SOLAR REGULATORS EXPLAINED! PWM versus MPPT - what's best & why? PLUS upgrade your solar controller!

[@AlexSwan]

With your 120W solar blanket I am consistently getting 25 to 30% more power output from the PWM compared to all of the big brand MPPT charge controllers I’ve tested. Why would that be? Isn’t meant to be the other way around?

[@srb4722]

I wouldn't trust the display of a pwm controller. Use a separate meter as a comparison.

[@birdandearth6802]

thank you. Well explained, especially for someone who knows very little

[@a787fxr]

For me that all translated into just get an MPPT. He said why in ten minutes. I reduced that into four words: Just get an MPPT. !:- )

[@PeterLawton]

Agreed. And that 100 watt vs 40 watt comparison removes any lingering doubt a viewer might have.

[@Travecmo]

Great educating

[@robertcairns8572]

hi, can you use a 18v solar panel to charger a 12v leisure battery using a mppt solar controller.thanks

[@stevemorgan2976]

Wow! My degree is in electrical engineering and I have a pretty good understanding of electrical stuff. I think this is the best video I have ever seen describing the difference between a PWM and MPPT solar charge controller. That is saying something because there are some bright people on KZbin talking about the same stuff. Good job!

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Thanks Steve ... we agree with you! - Tracey

[@enjay8950]

@Peter Evans at 9:10 it looks like there is a ammeter

[@Farmer2492]

@Peter Evans LOL ok from someone who dosent have a clue

[@Farmer2492]

@Peter Evans you don't have a clue ok

[@prairiehoarder]

@Peter Evans Perhaps you should go buy a brain somewhere ? It must be hard running around without a brain. Does it echo between your ears?

[@Stuart.Mckenzie]

Just getting into boat sailing and your explanation of the chargers was very useful, however I think you could easily do without the background music, your audio doesn’t need jazzing up. Thanks again.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

I just upgraded my small 200 watt system to a MPPT charge controller, and what a difference!! It turns on way earlier in the mornings and shuts off just after sunset. It charges up by batteries in about half the time as my old PWM did. Real world conditions, real world testing. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

@Memer Dreamer I do like pineapple fruit, but i'm not a smoker..lol

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

@Memer Dreamer Sounds like you have been smoking some serious stuff..lol

[@OTJbuildingblog]

Could you please do a video on wiring up solar panels solar regulator to a dual battery setup with your control box :)

[@ericjohndluhos5480]

A very nice, concise and understandable comparison with a quite satisfying technical explanation for a first time solar enthusiast. Well done. Thank you!

[@therealgaragegirls]

The clear explanation of the differences between MPPT and PWM is just what I needed. Thank you!

[@lloydkennedy7433]

Mate, you've explained this regulator mystery very well. Thank you.

[@susansmeeton4321]

great explanation, thank you. Went away for a quick trip with a 200w solar blanket, 85ah battery and a 15ltr Waeco fridge, had three days of heavy cloud where the battery went flat. Now I know why PWM and solar blanket flat on the ground. Will be buying a MPPT regulator and angling the solar blanket.

[@andrewford80]

Blankets are also a bit shit. If you can get a folding panel they are usually better, but bulkier and heavier.

[@jeoffer]

You are 100% correct in using an MPPT with a portable solar panel or blanket to maximise the output. On my small garage (fixed hobby) solar system, it was easier and slightly cheaper to just add another 100w panel rather than upgrade to MPPT. The extra panel was about $125, about $50 less than a new MMPT.

[@tedfisk1211]

I found your video while looking at a different one. You explain PWM and MPPT a lot better than the other one. I still need to gain more understanding of watts, volts and amps, but your video is a great start.

[@busdriver1261]

Have been researching setting up a 12v system for camping and another 4WD youtuber was recommending MPPT over PWM, but never went into deatils as to why. Thanks for showing me the "why" in easily understandable terms. The graphs laid it out clearly for me.

[@topdeckdog]

gotta love ronny dahl

[@danieslk52]

Thanks for a great video. I fully agree with all your statements as it is what I have also found. The plus side for MPPT just gets better the bigger the difference is between panel Volts and battery Volts. If only more people would look at the results during the actual test.

[@PatricksDIY]

Thank You Very much for this video, I have been searching all day for something that broke it down the way you did, it makes me glad I went with an MPPT charge controller!

[@jgittoes]

Great video. Awesome explanation of how it works to someone who has trouble understanding this sort of stuff - like myself. Cheers

[@jazzylips515]

Regardless of what type of controller you use, please be careful. It is necessary to hook the controller up to your battery first, before connecting your solar panels. To not do so will burn up your controller.

[@thedalillama]

I'm glad I watched this. I am buying an RV and didn't realize how much stuff you should know about power, water purification, gadgets, etc. It would be overwhelming without videos like this.

[@mailboxexpresspalmyra7575]

i want to add a panel and mppt chare controller as a portable panel 100w what items do you suggest? lithium battel bone batteries 200 amh, my intent is to use this when I am in the shade and hunt for the sun. GREAT job.

[@jerryallen34]

Again, thank you for these informative uploads. Brilliant.

[@AssaultWolf]

Is that kings MPPT Solar Regulator is for sale by it self?

[@flynndouglas219]

would you be able to show us how to put multiple panels on the one system using your chargers? thanks for all the helpful vids!

[@einfelder8262]

For PWM you need to connect panels in parallel, up to the rated input current. For MPPT you can connect in series up the the rated input voltage of the controller, then you could add psets in parallel up to the rated input current.

[@karenduff9724]

Please make a video for this.

[@Pipingshreik]

Great Video! Firstly, I'm about to change from an AGM to a Kings LIfepo4 battery with BMS, do I need to change the controller to a lithium controller. Secondly. is the battery connection a 2way operation. For me at least a quick vid on how the wiring actually works would be handy. Love the professionalism you guys brink to the tube.

[@jasonbrock2208]

What is that digital monitor your using to show the input charge amps

[@anell3w]

Ward, wanna know too

[@ChoirFan1]

Me too.

[@BOBLAF88]

Me three🤔

[@ucheibe2751]

Thanks for the explanation. My question is can PWM charger rated 12/24/36v take 24 volts panel?

[@kieranneill6495]

Good information, thanks! Quick question, does the MPPT that comes with the 200W blanket work with / charge lithium batteries?

[@epnuzuluaga766]

I've never met a lithium iron phosphate battery that would work with a PWM. Your best bet us to use a MPPT for your lithium iron phosphate battery.

[@danieslk52]

If you read up on lithium you will see it is stated that pulse chargers should NEVER be used. That is what a PWM charger does.

[@philliprushanrushansuperfu5920]

Did you ever find out if MPPT works with Lithium batteries?

[@kieranneill6495]

@@philliprushanrushansuperfu5920 It didn’t work with my battery, so bought a new mppt controller and programmed it to my battery’s specs

[@waynehobbs5175]

Great video thanks. Correct me if I am wrong but another advantage of MPPT is that they can often take upto 100v input to reduce losses. Another too is quality MPPT can be programmed for different battery profiles like AGM v Lead acid v Lifepo4 the latter requiring a very different charging regime eg 14.4 v boost, never equalising and a float of only 12.8. I believe all quality MPPT can do this. Have also been told PWM can reduce the life of a lifepo4 battery as it can not deliver the custom profile needed for that spec.

[@javabeanz8549]

you are not wrong that I know of, but some of the latest MPPT controllers are 150V models, so you can do even longer strings or use higher output panels.

[@j5892000]

How to double? Add double panels lol

[@dpher1]

Can I put the dc to dc charger under the bonnet? My other battery is under the bonnet connected to the solar panel via a pwm controller and I want to change it to a dc charger.

[@noodlefoo]

Thank you for a well explained video.

[@rothburger]

I just scored a 1 year old 160w panel and a un used still in the box Mppt controller for $50 Can wait for frosty beers on the beach🍺🏄‍♂️

[@honumoorea873]

There are pwm for 24v and ev n for 48v.

[@jasonbrown467]

thanks for the video. i wish more people talked about the specifics like this. i would add that another benefit is mppt controllers normally allow for wiring your panels in series, so you can get the same watts, but decrease your amps and have cheaper cables so you can place the panels farther away from your site, maybe even out of the shade, or leave the amps the same but increase volts, therefore increase watts.

[@MikeB-rr5hh]

@Peter Evans At 8:56 into the video you can see volts, amps, power and energy being displayed.

[@yusufbarkari2333]

That's true I have another 48v system, I use 3 mppt charge controllers each connected to 8 solar panels 4x250w + 4x250w . I use a 700ah forklift battery which are 2vx24=48v , I have 2 inverters which I alternate. I use fridge, 42 inch TV , microwave , kettle, water pumps and lights this is the 5fth year with this system and still going on I'm connected to national grid but I do not use it so I'm almost recovering my initial cost I also have a 2000w wind turbine which supplements charging during windy periods. I was experimenting possibility of planting off grid and have now archived my goal so the way forward is mppt charge controllers

[@Chuppe_g]

​@@yusufbarkari2333sir can you make a video for this 🙏

[@The1Creston]

Thank you so much. That was a GREAT real world comparison!

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Glad you liked it!

[@peterparkinson7251]

I have a 250w solar panel and it has the MPPT 20amp controller (kings) attached, charging a 138Ah AGM with the Kings 12 v battery monitor fitted on the maxi battery box. Yesterday i brought a new 120 Ah Lithium battery and a 15amp PWM Solar Controller. (the 138Ah is too heavy for my back) 1. do I have to use the 15amp PWM solar controller with the 250w panel charging the 120Amp Lithium or can I continue using the 20 amp MPPT that was originally on the solar panel I brought last month? 2. Can I continue to use the battery monitor I brought last month with the new Lithium battery ( maybe turn down all the low voltage and turn up the high voltage settings and run the monitor on AGM?) please advise best action I should do. regards Peter

[@srb4722]

The 15 amp pwm will limit your power to 15 amps. So your better of using the 20 amp pwm.

[@johndavies1987]

Hi there mate. I’m new to solar and batteries. I have a kings batter box which has 12v and USB outlets on it. It seems most solar controllers have power from panels in. Power to batteries out. And 12 volt load out also. Can I just feed panels into controller. Then out of controller into battery. And then use the low voltage outlets on the battery. Do I need a specific controller or can I use a standard one and just ignore the 12v terminals? Does any of this make sense? Cheers and thank you. John Davies.

[@jetfu400]

i have watched so many videos about these... yours is the one that clicked to me... so much easier to understand

[@crochetingaroundnewzealand]

Wow excellent thank you

[@QATAROVERLAND]

Keep up best information about solar

[@adamcarroll8356]

Why cant my kings 200w panel start up my 25w dual charger but it works with the PWM regulator???

[@alakdan83]

What brand & model is the in-line Anderson cable watt meter used in this video?

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hey mate from memory I bought it from Jaycar but you can get them online and most electronics shops! Not 100% accurate but definitely close enough to be very useful! Cheers Cahn

[@thefirstmissinglink]

Yup, answered my question as to charging 12v systems with 24v panels! Thanks!

[@pritambissonauth2181]

You know what, its the best video explaining MPPT charge controllers. I watched so many videos on this subject, particularly on channels referring themselves as 'expert' on solar systems, this one beats them all. Thank you

[@barsixful]

Glad I watched this.I use cheap pwm. I always wonder why my new battery sits at 12.8…now I know

[@alanjm1234]

Been using MPPT for the past 11 years. Definitely better output than PWM, but I don't think it's double. Another big gain for constant users of solar (probably not worth the $$$ for campers) is to replace lead acid batteries with LiFePO4. They're about 10% more efficient than lead acid- you get out almost the same power as you put in. That's like increasing your solar by 10%. (Of course if you have the space, it's cheaper to just add solar. On a boat we simply don't have unlimited space. )

[@aramsweeney4041]

thanks for clearing that up. greater confidence with my purchases! also what was the unit used to test the amps and volts and how was it wired in?? thanks heaps.

[@daisybelle3]

He just used a watt metre, you just connect it with Anderson plugs. Different watt metres give you depending kinds of readings.

[@einfelder8262]

Most controller instructions I have seen say to connect battery first.

[@Jsak666]

Is this compatible with LiFePO4 batteries? Or standard lead acid BS only?

[@philc.9280]

Nice explanation. The problem now that most people know about MPPT is being exploited on eBay as many of these PWM controllers are being advertised as MPPT. It will say MPPT in the title but if you read the fine print, it will say PWM. I responded to a couple sellers, and they just use the excuse that the marketing dept needs to fix the problem.

[@stephenburnage7687]

I also have found increasing levels of dishonesty on eBay. For instance, if you search for a 200W solar panel, many are way too small to crediblely be anyting more than 80W. Similarly, steel is listed as "marine grade stainless' when it corrodes after a few weeks. Ebay needs to fix this problem.

[@synthwave7]

Well explained. Especially that the PWM is only 70% effective. Nobody ever mentioned that. I now made a trickle charger for my SUV standing in the garage with me working from home mostly. The battery goes flat after 2 weeks, so. I used a cheap 200W solar panel and PWM controller. It works perfectly. It keeps my car's battery charged. In this case I did not need a MPPT controller. So I suppose PWM is still useful for low key applications.

[@cisltd]

PWM can be 12v or 24v and sometimes more!

[@LifePhath]

I want to know what to invest on more buy more batteries, or more panels or better charge controller. I just want the power to last longer

[@simonpepper9721]

Your the only dude on utube that said what the initials stand for in both controllers. Bloody good vid for beginners.

[@1989cranston]

You trying to tell me you have watched every PWN/MPPT solar reg video on the internet and not one has said what it stands for lol...

[@simonpepper9721]

@@1989cranston yep,first one,and it's PWM bro.

[@1989cranston]

@@simonpepper9721 sorry, you didn't get what i was saying. I was saying in satire that you definitely have not watched all the videos on youtube about them haha. there are plenty out there and to be honest 4wd supercentre/Kings is the last place you should be taking battery/solar/auto electrical advice from. They are an on-seller of products. There are a plethora of electrical-based youtube channels that are far more qualified to give advice

[@simonpepper9721]

@@1989cranston no worries mate.

[@cjmbullion]

@Simon Pepper This video explains what they stand for, so you are wrong.kzbin.info/www/bejne/f37FlpWAjLSbh9U

[@billbimson2408]

Excellent description. I normally hate the soundtrack on technology videos because it is usually some sort of crap keyboard techno music, but I love those blues on slide.

[@jumboegg5845]

12.7 volts is close to fully charged for a battery that is a year or two old, not 75%. The demonstration shows the mppt charging at 7.3A 13.8 V, that's a high current when getting close to full charge float voltage of around 14.1- 14.4. A better demonstration would be to show the charging currents on batteries that have been discharged a fair bit, say to 12.0V.

[@renaulttraficconversion]

Thanks for the video. Very good explanation of the two setups. You have a new subscriber.

[@zim4x4club]

great video - an extra note for anyone using radio kit, many PWMs will emit interference, MPPTs shout be better by design..

[@KE6DOA]

Newbie Question , just received my first solar panel Briefcase style 100w with PWM controller to use while camping to help keep batteries up. do i need to disconnect it if i am going to run my Generator for the whole Travel trailer ? will it case damage it the system. thanks

[@MP-hf3jn]

Can't use a mppt to charge a lithium battery

[@sathyabalakrishnan8729]

Mate you are a absolute legend. Thanks for sharing such a valuable information, I will get MPPT and portable solar tomorrow.

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Hi Sathya, Thanks for appreciation mate. If you need any assistance with purchasing solar and mppt controller, feel free to contact us on [e-mail] and we can go over best prices and deals with you then. Cheers, Saleha

[@sathyabalakrishnan8729]

@@4wdsupacentreAu sounds great saleha. Today I just went to weatherhill Park, bought 20A MPPT, connecting it with existing Full river battery, redarc dc dc charger, redarc 80W solar panel mounted. Bought few other kings products such as lights, awning, fridge etc.

[@davebenson1504]

Thank you ... very clear explanation

[@nwlady1844]

thank you. Your explanations were great! made sense to me.... and I know almost nothing abut this stuff!!

[@stephenbillington7715]

great video. However I have installed my mppt....mp3743 and I am having difficulty understanding how to adjust the controls on the panel. Do I have to insert time on and time off to allow for the battery not to drain right down. A warning light E2. each morning the only way to get the unit to function and start charging is to plug in my 240v power to house lead then remove or use my generator if away from home.

[@christophkaiser]

Nice comparison, very thorough! thank you!

[@artist1128]

Please tell me: so if the solar panel 70W, is PWM can generate more power, no need to buy MPPT?

[@debbied7803]

Good grief I've searched all over, asked ? After ? What solar regulator I'd need, finally came across your video, thank you! Woohoo feels like I'm on the right path in deciding on solar power for my van. I have to have a AGM battery bc it will be inside. Been racking my brain trying to know the safest regulator to charge my battery and get the most out of a 100 watt panel.

[@craigrobertson1813]

Just bought a kings mppt regulator. Do I need to put an inline fuse in the wiring?

[@mjsvitek]

Always put a fuse between the panels and controller, between the controller and batteries, and between the batteries and the load.

[@Zkpe02]

As a work around I use my Bluetti ac200p and a 500w lifepo4 charger to charge my 4 lifepo4 12.8 100ah batteries while feeding my Bluetti 1000watts of solar..This works fine for me, I’m just using my Mppt charge controller in my Bluetti…I get needing a Mppt controller if you’re using just batteries for power…

[@bannanamans22]

Bought a trailer with PWM controller. After watching your video I'm trying to find a strict 12v foldable solar panel around 200 Watts all the specs report something like: short circuit current 12A current at Pmax 10.9A open circuit voltage 22.5 voltage at Pmax 18.3 volts. I will loose significant power correct!?

[@rdefender2685]

FYI found Renogy Rover 20 Amp 12V/24V MPPT Common Positive Solar Charge Controller Regulator Compatible with Lithium Sealed, Gel, Flooded Batteries and Bluetooth Module. $81 US

[@funkygreendog1]

Thanks for this !

[@herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513]

Not quite right there with the pwm info. You can get those controllers that take different voltage of solar panels. I have 24v panels going in on a 12v battery system. I use 62x 7.2a/h batteries for the last 8 years and no problems.. . Pwm controllers like in the video can be bought fur $10-20 on eBay or AliExpress.. they will last years. Don't forget this is an advertising video for king's.. Always oversize your system.. the more the better. Then you will have no problems

[@alexkalsatos5555]

Accidently press send, I was trying to say I have 1-100W s.panel I'm running a mini fridge and a laptop its fine if we have sun. I'm want toadd another panel 300 to 400W plus keep using the 100W panel my mppt charge controller is 70A will it work the batterries are 4x125A deep cycle marine. Your help is appreciated.

[@VBCANMAN]

Hi there do i have to remove the black power box off the back of my fold out 250w solar panel to connect the mppt or do i just connect lead to mppt charger after connecting it to 2nd battery? Cheers chris,

[@johnsalotti1657]

Hi guys were getting SRC18 snowy rivers caravan it comes with 200 w solar 120 again batt projector monitoring system, we would like to set up for off grid camps looking at your 400 and battery and 600+ solar Costs and were in Brisbane can I get it done ( we have a 3 way fridge so conversion to compressor all so thanks

[@danielanderson2279]

As kings arnt making a 25amp dc dc any longer I've grabbed a 20amp kings dcdc and a mppt digital controller what's the difference hooking these up to the 12 volt control box no solar wire on 20 dcdc an where do I connect the grey lithium battery wire inside the control box and can I run the mppt thru one of the Anderson plugs on the control box or run direct to battery? Would preferably like to run mppt digital controller thru 1 of the control box Anderson plugs! Please help Me out with this issue

[@JamesMartin-tb9vf]

Weird how my PWM is a 24 volt version and they also make them all the way up to 60 float. This video is 2 years old but I guess out dated when it came out. I don't think I will trust the rest of the details in this video but the general concepts are correct. ALSO rarely do solar panels put out the wattage they claim unless you are out there tracking the sun and adjusting your sun angle. All seasoned solar owners know this so for those who don't... unless you have a your panels mounted on a solar tracker PWMs are probably fine for your needs.

[@acefire4050]

Oh that's one thing I can tell you the difference about is one's a few dollars the other ones a few hundred dollars yeah but it is for 500 bucks or buy the other one for 34 bucks that's the difference between two and my inspective like I said I can't afford it besides you're not asking 500 bucks they're asking 960 bucks.

[@isayekini161]

If I want to build a 3kva solar power myself in my apartment, 1. how many watt of solar panels do I need 2. How many arms of charge controller do I need 3. How many arms of battery do I need 4. How many watt or arms of solar inverter do I need Will really love if you help. Thanks

[@Alycevan]

I’m trying to find a video breaking down what lights should be on constantly or flashing… my solar panel light is a constant which the user manual says “Solar panel voltage is higher than the light control voltage” and is should be pulsating but not rapid. I noticed in this video yours is a steady in as well. Can someone please enlighten me. I’m new to this set up and struggling to understand if I have a faulty MPPT. thank you

[@petermoss6232]

Can I operate a 100w + a 120w sola blankets through one MPPT sola controler or do I need 2 MPPT's

[@ChoirFan1]

You need to check the power capability of the MPPT itself. Most I’ve seen are rated to at least 400W, but I’ve seen some rated to 2000W. Check the specs, but I’d say that any off the shelf MPPT will cope with 220W

[@srb4722]

One unit only. But it's safer to go with a 30 amp. Mppt. A bit of headroom for long-term stability and life.

[@williamwiese9963]

I'm a total newb to this, great video!! Really helped me understand and make a clear choice of controller for me .

[@acefire4050]

That's why mine keeps begging me to turn my batteries into 24 volts so I could charge at 24 volts I actually want to charge a 27 volts you are a liar cuz that's what I'm running and I can run 24 volts with it and that's what it wants to run it doesn't like running 12 volts and that's what it's running and I've already ran it at 24 volts that's how I know.

[@leelopreste8852]

What's the difference between a30 amp charge control and a 40 amp charge controler? Everyone says what you need but no one ever explain s the size difference!

[@JaydonRose]

Absolutely the best explanation I've heard about these charge controllers! Well done Brother! & thank you!😁

[@lifeisgood3386]

Hi i have 1x 100ah leshure battery but i am thinking of getting another and join them paralel what regulator would you recomend i am currantly using just one of those blue ones with 2 x solar panels in serius 10 w each connected to the regulator but as i said i want to add another 100ah battery can you advise me thank you .i have that same blue regulator

[@archabrfamily]

Can n guys help me with a home setup to power a couple of fridges and maybe some odds and ends? i will certainly need multiple batteries and solar panels. Even worse, have no idea many I will need to run the fridges (2) despite much searching online its not so easy to work out. Yes, Im a bit of a luddite sadly.

[@johntimbrell]

Why oh why did you put music on this video?? I love music and probably would like the piece played if I listened to it separately but I find it so annoying when I try to concentrate on dialogue . Please video makers please note.

[@acefire4050]

I'll be the second comment my chargers charge my batteries at 14.7 volts and they also scream for more batteries because they charge my batteries by about 9:00 in the morning even before Sun starts coming up the daylight is charging the batteries and it almost charged when the sun comes up and for the other charger I want to get one of those but I can never afford one so I can't tell you anything about them.

[@habibullahsamander2798]

I have a controller, but I don't whether it's PWM or MPPT. Jarrett JAR-PA30. Do you know?

[@millennium677]

also dont cross the wires on the accessory port, I had allegator clips to charge a secondary battery and crossed them and the controller went POOF smoke and the smell, when I opened the controller the circuit board was melted luckily it was only a cheap 10 dollar one

[@nickhenderson2181]

Hey there. Which battery setting does the PWM need to be in for my kings 120ah lithium battery?? Many thanks

[@fredclark3819]

They do make 24v pwn charge controllers for 24v battery banks but i would still use mppt for a 24v battery bank

[@shaunepegrum]

With the mppt modulator what r the chances of overheating the system and does it reduce the life of the solar panel and can this also void the warranty if using and something happens anywhere in the circuit of the charging system.I have the TJM solar panel

[@lastof4brothers]

What happens with an mppt controller when the voltage from the solar array is less than 12v, say in a very cloudy day? Will it boost the voltage to 13v so the battery can charge, albeit at a lower current?

[@TheTimoroan]

Watched this video around midnight and then straight to eBay and ordered the same MPPT in the video. Best explanation on MPPT and PWM ever.

[@tracym427]

You might like XT60 or XT90 connectors over them big clunky Anderson 50’s you are using.

[@irfanspace]

great explain , wonderful

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Many thanks!