Solar system installations require hefty initial costs. Thus, prudent planning is crucial to making every penny worthwhile. The charge controller is one critical component that can dictate the success of your solar installations. It helps you reap the maximum from your solar panels and boosts the shelf life of your batteries.
Commonly, two types of charge controllers available in the market are PWM and MPPT. PWM is a good option for small installations with a limited budget. However, if you want a more efficient system with a cut-above performance, MPPT is recommended.
Read this piece further to understand the difference between MPPT and PWM. This will help you make informed choices while opting for any of them.
What are MPPT Solar Charge Controllers?
MPPT or Maximum Power Point Tracking solar controllers are high-tech gadgets specifically designed to boost solar panel power conversions.
The power production of a solar panel is proportional to the amount of sunlight available. This is further affected by factors like shades, debris, and the placement of solar panels.
MPPT solar panels function on the maximum power point (MPP) module. Simply put, they help solar panels to find and work at a point, that is, maximum power point, where their energy production is maximum.
The process utilizes specific algorithms to track MPP and regulate charging accordingly to maximize solar panel yields.
Advantages of MPPT
The most fundamental benefit of MPPT is its high energy conversion rates compared to other charge controllers. This helps to boost the overall efficiency of your solar system.
With MPPT, you will have faster charging and more energy production, making them harmonious with large solar setups.
Additionally, MPPTs are compatible with high-voltage solar panels. This means they can handle high inputs and convert them into desired charging voltages. Based on this, they can be used in solar setups where multiple panels are connected, further offering scalability options.
Disadvantages of MPPT
The only disadvantage of MPPT is its price range. Due to its complex manufacturing, which involves the integration of multiple circuits to track maximum power points, its costs are high compared to other charge controllers.
However, this cost can be justified in large-scale operations involving a large number of solar panels.
What are PWM Solar Charge Controllers?
Pulse width modulation or PWM solar charge controllers are simple go-to solutions for small solar setups to manage their solar panel's current flow. As their name indicates, these devices work on the pulse width modulation principle and intonate the current pulses produced from solar panels.
In simple words, these charge controllers manage current by switching on and off the solar panel’s output. This ensures a maintained flow of current to prevent battery overcharging.
Advantages of PWM
Regarding the merits of PWM, its price affordability is at the top. This is why its use is more widespread among small to medium-sized solar setups. Its simple construction makes its operations easy and gives the product a user-friendly outlook.
PWM is good with both lifespan and efficiency. This is because its functioning involves limited circuits, which eventually have fewer chances of malfunctioning than other high-tech charge controllers.
Disadvantages of PWM
Talking about the disadvantages of PWM, first on the list is their lower conversion rates. PWM controllers have low-efficiency ratings and do not cultivate all from the available sunlight. Eventually, with them, your power outputs will be low. This adds up, especially in areas where the availability of peak sunlight hours is meager.
Additionally, they are more suitable for small solar systems. So, if you have a bigger setup or planning to add more solar panels to your solar installations, they will not live up to the purpose.
Comparison Between MPPT and PWM Solar Charge Controllers
The choice between MPPT and PWM solar charge controllers requires a multipronged investigation. Each product has its pros and cons, which must be understood to make a more prudent decision.
To help you with this, below is a detailed comparison between MPPT and PWM solar charge controllers.
Optimum working conditions
Before discussing this, it's important to understand that solar panels' power conversion is not proportional to temperature. Instead, they require an optimum temperature to perform at their best.
With the above said, when the temperature drops in cold regions, the solar panels throw out more voltage. In such conditions, MPPTs are suitable as they can fluctuate their voltage handling, eventually grabbing this extra juice. So they can charge batteries 20-25% more efficiently.
On the contrary, PWM controllers cannot do so, as their charging rate is fixed by the battery voltage.
However, in warm weather, the available voltages are the same as the battery's 12V, and there is no spike, ultimately making no difference between MPPT and PWM.
Load balancing
In solar setups, where energy production is more than usage, the battery remains full. Thus, there is no need to put extra money into MPPT, and PWM is good to go in such circumstances.
Compatibility with system size
As mentioned above, the PWM is compatible with small solar setups, while MPPT is recommended for bigger installations. However, with specific system designs, both controllers can be used with small and large setups.
Still, the use of MPPT is more recommended. This is because their efficiency is exceptional in systems above 170W. Additionally, with them, you will always have a choice to scale up your solar setup depending on your needs.
Type of solar setup
Solar setups can be of two types, whether you are completely going off-grid or opting for a grid-tied system. While both MPPT and PWM can serve the purpose of off-grid setup, the scenarios are different for a grid-tied system.
You see, the currently available grid-tied solar setup comes with volt variations. These are high for a 12V charger and low for a 24V charger. Thus, MPPT is the more recommended case here as they can track the maximum power point and make changes accordingly.
Cost considerations
The cost difference is viable in MPPT and PWM solar charge controllers. However, in the long run, the higher price tags of MPPT are quite justifiable. They can help cultivate more power from your panels and their shelf life is also remarkably well.
Additionally, while opting for any charge controller, its not about the price. It's about the efficiency, reliability, and suitability of the gadget, and MPPT is well-versed in all these parameters.
|
Aspect |
MPPT Solar Charge Controllers |
PWM Solar Charge Controllers |
|
Optimum Working Conditions |
More efficient in cold regions and could charge batteries 20-25% more efficiently. |
Less effective in cold regions due to the fixed charging rate. No significant advantage over MPPT. |
|
Compatibility with System Size |
Recommended for larger installations, especially above 170W. Allows scalability for future expansion. |
Less efficient, however, compatible with smaller setups due to lower cost and simpler operation. |
|
Type of Solar Setup |
Highly suitable for both off-grid and grid-tied systems. |
Works for off-grid setups but may not be ideal for grid-tied systems. |
|
Cost Considerations |
Initially more expensive but justifiable due to higher efficiency and long-term benefits. |
Initially cheaper but may not offer the same level of reliability and efficiency as MPPT. |
Why Do You Need a Solar Charge Controller?
The one-line answer could be to get the maximum output from your solar panels. However, there are some other important reasons, too, that necessitate the use of a solar charge controller. Here they are.
- Firstly, while relying on solar energy, the fluctuations in power production are obvious. This is due to dependency on solar radiations that are not through out during the day. This voltage spike could drain your battery health significantly. Thus, to boost your battery's life span solar charge controllers are crucial.
- Further too enhance your solar system’s efficiency, these devices play a crucial role. They optimize the power production of your solar panels to be directly used by your appliance or to be stored in your batteries.
- Solar charge controllers also ensure that there is a zero power drain when there is no power production, which eventually offers you a reliable power supply for extended periods.
- Last but not least, these charge controllers have a critical role in ensuring the safety of your solar setup. They prevent any type of mishap as the result of short circuits, overcurrents, and reverse polarity.
Can I Use the MPPT Solar Charge Controller for BLUETTI Home Batteries?
Yes! You can definitely use an MPPT controller with BLUETTI home batteries. But you don't need that as they are already integrated with it.
All the home batteries offered by BLUETTI have built-in MPPT functionalities. Thus, you may add an additional one but the benefits would be minimal and that could be an extra burden on your pocket.
Though this is not recommended and required, still, if you choose to add one, ensure that its voltage input is higher than that already available with the product and that it’s compatible with battery voltage.
Below discussed are two top picks from the BLUETTI home battery backup series. They are efficient, reliable, and do not require any additional charge controllers. Further to ensure you are getting the best price, both units come with a 30% Federal Tax Credit. Review them to choose what suits you best and meets your needs.
BLUETTI EP800+B500 Home Battery Backup
This is not just a battery backup system, but your key to greener, reliable, and free energy. The system comes with a storage capacity of 9.9kWh that can further be exceeded up to 19.8kWh with additional batteries.
It has two MPPT power channels of 9000W power, 6000W, and 3000W respectively. Their MPPT efficiency rating is 99.90% and the voltage range lies between 150-500V, making them a reliable option for a medium to large-size solar setup.
Further, this unit offers a 30% Federal Tax Credit, giving you significant headway when it comes to your investment. Additionally, with its hassle-free 10-year warranty, you do not need to worry about your return on investments.
To ensure smooth working, you can operate the system through the BLUETTI smart app or Bluetooth. Lastly what’s cheery on the top is that you don’t need any new solar setup. It can be easily paired with your already available solar system.
BLUETTI EP900 + B500 Home Battery Backup
This unit comes with a power output rating of 9000W, suitable both with 120V and 240V devices. Its built-in power storage capacity is 9920Wh which is further expandable up to 19840Wh.
To ensure maximum safety and life span, it comes with LiFePO4 batteries. You can patch up this unit with both new and already existing solar setups. Its IP65 protection makes it easy to install the system both indoors and outdoors without worrying about wear and tear.
EP900 also comes with a 10-year hassle-free warranty. But what’s more exceptional about this unit is its price match guarantee. This means, that if you find any unit of this caliber cheaper than this, you can claim the extra amount within 30 days of your purchase.
Further, for a smooth experience, you can operate this system through the BLUETTI smart app, Wifi, or Bluetooth.
The Bottom Line
The choice of solar charge controller depends on one’s specific system needs. Both MPPT and PWM have their offerings. PWM is good for small solar installations with budget constraints, while MPPT is recommended for large setups as it is more efficient and reliable, and its high initial costs are justifiable.
However, if you're looking for a one-stop solution, BLUETTI home battery backup could be your go-to choice. With unmatched prices and reliability uncompromised, you can choose from a long list of their products, all exceptionally compatible with your solar setups.
