DN0023, Design Note Charging a 12V lead acid battery in Solar Applications with the SPV1020

Off grid solar power applications store the harvested energy in batteries for later use. Controlling the charging of the batteries and harvesting the maximum available power from the solar array is a key requirement for the charging system. For fixed, non-mobile applications, rechargeable lead acid batteries provide a good power-to-weight ratio. They also have high surge current capability and are well suited for driving DC motors for applications such as pumps that usually require high inrush currents. Photovoltaic technology combined with rechargeable lead acid batteries is a good solution for fixed location solar energy systems