Do I need to purchase a battery charge controller to prevent an overcharge? Is it built in?
340761
As far as I can tell, the charging controller is NOT built in to the panel. At only 6 watts, I don't see over-charging a battery unless it is not used from day to day or as late as week to week. However, a small, low cost controller might be a wise investment if you plan to leave the panel charging indefinitely.
340762
Its probably not a bad idea to avoid an overcharge however we do not have one on ours yet. We do not keep ours hooked up all the time for that reason and have not had a problem.
340763
The info in their site says only chargers 12 amps or higher need them. This is only 6.
1553523
It would eventually charge it, I wouldn't leave it on any battery indefinitely though as it has no automatic mechanism that will prevent overcharge.
943266
No it will not overcharge and there is no controller. There is a scientific explanation why its all ok but i cant tell you that.
827820
yes I don't see why it would not work, you should use a charge controller to prevent overcharging
1090211
Yes, but you will need a charge controller with this panel. A charge controller is designed to protect the battery by managing the charge rate.
1796515
Yes you need a controller to charge your battery and prevent overcharging / discharging...Morning Star makes a good one.
1638107
I havent noticed any overcharging issues with mine. It indicates when each battery is fully charged.
412396
When the battery is charging the internal voltage increases. When that voltage reaches a certain preset point, the controller is supposed to shut off charging current. It seems to work that way to prevent overcharging. As far as discharge, there is supposed to be a diode in the circuit that prevents current from leaving the battery but allows current to enter the battery for charging.
1401623
In short, no. The charge controller is always monitoring and regulating the charge between the battery and the panel. If you properly size your system, the miniscule amount of power leached by this charger should never negatively effect your bottom line battery power.
1248020
If there is a charge controller it should all work out of the box. I bought just the solar panel and the controller sold separately. The controller ensures the battery doesn't over charge and blocking diodes make sure the battery doesn't bleed charge at night time. I hope it all works out for you...
222902
Hi! I just read the little manual that came with the charger. It says the charger has Individual Maximum Timer Control for overcharge protection. By the way, I love this charger and think it works very well. Hope that helps! :)
498289
Yes, it will regulate itself to not overcharge the battery. However, I would personally consider an unattended charger to be a fire hazard.
29032
yes it will not overcharge, once it drops below full charge it brings it back up. I have three of these and always leave them in with no problems
1248019
No. You also need a voltage regulator to ensure no overcharging of your battery, or you need to manually monitor charging so you do not ruin your battery. I think the regulator I bought was less than ten dollars and it was all I needed for three panels.
1583920
No, Anything over a 5w panel and you want to run it through a charge controller first. You risk overcharging a battery (which will eventually kill it) if you don't, even 5w is pushing it unless its a 70ah+ size battery and it has a constant small draw from it (Like in a car where electronics are being run even when the car is off)
1316169
No you will need a charge controller such as this one Docooler Solar Charge Controller Solar Panel Battery Regulator Safe Protection (10A) There is a overcharge protection circuit within the charge controller. How long it will take depends on how low it is and how much sun is available.
1805616
Not that I have noticed. And the charge rate is so slow that I'm not concerned about overcharging! Hope this helps!