Sunforce 7 Amp Charge Controller
The Sunforce 60012 7 Amp Charge Controller prevents overcharging of 12-volt batteries. It is intended for use with 12-volt solar panels, and can handle up to 7 amps of array current and up to 100 watts of solar power. The controller is easy to use with a charging light that indicates that your battery is charging, and a green light that indicates a fully charged battery. The 60012 measures 4 x 1 x 2.5 inches (WxHxD) and weighs one pound.
Product Features
* Charge controller prevents overcharging of 12-volt batteries
* Intended for use with 12-volt solar panels
* Handles up to 7 amps of array current and up to 100 watts of solar power
* Charging light indicates the battery is charging, and a green light indicates a fully charged battery
* Measures 4 x 1 x 2.5 inches (WxHxD) and weighs one pound
Customer feedback:
A. Good: Product works as advertised. Amazingly “regulates” the voltage to the required amount so as not to overcharge the battery. Beware though, in order to test the actual output voltage, you must apply a load on the battery end of the controller BEFORE. Failing this, the output can register volts as high as 20 volts !!! Apparently applying an actual load causes the controller to output the correct voltage range – lucky me, cause I bought 4 units ! The LEDS alternately flickers (fast for good voltage input and slow for low to no voltage on solar panel). The manual did NOT state the order of LED flashes.
(1) Fast LED flashes – good voltage/current
(2) Slow LED flashes – low/no voltage/current
(3) steady Green – fully charged
(4) steady amber – possible no load OR really low voltage/current
B. I have this unit connect to two automotive 12V batteries with three 15W panels connect to it. So far the charger works as advertised by preventing battery drain when the sun goes down and charging while the panels are producing at least 13 volts. It is pretty much an install and forget item. Additionally I have those same two batteries tied into one of my trucks 12V power points so that the batteries charge when the vehicle is running by way of the alternator. Even with this double charging set up, the charge controller appears unphased and shows a charge light in the daytime and has on two occasions indicated a fully charged green light.