Solar Controller and Load

[chrisski]

Do I need to hook a Load to a 60A Solar Controller? The specific model I have is a "Temank Solar Charge Controller 60A 12V/24V Auto, PWM Solar Regulator 60 amp Max Input 720W-1440W

I have the controller hooked to a 12V Deep Cycle RV Lead Acid battery, and the controller also hooked to a 100W solar Panel. There is also a hook up for load, but the only instructions say don't run high load draws off it like a Inverter. Intent of this system is to run a 400W inverter for a few minutes at a time.

I have done some research on this. Nothing is in the owners manual about having to put a load, and the little I dig from the corners of the web says to only use it on things you to hook to where it will get shut off at a low battery voltage and turned on when the voltage is higher, so most off gridders will never find a reason to use that.

[bob-n]

I doubt that you need a load for that charge controller. If panels generate electricity and nobody uses it, it won't blow up anything. If you're really paranoid, you can ask the manufacturer: support@temank.com

[chrisski]

I doubt that you need a load for that charge controller. If panels generate electricity and nobody uses it, it won't blow up anything. If you're really paranoid, you can ask the manufacturer: support@temank.com

I appreciate the response. I did not have that E-Mail address on the manual or box I was given so thanks. I'm calling this project a solar generator, but I'm really putting it together for lessons learned form my next step a 720 Watt Solar System for the RV. I also have noticed in some of the YouTube videos I watched today, that this Load Port, if the controller has it is not hooked up.

[Mike90250]

Generally, the LOAD terminals are for a low wattage load, that the controller can switch off if the batteries get dangerously low. Inverters usually have their own Low Voltage Disconnect, so you would not need to put them on the load terminals

[ewarnerusa]

Hook your inverter up to the battery, not to the controller load output.