Is the use of a charge controller in a photovoltaic installation necessary? In what cases can the charge controller be avoided?
The primary function of a charge controller in a photovoltaic system is to protect the battery form overcharges or overdischarges. Almost all installations require a charge controller. Systems without charge controllers will reduce the battery life and the load availability. Systems with small, predictable and continuous loads can be designed to operate without charge controller. If the system has an over-sized battery and the discharge regimen will never go below the critical depth of discharge of the battery, the charge controller can be avoided.
