Forum Discussion

wanderingaimles's avatar
Apr 20, 2021

Solar mppt controller, uses for "load" outputs

I will be installing a 325 watt panel and a 30 Amp Renogy Rover controller. Reading through the manual it mentions the "load" terminals. These appear to be outputs at the battery voltage, I assume (the manual doesnt say) that these are in addition to the charging voltage supplied to the battery, and are primarily available power during the day when power is coming from the panels.
I can see adding a cigar lighter type outlet to charge my drones and a few other items from this source. What other uses do folks typically find for this function?
  • At least in Victron equipment, the load terminals can be used to provide a low voltage disconnect, current monitoring and a remote control 'master switch'.
    I run everything through my load terminals. However, they have a current limit, so depending on what your loads are, you may not be able to use them this way.

    One idea is to run the small always on devices off the load terminals (propane detector, alarms, usb chargers etc) so that if you forget to disconnect the battery in storage the control will switch theses off before your battery is all the way dead.
  • lights at night.

    most folks ignore that output.

    mine is in the ignore category.
  • I don’t have a Renogy controller but isn’t “load” available only when the panels are producing power? I find most don’t use load...me included.