Steca Solsum 0606
(2 reviews)
Light, reliable and affordable: the Steca Solsum 0606 regulates solar charging on small 12V/24V lead-acid setups, drawing under 4 mA of self-consumption.
Characteristics
- Type: PWM, 6A
- Voltage: 12V/24V automatic
- Battery: AGM/gel (factory setting)
- Consumption: Under 4 mA
- Simple, reliable, very low self-consumption
Detailed overview: Steca Solsum 0606 PWM charge controller
The Steca Solsum 0606 is an entry-level solar charge controller made by the German manufacturer Steca (now a subsidiary of the Kontron/Katek group). It has equipped tens of thousands of small off-grid solar setups (Solar Home Systems) over the years, thanks to its simplicity and proven reliability.
Its PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology works as a low-loss series controller: it automatically detects the system voltage, 12V or 24V, and delivers up to 6A of charge and load current. In practice that means handling roughly 72W of panels at 12V and 144W at 24V, staying under the maximum open-circuit voltage of 47V. It is factory-set for AGM and gel batteries; an optional accessory (Steca PA RC100 remote) lets you adjust the charge profile and voltage thresholds for other lead-acid battery types.
Its display is limited to four multicolor LEDs, with no numeric screen: they indicate operation, battery charge status and any fault messages. That simplicity goes hand in hand with particularly low self-consumption, under 4 mA, a real benefit for a setup that must run continuously without wasting the energy produced. The controller carries full electronic protection: overcharge, deep discharge, reverse polarity (module, load and battery), automatic electronic fuse, short circuit, input overvoltage, reverse current protection at night, and disconnection on battery overvoltage.
Compact, 5.7 x 3.9 x 1.2 in (145 x 100 x 30 mm) and light at 0.33 lb (150g), it operates from -13 °F to 122 °F (-25 °C to +50 °C) and carries an IP31 rating, sufficient for a sheltered installation (electrical cabinet, shed, motorhome), but not for direct outdoor exposure to the elements.
Its limits are those of the entry-level PWM category: no MPPT tracking so reduced efficiency in low light, base compatibility limited to AGM/gel batteries, and a modest solar power ceiling given the 6A rating. But for simply and durably equipping a small off-grid setup, shed, RV, cabin or backup system, the Steca Solsum 0606 remains a reliable, widely proven choice.
Full specifications
Detailed characteristics (EAN: 4250852802192)
Solar section
| Max solar input?Maximum connectable PV power. | 144 W |
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Durability and format
| Ingress protection?Water and dust resistance (IP rating). | IP31 |
|---|---|
| Weight?Weight of the battery. | 0.3 lb (0.15 kg) |
| Dimensions (L × W × H)?Length × width × height, in millimetres. | 5.7 × 3.9 × 1.2 in (145 × 100 × 30 mm) |
Availability and warranty
| Warranty?Length of the manufacturer's warranty. | 2 years |
|---|
User manual / Instructions for use (PDF)
Our tester's review: Julien De Jurquet
The Steca Solsum 0606 runs a small backup system in a garden shed, with a 50W panel and a 12V AGM battery. Nothing to set up on install: 12V/24V detection happens on its own, and the colored LEDs give an instant read on charge status, no screen to interpret. Its claimed self-consumption under 4 mA is a real plus for a setup left switched on permanently off a small battery. The compact enclosure, 5.7 x 3.9 x 1.2 in (145 x 100 x 30 mm) and 0.33 lb (150g), fits almost anywhere. The downsides are the total lack of a numeric display (just LEDs) and the compatibility strictly limited to AGM/gel lead-acid batteries out of the box, with no optional accessory to change the profile. For simple use on a tight budget, this small German controller does exactly what is asked of it, no surprises and no faults reported after several months of continuous use.
Frequently asked questions: Steca Solsum 0606 PWM charge controller
No. It is factory-set for AGM or gel lead-acid batteries. An optional accessory (Steca PA RC100) can adjust some thresholds, but no lithium LiFePO4 profile is offered.
With 6A of charge current and a maximum open-circuit voltage of 47V, it suits panels of roughly 72W on a 12V system and 144W at 24V, enough for a small backup kit.
The Solsum 0606 has no numeric screen: four multicolor LEDs indicate operation, battery charge status and any faults such as overcharge, deep discharge or short circuit.
Its IP31 rating protects against dust and vertical drips, but not against direct rain exposure. It is best installed inside an electrical cabinet or sheltered enclosure.
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Published on 04/09/2026