Design of an efficient cost-effective solar charge controller for solar photovoltaic system.

Abstract

The aim of this project is to design and construct a solar charge controller, using mostly discrete components. The charge controller varies its output to a step of 12V; for a battery of 200Ah rating. The design consists of four stages which include current booster, battery level indicator, battery charge controller and power supply unit. The designed system is very functional, durable, economical, and realizable using locally sourced and affordable components. This work is a prototype of a commercial solar charge controller with protection systems that will prevent damages to the battery associated with unregulated charging and discharging mechanisms