What is a PWM solar charge controller? Saudi Arabia (2024)

What is a PWM solar charge controller? Saudi Arabia (2024)

Traditional solar regulators featuring PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) charging operate by making a connection directly from the solar array to the battery bank. During bulk charging when there is a continuous connection from the array to the battery bank, the array output voltage is 'pulled down' to the battery voltage.

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When is a solar charge controller required? A solar charge controller, as the name implies, modulates the current amperage (and thus the voltage) moving from the solar panels to the batteries. It is a regulator that prevents overcharging of the batteries. Overcharging can result in overheating and explosion, posing a safety hazard. Heating also reduces the system's efficiency. Furthermore, when the batteries are discharging to supply power to your home, the controller regulates the rate of discharge to meet the demand. As a result, a solar charge controller is an essential component of the installation.

Do you require a solar charge controller?

Here's what you should know if you're wondering whether you need a solar charge controller or not. A solar charge controller is required for every solar panel installation. The overall system, however, determines whether a solar inverter with an integrated charge controller or an additional charge controller is required.

Solar charge controllers are classified as follows:

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) -

Because this type of pulse width modulation is less expensive, it is commonly used for off-grid solar solutions in homes and commercial applications. A 12V solar panel is capable of charging a 12V battery. A 24V battery bank requires two 12V panels wired in series, or a single 24V panel, and so on.

PWM necessitates matching the voltage of the panel array to the voltage of the battery bank. Otherwise, the charging power will be lost. And the greater the mismatch, the greater the power loss. As a result, PWM is less expensive but has less flexibility and efficiency.

Advantages:PWM controllers are time-tested because they have been around for a long time. It's also less expensive.

Disadvantages: They don't give you much room for system expansion. Furthermore, the battery bank's voltage must be matched to the nominal voltage of the solar array.

The most recent technology for charge controllers that is increasingly being used is:

MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking -

MPPT controllers are more expensive, but they provide greater flexibility in terms of panel count. To match the battery bank, the voltage from the PV module will be reduced, with a corresponding increase in current amperage. A higher amperage will result in a faster recharge. These solar charge controllers will adjust automatically based on the P = V x A equation. As a result, unlike PWM, you will have more power to charge the battery and no loss.

The following are the advantages of MPPT:

1. The MPPT controller enables a higher voltage panel array than the battery bank. This is important in areas with low irradiation or during the winter when there are fewer hours of sunlight.
2. When compared to PWM, they provide a 30% increase in charging efficiency.
3. Increased system growth flexibility. This is applicable to commercial establishments.
4. They typically have longer warranty periods than PWMs.

So, what Is the Difference Between an MPPT Solar Charge Controller and a PWM Solar Charge Controller?

The MPPT solar charge controller is one of two types of charge controllers available on the market. A pulse width modulation (PWM) charge controller is another option. A PWM works by using a transistor that rapidly opens and closes to modulate the current of the panels.

The main distinction between the two types of solar charge controllers is that the MPPT controller modulates both the voltage and the current, whereas the PWM controller only affects the current. Because it reduces amperage without affecting voltage, it has no effect on overall wattage other than to reduce from the highest output rating for your panels.

In other words, whereas an MPPT controller controls optimal power output, a PWM controller only allows you to reduce the current flowing into the battery. Every solar panel has a standard rating for the wattage it can produce. A PWM controller reduces the performance of each panel without the adjustments that an MPPT controller can make to rebalance and compensate.

No solar system is completely efficient. Depending on how the panel is configured and aligned, it only converts 15-20% of the sunlight it absorbs into electricity. A PWM controller loses more energy as heat than an MPPT controller and does not help you get the most out of your system because it only affects half of the power equation.

The crux of the difference is: With a PWM controller, the current is drawn out of the panel at just above the battery voltage, whereas. With an MPPT solar charge controller the current is drawn out of the panel at the panel “maximum power voltage” (think of an MPPT controller as being a “smart DC-DC converter”)

Is it worthwhile to invest in MPPT solar charge controllers?

When determining whether a major purchase is worthwhile, consider your usage, your needs, and the magnitude of the differences between options for that purchase. For an MPPT controller, the question is whether the benefits, such as increased energy production, outweigh the additional cost over time.

If you have a simple system, such as a River Pro solar generator for camping, the answer may be no. Similarly, if you rarely have rainy or cloudy days, the fine-tuned calibration and frequent adjustments provided by an MPPT controller may not provide a significant enough advantage to justify the extra cost. Because the additional power you gain may be minimal, it may take much longer to see the cost savings you would expect from using an MPPT charge controller.

In the absence of those conditions, an MPPT solar charge controller provides significant benefits that pay off over time. It enables you to make the most of your system, avoid energy waste, and maintain peak delivery throughout the year.

The more efficiently you generate and store energy, the faster your initial financial investment will pay off. An MPPT solar charge controller accelerates your path to a positive ROI. 

Conclusion

Your solar energy system is a significant investment for your home, and an MPPT controller can help you maximize your return.

Shop Lento now for solar power systems with MPPT controllers. Our Power Kits include high-quality components to ensure that your solar power system meets your needs.

FAQ-

Which is better PWM or MPPT?

MPPT charge control devices have 30 % more efficient in charge efficiency according to PWM type. Panel voltage and battery voltage should be matched in PWM systems. In MPPT systems, the panel series are allowed to have higher voltage than batteries. This means more flexibility for system growth.

Why use a PWM solar charge controller?

The PWM is a Good Low-Cost Option:

for smaller systems. where the efficiency of the system is not critical, e.g trickle charging. or solar panels with a maximum power voltage (Vmp) of up to 18V for charging a 12V battery (36V for 24V battery, etc).

What are the disadvantages of a PWM solar charge controller?

CONS

• To use a PWM controller on the solar system, the solar input nominal voltage must match the battery bank nominal voltage.
• PWM is not available over 60A.
• System growth is often limited.
• Cannot be used on high voltage grid connect solar systems.
• Greater efficiency loss when batteries are at a low voltage.

What is the disadvantage of PWM?

PWM has some drawbacks when used in power electronics systems. It increases the switching frequency and stress of the power device, reducing its lifetime and increasing its switching losses and EMI emissions

Can I use PWM and MPPT together?

An MPPT can handle solar panels and batteries with different voltages. The battery voltages and panels have to match with a PWM. If you have an MPPT and PWM controller in one system, the voltages would need to be adjusted differently to one another.

How do I choose a PWM solar charge controller?

How to Choose the Right PWM Solar Controller?

1. Rated voltage and current of sunlight panels. Select the rated voltage and current of the PWM Solar Power Controller based on the rated voltage and current of the sunlight panels. ...
2. Controller power. ...
3. Charging method. ...
4. Controller's protective features. ...
5. Controller's brand and quality.

Does PWM reduce power consumption?

PWM plays a crucial role in modern technology by enabling precise control over various functions, enhancing efficiency, reducing energy consumption and enabling seamless integration with IoT systems.

What is the lifespan of a PWM charge controller?

about 15 years

PWM charge controllers are less expensive but they can extend the battery bank's lifecycle at the expense of solar panels performing lower than in case of MPPT controller. Similar to inverters, charge controllers have a lifespan of about 15 years.

Can PWM reduce voltage?

PWM does not lower the (peak) voltage. PWM reduces the average current (and in consequence the average power).