Is The MPPT Photovoltaic Controller Really Better Than the PWM Photovoltaic Controller?

The photovoltaic controller is used to regulate the charging and discharging process in the photovoltaic power generation system. Its main function is to control the charging current flowing from the PV panel to the battery and keep the current not too large to prevent the battery pack from being overcharged. There are two types of PV controllers on the market: MPPT PV controllers and PWM PV controllers.

MPPT, which stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking, is a technique for tracking and regulating the output energy from solar panels to batteries. PWM is the abbreviation of Pulse Width Modulation (Pulse Width Modulation), which is a technology that modulates the pulse width under specific rules, thereby changing the voltage and frequency of the output energy of photovoltaic modules to charge the battery.

Mppt photovoltaic controller has higher conversion rate (up to 99%), 3-stage charging is healthier for the battery, but the price is high. The PWM photovoltaic controller has a simple structure, mature and reliable technology, and is cheap and cost-effective, but the conversion rate is lower than that of the MPPT pair.

Which charge controller is right for you?

MPPT photovoltaic controller is suitable for photovoltaic power generation systems larger than 2kw. Because of its powerful features, it can save you money by reducing other expenses.

PWM PV controllers are suitable for small solar off-grid power systems that do not require many features and have a small budget. If you just want a basic and economical controller for a small lighting system, then the PWM PV controller is the way to go.