Charging a lower voltage 12V battery with a higher voltage 48V solar panel is possible with a component called a charge controller. Charge controllers act as the brains of a solar power system, managing the flow of electricity from panels to batteries. Here is how a 48V solar panel system charges a 12V battery bank:
For a 48V solar panel to the charge controller to 12V battery setup, the proper wiring setup is: Use 10AWG or thicker wire for the 48V connections from the solar panels to the charge controller. This handles the higher solar panel amperage.
When selecting a charge controller for a 48V solar panel and 12V battery system, the two key factors are: Voltage – The charge controller must accept a 48V solar input and provide a 12V or 24V battery output. Amperage – The controller must be rated for at least the total short circuit current rating of the solar panels.
Yes, a 48V MPPT charge controller with a 12V output mode can charge a 12V battery bank, even from 48V solar panels. The MPPT controller will step down the solar panel voltage while optimizing the power transfer and providing full battery charging management. Just ensure the controller is rated for your solar array and battery amp hours.
If you want to buy a 48V battery, you have to use the right solar panel sizes and voltage to get the best charging time. Three 350 watt solar panels connected in a series can charge a 48V 100ah battery in a day. For cold areas, the panel VOC should be between 67 to 72 volts, and for hot conditions it should be from 80 to 82 volts.
The best way is to use an MPPT charge controller that can accept a 48V solar input and convert it to a 12V (or 24V) output to charge the batteries. The controller handles the voltage step down through DC conversion technology while also optimizing power transfer and managing the battery charging process.