There are two main types of charge controllers – MPPT and PWM. In this post we will explore the differences between MPPT and PWM charge controllers, and compare them across multiple parameters.
Long story short – MPPT Solar Charge Controllers are better than the PWM Solar Charge Controllers.
Let’s understand the 4 reasons why.
Efficiency
A PWM solar charge controller is usually manufactured with an efficiency of 67%. That simply means if you connect a 100W solar panel with a PWM solar charge controller you will get an output of 67W approximately. MPPT charge controllers are designed at 94% efficiency. That means a 100W panel would generate 94W, which is approximately 27W extra as compared to PWM charge controllers.
Cost Saving & Improved Battery Health
To charge a 150Ah battery you need approximately 15amp of current. Now let us compare the number of panels you require to charge your batteries with a PWM charger and an MPPT charger. To generate 15amps you will need 300W (3 panels of 100W each) solar panels with a PWM charge controller and the same current will be generated from a 200W (2 panels of 100W each) solar panel.
This means you can charge a battery equally well with fewer solar panels using an MPPT charger. Sounds great, doesn’t it? MPPT means maximum power point tracking which means it will make sure that it extracts maximum power from solar panels at all times of the day and charges the battery according to its current state of charge efficiently. No overcharging and no undercharging.
Maximum Power Output
Like I said the beauty of an MPPT charger is that it has a brain. Yes, you heard that right. An MPPT solar charge controller will make sure that no matter what the weather condition it will extract maximum power from a solar panel. A PWM solar charge controller will on the other hand just charge the batteries with as much power as the solar panels are generating.
Supports DC Load
Yes, you heard that right. It has the capability to run load directly from its output. So, if you do not require a power back up just buy solar panels, connect it to an MPPT charger and light up your DC Load. That’s how easy it gets. Whereas a PWM charger only charges the batteries it does not have the provision to connect to DC load.
No doubt MPPT solar charge controller is better than PWM solar charge controller. Hope you enjoyed reading the article. Don’t forget to share it with your friends.
