A solar charge controller regulates the voltage and current or amperage coming from the solar panels going to the battery and prevents the solar panel from overcharging the battery.

A charge controller is the layer of protection for your solar system. Charge controllers are designed to protect the battery from overcharging and to prevent reverse current to panels during the night. They also regulate the voltage that comes from the solar panel which can vary with the sun conditions and may peak as high as 26 volts for a 12-volt nominal output solar panel. The solar charge controller manages the charging of your 12V battery. Once the battery is full the solar charge controller stops the respective solar panel from overcharging your 12V battery and prevents reverse current. When the charge of the battery goes down, i.e. voltage goes down, the charge controller will sense this and allow the solar panel to recharge the battery.

A solar charge controller is needed when you have 15 Watts of solar energy or more.

No, solar systems are designed to be permanently installed.

Yes, each solar charge controller has a blocking diode installed within the wiring to prevent reverse current.

The 30-amp solar charge controller has a maximum input of 450 Watts from a solar array. The 30-amp solar charge controller is designed for a 12-volt system only. 12-volt nominal output solar panels should be connected in parallel to keep the voltage at 12 volts.

The 6 LED lights indicate charging status and battery conditions. These functions are described below: Solar Power Indication (POWER LED-red) ON: Indicates solar panels have proper connection and solar power source supplied. OFF: No power available or insufficient voltage to active charge controller. Charging status (“CHARGING” LED-blue; “CHARGE COMPLETE” LED-green) CHARGING LED: ON indicates the battery is charging, virtually all the power from the solar array pass through to the battery. OFF indicates the solar panel voltage is too low (insufficient daylight). CHARGE COMPLETE LED: ON indicates full charge reached, a small “FLOAT” charge continues to optimize battery when needed. OFF indicates the full charge has not been completely reached. Battery conditions GOOD LED: ON indicates the battery voltage is over 12.5V, usually indicates when the unit is charging. FAIR LED: ON indicates the battery voltage is between 11.5 to 12.5V and needs charging. LOW LED: ON indicates the battery voltage is under 11.5V and needs charging. The LOW LED will be blinking if battery is not connected to the unit.

Yes, this charge controller comes with a 1-year limited warranty.