![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/1-38.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA solar charge controller<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The sun’s radiation varies during different times of the day. Also, it increases when there is sunny weather than when there is bad weather. Therefore, the current and voltage output from the panels will vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An MPPT sweeps through the panel’s output voltage and identifies the optimal output current and voltage point to produce maximum power. This operation explains its name, Maximum Power Point Tracker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The intelligent technology increases its operating efficiency by a significant margin, generating up to 30% more energy than a PWM charge controller.<\/p>\n\n\n PWM charge controllers utilize pulse width modulation<\/a> (PWM) to create a rapid switch that controls battery charging. They provide a direct connection from the solar panel to the battery, and the transistor switch remains open until the battery attains the absorption charge voltage. Once it reaches this voltage, the transistor switch closes and opens rapidly to regulate the current and keep the battery voltage constant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A solar kit setup concept<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This system is inefficient because the solar panel’s voltage gets pulled down to match the battery’s voltage. In other words, it draws the panel charging voltage away from the optimum operating voltage, reducing its output power and running efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PWM controllers are ideal for low-budget 12V systems with two solar panels at most for lighting, USB charging, and light usage. However, they are not practical for large solar systems for powering entire homes or business premises.<\/p>\n\n\n As stated earlier, MPPT controllers use maximum power point tracking<\/a> to charge the battery as quickly as possible. This maximum power point is a point on the I-V (current-voltage) curve where the panel generates the highest solar power. Power is a product of current and voltage. So this point moves along the curve due to several factors, such as the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A solar panel system with an MPPT controller and a hybrid inverter<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The MPPT controller usually checks the solar panel voltage output and compares it with the battery system voltage. It uses these numbers to determine the best power the panel can churn out to recharge the battery. The process involves converting the panel’s output voltage to the peak power voltage that drives maximum current into the battery bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the current (amps) that flows into the battery that matters. Modern MPPT controllers have a 93-97% efficiency, resulting in a power gain of 10-15% in summer and 20-45% in cold weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider this scenario. If your 12V battery is low and the MPPT finds the solar voltage output is 17.6V at 7.4A. It will convert the voltage to 12V at 10.8A to charge the battery since this is the maximum power point. Although it reduces the voltage and increases the current to charge faster, the power output remains at about 130 watts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A solar charge controller<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n An MPPT solar charge controller can increase efficiency by an average of 30% on a sizable solar power system. This efficiency is significantly higher when the panel max voltage exceeds the battery system voltage by a wide margin.<\/p>\n\n\n Larger systems produce high-voltage power. An MPPT converts this additional power to a higher current at the battery charge voltage. So as your system grows, the maximum charge current will increase significantly. And you can charge more batteries faster.<\/p>\n\n\n The maximum power point tracking aspect is ideal for cloudy areas because it increases the charging efficiency as the solar output fluctuates.<\/p>\n\n\n The Victron MPPT controller is the most advanced solar controller because it features Bluetooth built-in for remote configuring, programming, and monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A solar charge controller with a large display<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can play around with these settings via the VitronConnect app, a fully-featured platform that shows various data such as the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides the app, this MPPT solar charge controller has a 100V, 30A rating and can recharge severely depleted batteries (as low as 0V).<\/p>\n\n\n This MPPT solar charge controller does not feature wireless connectivity. But it makes up for it by having an onboard display that shows all the data and settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the device features an RS485 interface for connecting to a laptop, phone, an MT50 remote meter, or an eBox-WiFi to monitor the wide range of settings remotely. And there are two 5V\/2.2A USB ports for phone charging or powering a fan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A solar charge controller with USB ports<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The device features extensive electronic protection that lengthens your 9 to 32-volt battery’s lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n Renogy’s MPPT solar charge controller is compatible with several deep cycle batteries, such as gel, sealed, lithium, and flooded. And it offers intelligent charge protection with the following features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A solar charge controller with an RS485 interface<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The system also features automatic 12V\/24V battery voltage detection and a die-cast aluminum body to maximize heat dissipation. A built-in screen helps monitor the system on-site, while an RS232 port enables BT-1 Bluetooth module connectivity for smartphone app remote monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n The current rating is the maximum charge current the MPPT charge controller can achieve to charge the battery. It is given in amperes and means the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 10A solar charge controller with 12V\/24V auto switching<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The solar charge controller size should match the panels in what is known as controller sizing. An MPPT solar charge controller’s max PV voltage should be higher than the max open-circuit voltage of the solar array. These input voltage limits imply the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A solar charge controller<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This factor shows the solar controller’s compatible battery voltage. For instance, 12V\/24V auto means the controller can detect 12V and 24V battery banks automatically. Others might sense 36V and 48V batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Solar batteries<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n The most typical comparison is between lead-acid and lithium batteries. Most are 12-volt batteries, and the lead-acid type has two variations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A controller with lithium battery compatibility means it has a preset charging profile for that battery’s chemistry. Most controllers have battery presets or custom charging profiles with adjustable voltage setpoints to suit different battery types.<\/p>\n\n\n The max PV input power refers to the highest solar array wattage the controller can handle. Each solar controller has varying PV input power ratings for different voltages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An array of solar panels<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Some units have built-in Bluetooth, while others require an additional Bluetooth adapter, such as the BT-1 Bluetooth module, to enable wireless monitoring. Cheap MPPT solar charge controllers don’t have Bluetooth monitoring capability, so you can only monitor them via their onboard display or LED lights.<\/p>\n\n\n In conclusion, MPPT charge controllers are essential for large off-grid power systems due to their high efficiency. But they are not the best for small setups containing one or two solar panels. That’s it for this article! If you have any questions, drop a comment<\/a>, and we’ll get back to you shortly.<\/p>\nDifference Between MPPT and PWM Solar Charge Controllers<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/2-34.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow MPPT Charge Controllers Work<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/3-34.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/4-33.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBenefits of MPPT Charge Controllers<\/h2>\n\n
Efficient at Using Power<\/h3>\n\n\n
Ideal for Large Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n
Better for Cloudy Areas<\/h3>\n\n\n
Top 3 MPPT Solar Charge Controllers<\/h2>\n\n
Victron SmartSolar MPPT<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/5-26.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEPever Triron Series<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/6-20.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRenogy Rover<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/7-16.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFactors to Consider when Choosing an MPPT Solar Charge Controller<\/h2>\n\n
Current Rating<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/8-12.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMaximum PV Voltage<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/9-9.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNominal Battery Voltage<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Solar](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/10-7.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCompatible Battery Types<\/h3>\n\n\n
Maximum PV Input Power<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/ledask.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/11-5.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWireless Monitoring<\/h3>\n\n\n
Wrap Up<\/h2>\n\n\n