Solar Panel Charge Controller Working Principle

Maximum power point tracking mppt.

Solar panel charge controller working principle.

Detailed information on mppt charge controllers. The charge controller regulates this 16 to 20 volts output of the panel down to what the battery needs at the time. 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. Roughly a panel rated at 100 watts at room temperature will be an 83 watt panel at 110 degrees.

Contrary to intuition solar panels work best at cooler temperatures. A charge controller charge regulator or battery regulator limits the rate at which electric current is added to or drawn from electric batteries. 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. A mppt or maximum power point tracker is an electronic dc to dc converter that optimizes the match between the solar array pv panels and the battery bank or utility grid.

It prevents overcharging and may protect against overvoltage which can reduce battery performance or lifespan and may pose a safety risk it may also prevent completely draining deep discharging a battery or perform controlled discharges. The basic functions of a controller are quite simple. They convert a higher voltage dc output from solar panels and a few wind generators down to the lower voltage needed to charge batteries.