Comparing + Sizing MPPT vs PWM Solar Charge Controller

Today, I’m going to go over the fundamentals of the solar charge controller including understanding the difference between MPPT and PWM as well as making sure you are sizing your charge controller properly.

Disclaimer → None of the diagrams or added images are my own... they are simply being used to illustrate these concepts and ideas.

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ABOUT DUET JUSTUS

Hi! We are Michael + Jenny Justus. We post videos on our life of alternative + sustainable + healthy living. Our desire to live a more meaningful life led us to concoct a crazy plan: Downsize our belongings, ditch the "9-5," and move full-time into a solar-powered, self-sustainable tiny home on wheels with our two dogs, Chase + Roni. Taking this leap into the unknown has completely transformed our future, so be sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE button, join the Justus League, and follow along to see where the journey take us!

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MUSICAL CREDITS:

[lilysgarden]

very easy to understand even from someone like me, a senior woman, who does not know anything but wants to build a solar powered small home. Thank you.

[gvjester]

Just came across this video. Holy smokes, Outstanding vid, out of dozens, this is the BEST, most concise and easiest to
understand I have seen!!! A little late but many thanks!! ☺

[littlemisssunshine]

As always incredibly clear and concise information that even I can comprehend, not that I'm unintelligent, my brain was just never wired for any electrical information; looks like that is slowly changing thanks to you. Thanks for sharing.

[beareramlal]

Hi There
Its Beare Ramlal here from Gauteng, South Africa. Your videos are extremely useful. I'm currently designing a solar system for my small holding (small farm)

Thanks for this initiative

[robertgarbe]

As a practical matter in the context of a RV, except for very large arrays in very exposed situations and very careful panel placement, a PWM controller will come very close to most MPPT. Shading as you have noted is important and can be an overwhelming factor in a solar rig that moves from place to place and is affected by AC covers, campsite locations etc.

[throwaway]

Excellent explanation without too much wordies.

[jeffreyscott]

Simple and concise explanation of the controller differences. This is going to help me build my solar system on my Overland truck build.
Thanks for being so factual

[haveminivanwilltravel]

This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you. Great video!

[spanishcamarillo]

I spent hours trying to get these answers through other videos. Thank you for sharing this info! Super informative and helpful👍🏼

[avocado]

You have been the only one that has broken it down in an understandable manner. Thank you!!

[trevortrevortsr]

On smaller systems, it's worth noting that under 10watts MPPT stop tracking - so I use PWM on a small 20 watts system on my shed for charging car batteries with a well-matched panel that peaks at 17.5v - and an MPPT on my 280-watt system on my motor home where the panel peaks at 32volt and the lifepo4 battery is charged at 14.4volt. So i would say well-matched panels on sub 40watt systems PWM works well

[TomandLoriRVLife]

With each video, I get one step closer to installing solar on our rv! Thanks...VERY helpful, VERY informative!

[troyseagondollar]

Incredible knowledge. I watched all three videos - panels, batteries, and controllers. Now I feel more comfortable talking with the solar companies. Thank you.

[Joshuatreelocal]

You articulated everything well, and were concise, so I gave you a sub for not wasting my time! This is what I look for in videos

[Wanders]

Hey, i love your simple and straight explanation. It really helps me. Thanks mate.

[klouism]

Love it. Thanks. I find the simple illustration all I need. I am not too tech savvy so your videos will help me select what I need. Stay well & keep having fun.

[hogcat]

To make it simple for folks the way to go if you do not live where the sun shines all day and is cloudy alot, go with a MPPT controller. In a 12 volt battery system wire your panels for a 24 volt system. The MPPT can handle the higher voltage and charge your 12 volt batterys. The advantage is when cloudy the panels will still be putting out higher voltage with fewer amps to the controller. The controller changes the voltage into more amps to charge the batterys at 12 volts.
But if you're out in the desert or where you get sunshine most of the day, either type MPPT or PWM will work fine.
I found that a MPPT charge controller taking in wired for 24 volts solar panels will be charging a 12 volt battery system at nite parked under a street light!!!

[darrellwampler]

Thanks I always learn something from your videos! I always wondered about the amp size controller needed. Thanks so much.👍

[falcundo]

Just found your channel. U do the best job I have seen simplifying the solar process. Will subscribe. Look forward to watching the archived stuff. Peace!

[MrHenstak]

You have been helpful in your explanation and its really amazing thank you so much for those details.