INTRODUCTION
Types of charge controller… In solar power system, charge controller is an electronic device that helps to regulate voltage and current from solar panels to a value that suits the batteries.
Batteries are an important and one of the expensive devices in solar power system. Your solar system can never be complete if you don’t have an effective and a good working batteries.
In short, your journey to solar world begins the moment you secure good solar batteries. So, the duration at which your solar system can stay up and running is solely dependent on the battery bank you have.
Therefore, We can never overemphasize the importance of solar charge controller. Charge controllers typically exist in different varieties depending on the system input and expected output. But I am here to give you a clear view on the two solar charge controllers that is generally adopted and used frequently in todays technology.
You can see other types all over the internet but I assure you, this two are ever reliable and are perfect for your next solar installations,
Keep scrolling down, you are at the right place and mandexsolar will get you covered always.
TWO TYPES OF CHARGE CONTROLLER
- Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) charge controller
- Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controller
1. PULSE WIDTH MODULATION (PWM):
In solar systems, PWM charge controllers are employed frequently to manage battery charging. It can do this by switching the charging circuit ON and OFF at fast frequency (50Hz).
This can change the amount of energy sent from solar panels to the battery bank. As a result, This can eliminate overcharging the batteries and as well maintain a steady and constant voltage level.
Small solar installation project is the best project to adopt this type of charge controller. This Is because, it is less expensive when compared to its rival which you will see soon.
Also, the greatest set back when PWM is used is that, it can only accept the exact battery charging voltage from the solar panel. And any other extra voltage is left unused.
However, all the excess voltage generated from the solar panel is wasted. you can as well check out the full details about PWM here.
2. MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING (MPPT):
As the name implies, Maximum power point tracking is a charge controller that operate by regulating the current and voltage from solar panels to ensure the panels utilizes all the generated power. This charge controller regulates accepts voltage from the solar panel array.
Therefore, it perform some voltage regulation and also convert excess voltage to current to enhance battery charging rate. MPPT controllers maximize the efficiency of the panels. They work better and more efficiently, especially when the weather is gloomy or the temperature changes.
By regulating the voltage and current from the solar panels to keep them operating at their most productive level, MPPT controllers maximize the energy harvest. This is very helpful in a variety of weather situations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
- Which is better MPPT or PWM?
Some many solar installers and their clients do always contemplate on whether to go for MMPT or PWM charge controller. But I keep advising people that every product you see in the market is there for a purpose.
The two controllers have different qualities that makes it unique. If you plan to minimize set up cost in your solar power system installation. For instance, if You wish to go for cheaper controller, you can comfortably go for PWM controller.
On the other hand, If you want to get the best from your solar panels and enhance your battery charging. Then, MPPT is the best choice for you but it is more expensive than PWM.
Always keep it at the back of your mind that both PWM and MPPT can last long but what matters is the way you manage it.
- What are the two types of charge controller?
The two major types of solar charge controller includes: Pulse width modulation (PWM) charge controller and Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controller.
SUMMARY | TYPES OF CHARGE CONTROLLER
In summary, charge controller play vital roles in solar power system. Using good controller in your installation will give you a sound and well operating solar system experience. You can observe this from the way your batteries will be serving you perfectly. You should always seek for professional solar system installer to handle your solar related projects.
