The solar conditioner ensures that the electricity generated by the solar panel is intelligently transferred to the battery in a way suitable for the battery chemistry and charge level.

A good regulator will have a multi-stage charging algorithm (usually 5 or 6 stages) and provide different programs for different types of batteries. Modern, high-quality regulators will include specific programs for Lithium batteries, while many older or cheaper models will be limited to AGM, Gel and Wet batteries. It is important that you use the correct program for your battery type.
A good quality solar regulator will include a number of electronic protection circuits to protect the battery, including reverse polarity protection, short circuit protection, reverse current protection, overcharge protection, transient overvoltage protection, and overtemperature protection.
There are two main types of solar conditioners available for portable solar panels. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). They all have their own advantages and disadvantages, which means each is suitable for different camping situations.