How does my Availed solar engine charge the battery(s)?
How the solar panel and integrated solar charge controller work together to keep your Availed system battery(s) charged and running.
How it works
Every Availed solar engine contains three things that work together automatically: a solar panel that collects sunlight, an integrated solar charge controller that manages the charging process, and a sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery that stores the energy. No manual input is needed — as long as the solar panel has an unobstructed view of the sun, the system charges itself continuously, including while the device is operating.
ℹ The solar engine starts operating the moment the battery is connected. There is no on/off switch on any Availed solar engine. The system is always on when the battery is connected — cover the solar panel before opening the enclosure if you need to work on the wiring, or disconnect the battery(s).
The solar panel
The solar panel is mounted on top of or integrated into the solar engine enclosure. It must face south for maximum energy collection in North America. The panel generates DC electricity whenever it is exposed to light — including on overcast days, though at a reduced rate.
The charge controller
The charge controller is integrated inside the solar engine and is responsible for taking the power generated from the solar panel and converting it into a suitable charging voltage to the battery(s). The charge controller will vary the voltage/current sent to the battery(s) based on the state of charge.
The battery(s)
The Availed solar engine will come with one or two sealed lead acid batteries. Batteries are readily available and are non-proprietary. Batteries will typically last up to 3-5 years.
✓ Keep it clean and unobstructed. Dirt, dust, bird droppings, snow, and shading from nearby vegetation all reduce charging output. A yearly visual inspection — and cleaning if needed — is all that is required to maintain peak performance. See the solar panel cleaning guide for instructions.
⚠ Check for future shading at installation. Trees and vegetation grow. A site with a clear view at installation may develop shading within a year or two. Set a reminder to re-inspect shading conditions after the first growing season.