The pwm charge controller is a good low cost solution for small systems only when solar cell temperature is moderate to high between 45 c and 75 c.
Pwm solar panel regulator charge controller.
Using an mppt controller allows much higher voltages in the cables from the panels to the solar charge controller.
Mppt or maximum power point tracking controllers are far more advanced than pwm controllers and enable the solar panel to operate at its optimum voltage for maximum power output.
With a pwm charge controller used with 12v batteries the voltage from the solar panel to the charge controller typically has to be 18v.
A solar charge controller frequently called regulator is similar to a regular battery charger i e.
Why do you need a solar charge controller.
It regulates the current flowing from the solar panel into the battery bank to avoid overcharging the batteries.
Preventing the battery from overcharging is important merely because the voltage generated by even a 12v solar panel is actually higher between 16 and 20v.
Using this clever technology mppt solar charge controllers can be up to 30 more efficient depending on the battery voltage and type of solar panel connected.
See all solar charge controllers.
The mppt controller then converts the excess voltage into additional amps.
Choosing the right solar charge controller regulator.