The PWM solar regulator within a solar installation is a very important component, since it is in charge of the charging process of our batteries or accumulators, allowing the passage of energy or cutting off the passage in relation to the requirement of the batteries.
For the correct choice of this type of device. First of all, it must be taken into account that the PWM solar charge controller is limited by amps (A), so a 10 amp solar charge controller admits up to a total of 10 amps in panels, since a panel of 150W gives an intensity less than 10A, to be specific, a maximum of 8.2A for this type of panel is valid for a 10A PWM regulator from any manufacturer. Now we will explain with a practical example the correct way to choose a PWM solar charge controller with a 150W Polycrystalline solar panel. The 150W panel has a voltage of 18.3V and a current of 8.2A, so its power is 150W, so let's remember that: Voltage x Amperage = Watts
18.3V x 8.2A = 150.06W In this case, it happens that the technology of the PWM solar charge regulator, unlike an MPPT solar charge regulator, reduces the voltage produced by the panel from 18V to the battery charge voltage (13V), also reducing the input power. from solar panel. This is why the manufacturer's sticker shows 13V x 10A = 130W (it refers to the useful power and not to the maximum power of the panel sticker). The PWM solar charge regulator takes advantage of the 150W panel between 105W and 115W approximately in the best conditions when the panel is delivering its maximum current since there is always a margin of energy loss, which does not happen in the case of charge regulators. MPPT. If you want a solar charge controller taking advantage of all the available panel power, the right thing to do is to choose an MPPT solar charge controller which makes the board produce a minimum 30% improvement in board performance. If you have questions about the compatibility or recommendations between a PWM, MPPT regulator and a solar panel, contact us and without obligation our team at WCCSOLAR will advise you on the matter.
