Test Method PWM vs MPPT ?
I might get a chance to compare MPPT with my PWM on the set of two 100w panels. I get 12.6 (Isc) now with PWM so that is the "standard" I was thinking of a quick connect set-up to swap controllers...
Forum Discussion
There are now 12 volt panels on the market. There are ones producing from 17.7 volts up to 45 volts. A battery can accept up to 13.5 volts so with a standard charge controller the extra voltage from the panel is clipped and lost. With the MPPT all the voltage is down converted so all the available amps from the panel can go to charging the batteries.
Where this is most valuable is with the panels providing 34 volts of output as these enable the use of smaller gauge wiring even when wired in parallel. Optimum for an RV would be these 34v panels wired in parallel with a MPPT controller. Optimum is not the same as most cost effective.
My setup provides 3-4 times the charging capability that we have ever used. I optimized everything in the installation and in the equipment selection. I now know it was overkill. Once the batteries are back to 100% and it is 10 AM the rest of the potential output from the panels has zero value.
Where this is most valuable is with the panels providing 34 volts of output as these enable the use of smaller gauge wiring even when wired in parallel. Optimum for an RV would be these 34v panels wired in parallel with a MPPT controller. Optimum is not the same as most cost effective.
My setup provides 3-4 times the charging capability that we have ever used. I optimized everything in the installation and in the equipment selection. I now know it was overkill. Once the batteries are back to 100% and it is 10 AM the rest of the potential output from the panels has zero value.
