mppt vs pwm

CA Traveler wrote:
It sounds like you're trying to compare apples and oranges. Panel wattage is determined in lab conditions and have a variance. Real world conditions involve weather, panel pointing, wiring and controller losses, technology, etc.

It probably goes without saying, most reports on these forums are not exactly scientifically generated. And, yes, there are many variables to be considered. But on the other side of that same coin, it appears there are reports making, thus far, unsubstantiated claims. Add to this, marketing hype by those who marketeer electronics products. Phrases like "up to 50% more" need to be investigated further. Statements like "mppt always outperforms pwm" need to be taken with a rather large grain of salt, it seems, seeing as then the question arises, have those making such claims been diligent to do a scientific inquiry, themselves. And if so, have they been completely honest in their presentation of their findings?

I'm not anti-mppt. In fact, I think the technology is rather impressive. I'm just trying to get to the truth of the matter. Does mppt live up to all the claims? Does it perform better than pwm in all conditions and situations, once one considers heat, voltage, panel type, controller quality, etc.? And on a more personal level, will it give me the best performance when coupled with the particular 12v/140w panels I have? Moreover, when someone suggests I should wire my 12v panels in series and use mppt, do they, in fact, have real world evidence to support their suggestion, or just a belief?