<P> Simple charge controllers stop charging a battery when they exceed a set high voltage level, and re-enable charging when battery voltage drops back below that level . Pulse width modulation (PWM) and maximum power point tracker (MPPT) technologies are more electronically sophisticated, adjusting charging rates depending on the battery's level, to allow charging closer to its maximum capacity . </P> <P> A charge controller with MPPT capability frees the system designer from closely matching available PV voltage to battery voltage . Considerable efficiency gains can be achieved, particularly when the PV array is located at some distance from the battery . By way of example, a 150 volt PV array connected to an MPPT charge controller can be used to charge a 24 or 48 volt battery . Higher array voltage means lower array current, so the savings in wiring costs can more than pay for the controller . </P> <P> Charge controllers may also monitor battery temperature to prevent overheating . Some charge controller systems also display data, transmit data to remote displays, and data logging to track electric flow over time . </P> <P> Circuitry that functions as a charge regulator controller may consist of several electrical components, or may be encapsulated in a single microchip, an integrated circuit (IC) usually called a charge controller IC or charge control IC . </P>

What is a charge controller for solar panel