A basic rundown of how a 12 volt solar battery charging system works.

Solar does have the ability to run 12v electronics by themselves but a much better alternative is to use a battery or batteries to store the electrical energy. By storing this energy in a battery the system will take more

Zamp Solar 450 Watt Wiring Diagram

advantage of solar energy input and the output energy for devices can be better controlled.

Solar panels come in several different shapes, sizes, electrical configuration, efficiency’s, etc. Solar panels collect sunlight and convert it into usable direct current (DC) electrical energy. This energy is then fed either directly into the battery, or a solar charge controller.

On large solar systems that are used to charge a battery bank, a solar charge controller is essential for best battery health, maintenance and function. When maintaining a battery a solar charge controller isn’t always a necessity.

After the current is directed through a solar charge controller the energy is regulated and sent to the battery. The battery stores this energy and is used to power electrical devices.

A simple but effective way to charge batteries using clean, green energy from the sun.