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2 Types of Charge Controllers

How do I choose the right type of charge controller?

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

• PWM charge controllers are useful when the solar panels have a matching voltage to the battery. Panels are wired in parallel and operate at the same voltage as the battery.
• Panels up to 150 watts will work with a 12 volt system; panels above this wattage rating will operate with a 24 volt system. PWM charge controllers are automatically switchable between 12 and 24 volts.
• Available in 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 amp units.
• Available with or without a display.

MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)

• Required when you need to step the solar panel voltage down to the battery voltage. These controllers can accept up to 150 volts of Solar input.
• A higher panel voltage allows the panels to be located further away from the off-grid system and allows smaller wiring to be used.
• With these controllers you can connect the panels in any series / parallel configuration, to allow complete freedom of installation.
• Available in 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 100 amp units.
• Available with or without a display.