Cheap China Solar Controller Failure
For a couple days been noticing higher than the 14.6 voltage,.....going to 15, and even 15.5,....I knew something was not right. The next day it was showing 16, then quickly went to 17+.......I quickl...
Forum Discussion
Yes, lower panel voltage due to heat has a greater effect on MPPT output than it does PWM, however it doesn't lower the performance of MPPT below that of PWM.
The solution is correct in that for the cost, PWM performs nearly as well as MPPT at a certain band of cell temps for small systems. You also need to read the conclusion quote for MPPT controllers.
"An MPPT charge controller is therefore the solution of choice:
a) If cell temperature will frequently be low (below 45°C) or very high (more than 75°C). b) If cabling cost can be reduced substantially by increasing array voltage.
c) If system output at low irradiance is important.
d) If partial shading is a concern."
I agree that for systems of say less than 300 watts using nominal12-volt panels in parallel, MPPT offers little advantage.
The solution is correct in that for the cost, PWM performs nearly as well as MPPT at a certain band of cell temps for small systems. You also need to read the conclusion quote for MPPT controllers.
"An MPPT charge controller is therefore the solution of choice:
a) If cell temperature will frequently be low (below 45°C) or very high (more than 75°C). b) If cabling cost can be reduced substantially by increasing array voltage.
c) If system output at low irradiance is important.
d) If partial shading is a concern."
I agree that for systems of say less than 300 watts using nominal12-volt panels in parallel, MPPT offers little advantage.
