BUILD AN INEXPENSIVE 12 VOLT/12 AMP MODERN DIGITAL SOLAR

摘要

Several readers have asked the Nuts & Volts staff to come up with an inexpensive solar controller kit for charging 12 volt lead-acid batteries. So, I decided to tackle the project. One of the first things I do when I design something is ask for specifications of what is needed. The specifications for this project (given by one of the readers) were to control the charging of lead-acid batteries up to 12 amps using solar cells. He wanted the unit to start charging if the battery voltage went below 13.5 volts, and then turn the charging off when it reached 14.25 volts. This project is very inexpensive and fits onto a heatsink that is mountable. Since the voltage is low, there is no danger of shock. It is simple to build, ideal for the novice, and no special tools are needed other than a soldering iron and a 9/64" drill.