Solar Panel Store Blog

Why Your Solar Setup’s Nighttime Power Draw Matters. And How Eco Energy Excels.

If you use solar panels to power equipment in remote or cold environments, you already know that every bit of energy counts. But did you know that the device regulating your solar power could be draining your battery all night long?

A new study (details below) highlights a critical factor in solar system design: night consumption. This is the power your solar regulator uses when the sun isn’t shining. In extreme environments like Antarctica, where winter means months of darkness, this hidden drain can mean the difference between a system that survives the winter and one that fails.

Solar regulators always use a small amount of energy, even at night. This is often overlooked. Some regulators draw surprisingly high current, which can deplete batteries faster than expected. This can lead to system shutdown, damaged batteries, or frozen equipment in cold climates.

The study tested 16 commercial solar regulators and found that not all manufacturer specs are accurate. Some units drew significantly more power at night than claimed.

This is where Eco Energy’s ASC30W regulator stands out. In the study, it was one of the top performers. It had a measured night consumption of just 0.04 mA. That is exactly as specified. To put that in perspective, it uses only 4% of the power of a typical data logger. That is remarkably efficient.

When compared to other regulators, the difference is dramatic. Some MPPT regulators drew over 40 mA at night. The Eco Energy ASC30W used less than 1% of the power of the highest-draw regulator tested.

A quote from the paper "The Genasun GV-4, Genasun GV-5 and Eco Energy ASC30W offer the best overall performance, allowing the use of a 5 Ah battery, with a mass of < 2 kg. Choosing one of these best-performing regulators results in a 26× reduction in battery mass and a 13× reduction in battery price when compared with the Victron MPPT 75/10."

The researchers showed that choosing an efficient regulator like the Eco Energy ASC30W can reduce the required battery capacity by a factor of 26. That means battery mass drops from about 45 kg to just 1.7 kg. Battery cost falls by about 13 times. Your system becomes more reliable through polar winters.

For anyone deploying solar in harsh, dark, or cold conditions, this is a game-changer for logistics, cost, and success rates.

When designing a solar-powered system for challenging environments, follow these steps. First, look beyond the instrument’s power draw. Consider the regulator’s night consumption. Second, verify manufacturer specs. Not all are accurate. Third, choose efficient regulators like the Eco Energy ASC30W! This will minimize hidden power drain, extend battery life, and reduce system size and cost.

At SolarPanelStore.com, we are proud to offer products like the Eco Energy S3 12V, which is the newest model of the ASC30W controller mentioned in this post and study. They deliver real performance where it counts!

Source: Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 14, 503–512, 2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-14-503-2025

Featured Product - Go Power! 30A 12V Controller with Blue Tooth - GP-SB-PWM-30BT

It’s been a while since we updated the blog—sorry about that. As summer kicks into gear and the adventures start rolling in, we've been hearing a lot of questions about charge controllers for RVs and small off-grid setups. So we figured it’s a good time to highlight one of our most popular and reliable controllers this season: the GP-SB-PWM-30BT from Go Power.

If you're living in an RV or managing a small off-grid solar setup, you've probably spent time wondering if your batteries are charging properly. The Go Power GP-SB-PWM-30-BT solar controller is one of those behind-the-scenes devices that quietly makes everything work better. It protects your batteries from overcharging and helps you get the most out of your solar panels, all without needing much from you.

This 12-volt controller can handle up to 30 amps of solar input. It works with all the usual battery types including AGM, gel, flooded, and lithium. The four-stage charging system adjusts automatically, so your batteries get the charge they need without being overworked.

One of the best features is the Bluetooth app. You can check your system’s performance from your phone, seeing real-time charging status, battery levels, and more without digging around in your rig. It’s especially helpful if your controller is mounted somewhere inconvenient or if you just like having everything at your fingertips.

The unit is built to handle tough conditions, including extreme temperatures, and it’s got protections built in to guard against short circuits, overvoltage, and reversed connections. It’s compact, has a backlit screen for easy reading, and mounts flush for a clean look.

Whether you’re traveling full-time or just want a solid setup at your off-grid cabin, this solar controller adds a level of reliability that’s easy to appreciate. It quietly keeps your power flowing so you can focus on enjoying the view, not worrying about your batteries.

You can find this on the site for just $107.99! - Go Power! 30A 12V 30 AMP Single Bank Controller with Blue Tooth - GP-SB-PWM-30BT

If you have any questions about this product, or anything else solar electric related and want to speak with a person, we are always happy to help! Email us at info@solarpanelstore.com or give us a call at 800.766.7644. 

Happy Holidays! 2022 is almost wrapped up!

Dear valued customers and partners,

As the holiday season approaches, we at SolarPanelStore.com would like to take a moment to thank you for your support throughout the year. It has been a challenging year for everyone, but we are grateful to have had the opportunity to continue serving you and helping you make the switch to renewable energy.

Renewable energy is more important now than ever before. As we work to combat climate change and protect our planet for future generations, the shift to clean, sustainable sources of energy is crucial. Solar panels are a key part of this transition, providing a reliable and renewable source of power that can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

We are truly grateful to have such wonderful customers and partners who share our commitment to a better, more sustainable future. Your support and partnership have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the coming year.

From all of us at SolarPanelStore.com, we wish you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year. Thank you for choosing us as your partner in the transition to renewable energy.

Sincerely, Loren and Dan (Team SolarPanelStore.com)

Which type of battery is best for solar applications?

Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of battery used in solar power systems. They are relatively inexpensive and have a long life span, but they can be heavy and can lose their charge quickly if not used regularly. It's common to use sealed or wet style batteries for renewable energy applications. 

The main difference between sealed lead-acid batteries and wet lead-acid batteries is the way in which the electrolyte solution is contained. In sealed lead-acid batteries, the electrolyte solution is absorbed into a sponge-like material, whereas in wet lead-acid batteries, the electrolyte solution is held in a separate compartment within the battery.

Sealed lead-acid batteries are also known as "maintenance-free" or "valve-regulated" batteries because they do not require regular maintenance or the addition of electrolyte solution. Wet lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, require regular checking and topping up of the electrolyte solution to ensure that the battery remains in good working order.

Sealed lead-acid batteries are generally more expensive than wet lead-acid batteries, but they are more convenient to use and require less maintenance.

Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular for use in solar power systems because they are lightweight, have a high energy density, and can hold their charge for a long time. However, they are also more expensive than lead-acid batteries.

Nickel-metal hydride batteries are similar to lithium-ion batteries in that they are lightweight and have a high energy density. They are also relatively inexpensive, but they may not last as long as lithium-ion batteries.