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

GET THE GEAR CAHN USES!
200w Solar Blanket: bit.ly/200wSolarBlanket
PWM Regulator: bit.ly/PWMRegulator
25A DC Charger with MPPT Solar Regulator: bit.ly/25ADCCharger
Solar Regulators Explained: How To Double Your Solar Panel's Output - today we show you how to get 150% MORE power from your solar panel or blanket. It's possible with the right solar controller or solar regulator!
Cahn delves deep into the topic of PWM v MPPT solar controllers and explains in an easy-to-follow way, exactly how each works.
Forget flat batteries and warm fridges while you're camping - here's how to make the most of your solar panel. Let us know what you think of these products below.
► ABOUT US
4WDSupacentre is an Australian owned company offering quality 4WD, camping and outdoor products at wholesale prices. We carry a wide range of products designed to make your 4WD or camping trip that much more enjoyable. Products range from air compressors, awnings, awning tents, camping gear, exhausts, led lights, Titan rear drawers, recovery gear and heaps more!
We have all the right gear you need to keep you out on the tracks for longer at incredibly low prices every day. Thanks for watching rom all the team here at 4 WD Supacentre!
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► Gear We Use:
200w Solar Blanket: bit.ly/200wSolarBlanket
PWM Regulator: bit.ly/PWMRegulator
25A DC Charger with MPPT Solar Regulator: bit.ly/25ADCCharger
*NOTE: This description contains links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video. Thank you for your support!

[@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

[@lloydkennedy7433]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@therealgaragegirls]

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

[@jetfu400]

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

[@ericjohndluhos5480]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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🍺🏄‍♂️

[@jgittoes]

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

[@jerryallen34]

Again, thank you for these informative uploads. Brilliant.

[@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.

[@LucasManfrim]

Great stuff guys! Best video about this comparison in KZbin! Well done boys!

[@OTJbuildingblog]

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

[@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

[@thefirstmissinglink]

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

[@schoocg]

Best description and demo out there. Good job.

[@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

[@kazuza9]

Best video so far, packed with detailed information

[@KhurshidKarimi]

Brilliant. Very well explained and demonstrated. Worthy of subscription.

[@paulsharkey4185]

This is the BEST explanation of what normally could be a very complex description of how these converters work but also their differences. Again, many compliments.

[@Dgboss78]

Amazing video… I've been watching videos about solar stuff for years and never understood like I do now. Thx a lot!

[@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.

[@williamwiese9963]

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

[@christophkaiser]

Nice comparison, very thorough! thank you!

[@renaulttraficconversion]

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

[@SocksWithSandals]

That's a really clear explanation of what those charge controllers do

[@Nicedesk]

Thank you for the clearest explanation I've seen on YT!

[@DanielHofer]

Thank you for the great lesson about the difference of the two technologies!

[@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.

[@noodlefoo]

Thank you for a well explained video.

[@Flexin010]

Wow! Simple and to the point with a demo! Cool!!

[@garymcdonald08]

Well done this is well presented and understandable to us common Joe’s. Thanks

[@lasol2474]

Good presentation! Very enthusiastic!!

[@darrylmunro96]

Another well explained video, great work, very much appreciated as I learnt a lot.

[@shawnteague227]

Great video makes it very clear on what’s needed 👍

[@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.

[@artofnoly9754]

Good vid, man. Every little helps.

[@dfrontierit2114]

Thank you. i am going to return the pwm controller that i bought few days ago and get the mppt…thanks again for the great video😊

[@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.

[@birdandearth6802]

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

[@NeoE83]

Excellent work explaining, a great video

[@stiffpants]

Great video! Thanks so much for explaining this and the real life comparison.!

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@The1Creston]

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

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Glad you liked it!

[@bajar.m.6953]

Wow. If I was able to understand the explanation, anybody can do it. Great job 👏

[@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

[@kevinwaters-marsh217]

Great video thank you. Love your background music too.

[@shutthegate8232]

Thanks Cahn. Great job taking the "load of info of it all" and filtering out all the stuff that makes it confusing to a level laymen can understand. Cheers

[@kennethcoutinho4439]

Very Good Explanation

[@QATAROVERLAND]

Keep up best information about solar

[@heftymerv]

makes an amazing difference when a solar panel is connect to an MPPT, one large panel can be like 2 or 3 smaller one. Thanks for the vid...

[@nwlady1844]

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

[@johnnixon1026]

Great explanation! Thank you

[@davebenson1504]

Thank you ... very clear explanation

[@yousvellormeus]

The very best video about this topic

[@martin1500]

Absolutely brilliant video

[@bladlob28]

Many thanks for this excellent video.

[@mohamedroomy1985]

Very much informative. Thanks

[@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

[@daveslife9486]

Excellent video well explained 👍

[@justuswithrandomstuff8250]

Awesome video thanks Kings!

[@samartz]

Really helpful and simple advice!

[@downdroneservices8910]

Thank you, so easy to follow

[@danielnorman8595]

Good explanation.. with examples. nice

[@learnshareevolve1842]

Thanks! Key information for selecting my 1st regulator!

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

No problem! Happy to help.

[@pinoypotatopcgamer6071]

Thank you very much for the comparison now i know what to buy 😁

[@coryanderson2371]

Hey I love your channel I'm gonna go with the one you mentioned the last 1 I have 200 W solar powered panels on my truck they both put a 100 W out I haven't learned how to hook everything up yet but I was looking at that PTFI can't say a word anyways I'm still watching you and I still like it I'm learning a lot from you now I know which 1 to buy I don't always get to watch you but tonight I'm glad I clicked on you

[@andrewstopp192]

A terrific simple explanation well done

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GabeDonzelli]

Great explanation for someone whose knowledge of these matters is close to nil.

[@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.

[@HuyNguyen-lm8on]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@blahhblahh1511]

Top review mate well done

[@rade1763]

Great video and great explain! Thank you 👍

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

glad you liked it

[@zim4x4club]

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

[@raphaelusek]

Thanks. Very educational 👍

[@can5projects563]

very informative video well done.

[@janusrokkjr4782]

Thanks great video Even for a beginner.

[@OWK000]

Thanks for the indepth explanations of how the two types of solar charge controllers work. Best I've heard. I believe, however, that many pwm charge controllers, even the umbiquitous cheap ones, can do either 12 volt or 24 volt, but they cannot modulate or change the output like an MPPT so your panel voltage has to match your battery set up voltage. MPPT are more flexible and with some of the higher end all-in-one combined MPPT charge controller and inverter, you can line your panels up in series from 120V to something like 440 volts, allowing crazy pv string voltage! So a lot of that depends on the model. They vary widely.

[@shepherdnleya7828]

Informative... thank you

[@saiprayastha7141]

I like that panel you put on the windshield of the car foldable and portable

[@danielwi2634]

Awesome video! Thanks 🙏👍🏻

[@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?

[@itsimplylogic]

Great, thanks. I'm finally convinced 🤗 and upgrading all my systems to MPPT. I believe the extra cost of the MPPT controller is negligible in comparison to the benefits of the extra available power.

[@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.

[@funkygreendog1]

Thanks for this !

[@boss290bafalcon]

Great tutorial.. thank you

[@simphiwemphiwe8600]

Good explaination

[@TracksideNW]

Super well explained and thank you for just getting right down to it and skipping a cheesy intro!!

[@timkoster694]

Yeah starting in solar. Will go for mppt now.

[@crochetingaroundnewzealand]

Wow excellent thank you

[@rodx5571]

My initial question was, whats the difference? NOTE: As a master automotive tech, intimately familiar with 12v systems, Automotive oscilloscopes, and what PWM means, as solenoids and idle air controllers ect. are operated as such. With my next question being "how do i stop it from cooking my batteries and keep my charge voltage at13.4 to 14.4. and my third question being can i use higher voltage panels without wasting money. All questions answered. You are the MAN.

[@gregsimpson9847]

very helpfull thanks mate

[@aaronodguy967]

Great video.

[@kieranpalmer9045]

The fucked up thing is that this video from kings has been the most informative and straightforward video I have seen on this topic

[@4wdsupacentreAu]

Thanks… I think? Cheers, Cahn

[@SKSK-rz7br]

great vid ... nicely explained ... greetings from pom land

[@shanespicer6348]

Very good, thanks mate.

[@alexkalsatos5555]

Thanks for the video great explanation, my question I have 1-100W