How does a solar regulator work?
There a different types of regulators. The less sophisticated types are basically switches, stopping current flow to the battery above a certain voltage and permitting flow when the voltage has dropped to a lower level after usage. The more sophisticated types adjust the charge current and voltage depending on the state of battery charge. When the battery is low the regulator allows a substantial flow of current, as the battery nears a fully charged state the regulator restricts the flow to just a trickle. Once the battery is fully charged the regulator stops the current flow until the battery charge decreases due to use and the regulator permits a certain level of charge current to flow again, and so on, in a continual cycle. The Prostar solar regulators are an excellent example of this technology, even the Projecta solar regulators have a float charge capability but lack the intelligence of the Prostars.
