What are Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Solar Charge Controllers?

What are Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Solar Charge Controllers?

If you already have installed a solar energy system on your home, it might be time to consider adding some additional value to your system with an best MPPT solar charge controller. Every solar panel system that has batteries need a charge controller. A charge controller regulates and controls the power coming from the solar panel to your batteries.

What are Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar charge controllers?

MPPT or Maximum Power Point Tracking is an algorithm that is included in charge controllers. It is used to extract the maximum available power from PV modules under certain conditions (weather or power, specifically).

Maximum Power Point Tracking solar charge controllers are a bit different from the traditional PWM solar charge controllers because they have more features and they are more efficient.

Why are MPPT Solar Charge Controllers more efficient than the traditional PWM solar charge controllers?

Your solar panels will operate at their best power output voltage with an MPPT solar charge controller. Studies show they increase performance by about 30%. So, when does this come in handy for your solar power system? Well, winter months are a prime example.

When solar panels are subjected to cold temperatures, the voltage on your system panels will increase. This makes your system work a bit harder. MPPT solar charge controllers work to your benefit because they take the power your panel is putting out and turn your higher voltage into additional current.

MPPT solar charge controllers can convert excess voltage into amperage which helps regulate the power going from your solar panels to your batteries. If your batteries are overcharging it will significantly reduce battery life.

MPPT chargers are a bit more money than the PWT controllers, however it’s worth the investment.

Why? Simply put, MPPT chargers will convert the maximum available power from your system. This means that you will get more energy (and money) in the long run. Also, a MPPT controller can boost a low panel output. This is ideal for early morning and evening sunlight. This means that you have more hours of battery charge throughout the day (during peak energy cost hours) from MPPT controllers instead of PWM. Solar energy systems can add a substantial amount of value to your property and save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. And including an MPPT controller in your solar energy system is a great way to start saving money. MPPT charge controllers are much more advanced and efficient than others.

Why are MPPT charge controllers much more advanced and efficient than other types?

Because they convert excess voltage into excess current that normally would be wasted by a PWM controller.

Most panels produce more energy than necessary. The MPPT charge controller converts extra volts into more current - which charges your battery faster. When your battery holds a charge - your home can run off of your solar energy system’s battery instead of purchasing energy from your utility company.

They can also handle more voltage - this is an excellent benefit for large businesses that have high energy use because with an MPPT charge controller, more wire more panels into the series in order to generate more power. This allows you to run bigger panels than normal (more panels = more energy production).

MPPT is a relatively new technology, but they are critical for off grid solar panels like cold climates or areas with heavy cloud cover because they work more efficiently than regular PWM solar charge controllers.

If you would like additional information about MPPT solar charge controllers or anything regarding full-service installation or products give us a call at 1-360-422-5610 or email your questions to info@fmsolar.com.