How to reset your solar charge controller

Switching to solar energy is one of the smartest moves you can make - both for the environment and your wallet. Whether you're living off-grid or just reducing your reliance on the grid, your solar charge controller is one of the most important parts of your setup. It ensures your solar panels and batteries play nicely together, keeping your system running safely and efficiently.

But like all tech, sometimes things go a bit haywire. Maybe your battery isn't charging properly, or your solar system isn’t behaving the way it should. Don’t worry! In many cases, the solution is simple: resetting your solar charge controller.

Let’s walk through exactly how to do that - step by step - and why it matters.

What is a solar charge controller?

A solar charge controller (also known as a solar regulator) is the middleman between your solar panels and your battery bank. Its job? To control the amount of power flowing from your panels to your batteries - preventing overcharging, battery damage, or electrical overloads.

There are two main types of charge controllers:

  • PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) – Affordable and common in small-scale setups.
  • MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) – More advanced and efficient, especially in larger or professional solar systems.

Why would you need to reset your solar charge controller?

Here are some common reasons you might need to perform a reset:

  • Your battery isn’t charging as expected
  • The charge controller screen is frozen or showing an error
  • You've recently replaced a battery or solar panel
  • You're troubleshooting voltage issues
  • The system isn't turning on or behaving strangely

A reset helps your system recalibrate and ensures it recognises any hardware changes or faults.

How to reset your solar charge controller (step-by-step)

Resetting a solar charge controller is usually pretty easy. Here’s a basic guide - but always check your user manual for brand-specific instructions.

Step 1: Disconnect the solar panel input

Before doing anything, you’ll want to cut the power from the solar panels to avoid any electrical current running through the system. Do this by disconnecting the solar panels from the controller.

Step 2: Disconnect the battery

Next, safely disconnect the battery from the charge controller. Most controllers require the battery to be connected first during normal operation, so this helps to fully shut down the system.

Step 3: Wait a few minutes

Let the system sit completely disconnected for 2 to 5 minutes. This allows any residual energy to dissipate and gives the internal memory a chance to clear.

Step 4: Reconnect the battery

Reconnect the battery first — this is essential. Most solar charge controllers are designed to boot up with battery power before detecting the solar panel input.

Step 5: Reconnect the solar panels

Once the controller has powered on and detected the battery, reconnect the solar panels. Your system should now be fully reset.

Tips for a smooth reset

  1. Label your wires before disconnecting anything, especially if you're new to solar systems.
  2. If your controller has a reset button, use that instead as it may save you time.
  3. Check the screen or LEDs on your charge controller after the reset to ensure it’s working normally.

Benefits of switching to solar power in Australia

Now that you’re getting hands-on with your solar setup, let’s talk about why switching to solar energy is such a bright idea - especially in sun-soaked Australia.

Here are just a few of the major benefits:

  • Save money on electricity bills – Generate your own power and rely less on the grid
  • Great for the environment – Reduce your carbon footprint with clean, renewable energy
  • Increase property value – Homes with solar installations are more attractive to buyers
  • Energy independence – Store excess power and stay online during outages
  • Government rebates and incentives – Many Australian states offer generous solar subsidies

Which providers offer solar power plans in Australia?

If you’ve already got solar panels or you're thinking about getting them, pairing your setup with a solar energy plan is a no-brainer. Here are some popular providers in Australia offering solar-friendly energy plans:

  • Origin Energy – Offers solar buyback and installation packages
  • AGL – Known for solar feed-in tariffs and smart energy management
  • EnergyAustralia – Offers solar and battery bundles with competitive feed-in rates
  • Red Energy – 100% Aussie-owned and solar-compatible
  • Tango Energy – Good feed-in tariff options in select states
  • Powershop – Green-focused with strong solar support

These providers offer varying solar feed-in tariffs, which is the rate you’re paid for any excess power your system exports to the grid. Choosing the right provider can boost your savings significantly.

Need help finding a solar-friendly energy plan?

If you’re looking to switch to solar or just want to make sure you’re getting the best solar power deal, we’re here to help! At Compare Energy, we make comparing energy providers simple, fast and totally free.

Want expert advice without the jargon? Give our friendly team a call on 1300 790 106 and we’ll help you find a solar energy plan that’s right for your home — and your wallet. Let’s make the most of that Aussie sunshine!