98x34 |
110 |
| PR1010 |
MLRECA1137 |
120W or 10A |
240W or 10A |
187x44x96 |
350 |
| PR1515 |
MLRECA1134 |
180W or 15A |
360W or 15A |
187x44x96 |
350 |
| PR2020 |
MLRECA1135 |
240W or 20A |
480W or 20A |
187x44x96 |
350 |
| PR3030 |
MLRECA1136 |
360W or 30A |
720W or 30A |
187x44x96 |
350 |
| Tarom 45 |
MLRECA1131 |
540W or 45A |
1080W or 45A |
188x128x49 |
400 |
Junction Box Mounted Regulator
The SRX6/12 solar regulator is designed to be mounted in the junction box of the BP Solar framed solar panels up to 65W thereby giving a regulated output directly from the solar panel. Ideal for professional applications where only simple voltage regulation is required. Solarstate SRX6/12 Part No:
MLRECA1109
Solar Panel Blocking Diodes
A blocking diode is fitted to ensure the correct flow of current and should be fitted when either no regulator is used or more than one solar panel is connected in parallel. The diode fits directly into the junction box of framed solar panels and via a connector block (supplied) for Lite type solar panels.
Schottky Diode 8A Part No: MLRECA913012 Schottky Diode Kit 5A Part No:
MLRECA1101.
