Performance of battery charge controllers: first year test report

The results of the first year of an evaluation of charge controllers for stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems are presented. The objectives of the test program are to positively influence the development of battery charge controllers for stand-alone PV applications and to develop design and application criteria that will improve PV system reliability and battery performance. Future goals are to expand the evaluation program to include various battery technologies and controller algorithms. Eight different models of small (nominal 10 amp) charge controllers are being subjected to a comprehensive evaluation. Data presented include measured electrical characteristics of the controllers, temperature effects on set points, and operational performance in PV systems both in the lab and in the field