Which Type of 12 Volt Solar Charger Is Best?

For individuals who are interested in saving money and reducing emissions and reliance on energy from overseas, a 12 volt solar charger is a surprisingly simple and convenient choice. Read on to find out more about different kinds of solar battery chargers, including how to put one together for yourself.

In the most basic terms, a battery charger may be nothing more than a power supply that sends electricity of a given voltage to a battery. Just slot the battery in, wait until it’s completely charged, and then disconnect it. A 15-18 volt power supply can be used to charge a 12 volt battery. The drawback to this system’s simplicity, though, is that it’s easy to overcharge the battery.

When overcharged, a battery’s life is likely to decrease. A badly overcharged 12 volt battery can even lose its ability to hold a charge. However, you can use a charge controller, which will make sure that the necessary voltage is used and prevent the battery from being overcharged. If you’re using a 12 volt solar charger, you’ll probably want to be able to leave it connected all day while the sun is shining, in which case a charge controller is a necessity.

For 12 volt batteries, the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) type of charge controller is the most common one. A PWM charge controller functions by, in a sense, flipping a switch on and off very quickly. At first, the switch stays “on” more. As power is transferred to the battery, the amount of time the switch spends deactivated increases, until the battery is fully charged, and then the switch will remain off permanently. In this kind of charge controller, a microprocessor chip typically performs the task of monitoring and controlling the charging process. Since it only transfers power to the battery when energy is needed, a PWM charge controller can be left plugged into a battery indefinitely. When you have a battery that you might not necessarily use all the time, you can take make use of this type of “trickle charging” in order to ensure that the battery is fully charged and ready whenever you need it. So, if you’re using a 12 volt solar charger, this feature will let you leave a battery plugged in throughout the day. This is a handy way of keeping the 12 volt battery for, for example, a boat or an RV charged.

With these basic parts, you can make a 12 volt solar charger. The source of the energy itself is the only thing that makes a 12 volt solar charger different. Solar battery chargers generate power with the use of a solar panel rather than through a wall outlet.  Many people are now building their own DIY solar panels.  You can get more info by taking a look at DIY Solar Panel.

For the typical solar panels used on buildings, the solar cells are usually about half a volt and three to four amps. If you’re using this type of cell, it will be necessary to connect many of them to generate the 15-18 volts needed to charge a 12 volt battery. Small solar panels do come in several different voltages. It’s necessary to match the voltage of the solar panel to your charge controller. On each charge controller, you’ll see a voltage rating, which tells you the correct voltage. A solar panel of 15-18 volts is usually the best choice if you’re unable to use a charge controller for whatever reason. However, if you are using a charge controller, it’s important to use the indicated voltage.  GreenDIYEnergy is the best guide to building your own 12 volt solar charger.  To read my article about it, visit GreenDIYEnergy Review.

The method for wiring the solar panel to the charge controller is contingent upon certain factors within the controller. Usually, it’s possible to solder the same style of connector onto the solar panel that you have on your charge controller. If you can’t use a charge controller, you can do so with the same type of connector that’s on the battery. With respect to clamps, the spring loaded type work well with larger 12 volt batteries. You do have the choice of using electrical tape as an alternative to soldering, but soldering is a longer-lasting solution, and, in this case, it’s a very quick procedure. You’ll only need a decent soldering iron and solder, which you can get cheap at lots of places including Radio Shack. First, twist the wires together.  Then, apply the soldering iron to the wires.  Finally, touch the solder to the wires until it melts. You just need to be sure not to burn yourself, and to heat the wires, not the solder, with the soldering iron – the solder is then melted by the heated wires.  Another guide to building your own 12v solar charger that I recommend is Homemade Energy.  For more information, check out Homemade Energy Review.

It’s really as easy as that! Building a 12 volt solar charger is a quick procedure too. First, you’ll have to get a 12 volt battery. Then, you’ll need a charge controller with the same voltage as the battery. Next, you’ll need a solar panel that also outputs the appropriate voltage for the charge controller – you can build one, or buy one. Then, you just need to connect the solar panel to the charge controller, then connect the charge controller to the battery as outlined. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have permanent, free power! This will lower your energy bill, cut pollution, and let you do your part in reducing dependence on foreign oil.

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