Using an mppt controller allows much higher voltages in the cables from the panels to the solar charge controller.
Pwm solar panel.
Mppt vs pwm charge controllers.
This means that extra panel voltage goes to waste with a pwm controller.
All 12v nominal solar panels are in the 17 19v range and lead acid batteries charge at 14 1v to 14 8v depending upon brand type and chemistry.
With a discharge current rated at 20a it provides multiple electric protections and a reliable battery to charge and discharge period management.
With a pwm charge controller used with 12v batteries the voltage from the solar panel to the charge controller typically has to be 18v.
Pwm stands for pulse width modulation.
The result is that the voltage of the array will be pulled down to near that of the battery.
As it is charging the solar charge controller lets in as much current as the pv panel can generate in order to achieve the target voltage for the charge stage of the controller.
However when the boulder 100 is connected to a battery through a pwm controller the panel s voltage is forced to drop to the lower battery voltage which is 9v 12 6v.
When in pwm regulation the current from the solar array tapers according to the battery s condition and recharging needs.
There are two main types of charge controllers they are mppt and pwm.
The switch is on when the charger mode is in bulk charge mode the switch is flicked on and off as needed pulse width modulated to hold the battery voltage at the absorption voltage.
The mppt controller then converts the excess voltage into additional amps.
Why is there so much excitement about pwm.
Pulse width modulation pwm is the most effective means to achieve constant voltage battery charging by switching the solar system controller s power devices.
So even though our panel is rated at 100w charging through a pwm controller in perfect conditions it will only be able to charge the battery at anywhere from 50w to 75w.
Charge controller regulates the voltage from the solar panels.
This comes into play when the batter bank is full.
With a pwm controller in bulk charging the panel is essentially direct connected to the battery.
The allpowers solar charge controller manages the overall performance of a solar panel and battery.