High-Efficiency Solar Charger, 12V Lead-Acid Battery, 10A, MPPT, LCD Display

SKU:: 182
Manufacturer:: Tokyo Devices
Model Number:: IW1618-GX
EAN:: 4560457400519
Released on:: Oct 2014
Category:: Battery Chargers (MPPT)
Series:: IW16X8

IW1618-GX is a control board that uses MPPT control to charge solar panel power into a 12V lead-acid battery with high efficiency. Equipped with an LCD screen that displays current, voltage, charging status, etc. in an easy-to-understand manner.

This is a higher-end model of the long-selling MPPT charge controller IW1608-AX, supporting up to 10A high current despite its low cost.
Uses "Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)" as the charging control method. Its proprietary learning algorithm maximizes the characteristics of solar panels.
Compatible with nearly all major solar panels up to 28V. Its powerful output makes it ideal for charging large lead-acid batteries over 100Ah.
Can be widely used in 12V power systems without external power sources, emergency power in disasters, or leisure activities like camping.

Maximizing the Power of Your Solar Panels

Simply connecting a solar panel to a battery does not allow it to reach its full generation potential. Each panel has a specific voltage and current where maximum power is output — this is called the "maximum power point." Generation outside this point is inefficient. Instead of adding more solar panels, consider improving your charge controller's efficiency first.

MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) dynamically tracks the maximum power point that varies with panel type, weather, and temperature. Unlike traditional PWM controllers, it recovers the voltage-current differential — which would otherwise become heat loss — through a conversion circuit.

By replacing PWM charge controllers with this, you can reduce the area of solar panels required or extract more power from the same area.

Cost Performance, Quality, and Japanese Design

All hardware design, firmware development, and real-world testing are conducted domestically. MPPT controller performance heavily depends on components used — especially switching elements and coils. The IW1618-GX uses high-capacity MOSFETs from International Rectifier and large toroidal coils from Bourns. The proprietary MPPT algorithm extracts maximum performance from these components. Thermal design optimization enables a compact, fanless design while handling 10A current.

Battery-Friendly Low Self-Consumption Type

One key consideration in choosing a charge controller is its self-consumption current. Even when the solar panel isn't generating power (at night or during rain), the controller still consumes a small amount of current. High self-consumption reduces usable battery power. The IW1618-GX achieves ultra-low self-consumption (approx. 0.7mA) by intelligently controlling its power supply.

IW1618-GX Specifications

Feature	Specification
Supported Solar Panels	Open circuit voltage: 16–28V, Output: up to 250W
Supported Battery	12V Lead-acid battery
Charging Method	MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)
Charging Voltage	Bulk/Absorption: 14.4V, Float: 13.8V
Rated Output	120W (Max 150W)
Efficiency	Up to 94.3%
Protection Features	Reverse battery protection, overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection
Self-consumption Current	700μA (sleep mode)
Connector Specification	0.2sq–5.5sq (10–24AWG)
Module Dimensions	102 x 75 x 40 mm (4x M3 mounting holes)

Notes

Connect solar panel and battery cables via the terminal blocks (green components on both sides of the board).
Battery and solar panels are not included. Please prepare them separately. Deep-cycle batteries are recommended for solar applications.
This product is a board-only item. It comes without a case. For outdoor use or embedded applications, please consider waterproofing or housing it properly.
At maximum output, the board temperature may rise by around 50°C above ambient. Avoid direct contact.

Related Keywords

MPPT charge controller, Maximum Power Point Tracking, solar power generation, DIY MPPT circuit, MPPT algorithm, solar panels, deep-cycle battery charging, Tokyo Devices IW1618