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

Рет қаралды 703,758

Күн бұрын

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!
► Click Here To Subscribe - bit.ly/KZfaqSubscribeSupaCentre
► Check Out Our Products - bit.ly/SupaCentreYT
► Current Competitions - bit.ly/SupaCentreComps
► Check Out Our Social Media:
• Website - bit.ly/SupaCentreYT
• Blog - bit.ly/SupaCentreBLOG
• KZfaq - bit.ly/KZfaqSubscribeSupaCentre
• Facebook - bit.ly/SupaCentreFB
• Twitter - bit.ly/SupaCentreTwitter
• Instagram - bit.ly/SupaCentreInsta
► 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!

Пікірлер: 531

@stevemorgan2976 2 жыл бұрын

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 KZfaq talking about the same stuff. Good job!

@4wdsupacentreAu 2 жыл бұрын

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

@enjay8950 2 жыл бұрын

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

@Farmer2492 2 жыл бұрын

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

@Farmer2492 2 жыл бұрын

@Peter Evans you don't have a clue ok

@prairiehoarder 2 жыл бұрын

@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 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@lawrencedavidson6195 Жыл бұрын

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

@thedalillama Жыл бұрын

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.

@jeoffer Жыл бұрын

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.

@therealgaragegirls 2 жыл бұрын

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

@jetfu400 2 жыл бұрын

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

@lloydkennedy7433 3 жыл бұрын

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

@busdriver1261 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

gotta love ronny dahl

@TheTimoroan Жыл бұрын

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.

@ericjohndluhos5480 3 жыл бұрын

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

@susansmeeton4321 3 жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@OTJbuildingblog 3 жыл бұрын

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

@paulsharkey4185 Жыл бұрын

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.

@tedfisk1211 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@simonpepper9721 3 жыл бұрын

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

@1989cranston 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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

@1989cranston 3 жыл бұрын

@@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 3 жыл бұрын

@@1989cranston no worries mate.

@cjmbullion 3 жыл бұрын

@Simon Pepper This video explains what they stand for, so you are wrong.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f7OSmMV7vLXMgac.html

@rothburger 2 жыл бұрын

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🍺🏄‍♂️

@jasonbrown467 3 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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

@yusufbarkari2333 2 жыл бұрын

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

@PatricksDIY 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@pritambissonauth2181 2 жыл бұрын

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

@danieslk52 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@jgittoes 3 жыл бұрын

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

@jerryallen34 3 жыл бұрын

Again, thank you for these informative uploads. Brilliant.

@LucasManfrim 2 жыл бұрын

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

@thefirstmissinglink 2 жыл бұрын

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

@AlexSwan Жыл бұрын

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?

@schoocg Жыл бұрын

Best description and demo out there. Good job.

@christophkaiser 3 жыл бұрын

Nice comparison, very thorough! thank you!

@KhurshidKarimi 2 жыл бұрын

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

@kazuza9 2 жыл бұрын

Best video so far, packed with detailed information

@billbimson2408 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@noodlefoo 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for a well explained video.

@Dgboss78 2 жыл бұрын

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

@renaulttraficconversion 3 жыл бұрын

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

@SocksWithSandals 2 жыл бұрын

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

@heftymerv 3 жыл бұрын

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...

@DanielHofer 2 жыл бұрын

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

@Flexin010 2 жыл бұрын

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

@QATAROVERLAND 3 жыл бұрын

Keep up best information about solar

@williamwiese9963 2 жыл бұрын

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

@lasol2474 3 ай бұрын

Good presentation! Very enthusiastic!!

@sathyabalakrishnan8729 2 жыл бұрын

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

@4wdsupacentreAu 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sathya, Thanks for appreciation mate. If you need any assistance with purchasing solar and mppt controller, feel free to contact us on social@4wdsupacentre.com.au and we can go over best prices and deals with you then. Cheers, Saleha

@sathyabalakrishnan8729 2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@garymcdonald08 2 жыл бұрын

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

@The1Creston 3 жыл бұрын

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

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@zim4x4club Жыл бұрын

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

@kennethcoutinho4439 3 жыл бұрын

Very Good Explanation

@shawnteague227 Жыл бұрын

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

@stiffpants 3 жыл бұрын

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

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@artofnoly9754 2 жыл бұрын

Good vid, man. Every little helps.

@Nicedesk 10 ай бұрын

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

@learnshareevolve1842 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Key information for selecting my 1st regulator!

@4wdsupacentreAu 2 жыл бұрын

No problem! Happy to help.

@birdandearth6802 Жыл бұрын

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

@NeoE83 Жыл бұрын

Excellent work explaining, a great video

@shutthegate8232 10 ай бұрын

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

@martin1500 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely brilliant video

@Pipingshreik 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@bajar.m.6953 2 жыл бұрын

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

@johnnixon1026 Жыл бұрын

Great explanation! Thank you

@HuyNguyen-lm8on 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. Thank you.

@funkygreendog1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this !

@dfrontierit2114 Жыл бұрын

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😊

@andrewstopp192 3 жыл бұрын

A terrific simple explanation well done

@4wdsupacentreAu 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@darrylmunro96 Жыл бұрын

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

@kevinwaters-marsh217 2 жыл бұрын

Great video thank you. Love your background music too.

@davebenson1504 Жыл бұрын

Thank you ... very clear explanation

@justuswithrandomstuff8250 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video thanks Kings!

@daveslife9486 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video well explained 👍

@downdroneservices8910 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, so easy to follow

@bladlob28 2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks for this excellent video.

@kieranpalmer9045 6 ай бұрын

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 6 ай бұрын

Thanks… I think? Cheers, Cahn

@samartz 11 ай бұрын

Really helpful and simple advice!

@mohamedroomy1985 2 жыл бұрын

Very much informative. Thanks

@synthwave7 Жыл бұрын

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.

@rade1763 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and great explain! Thank you 👍

@4wdsupacentreAu 3 жыл бұрын

glad you liked it

@yousvellormeus 2 жыл бұрын

The very best video about this topic

@nwlady1844 2 жыл бұрын

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

@danielnorman8595 2 жыл бұрын

Good explanation.. with examples. nice

@blahhblahh1511 Жыл бұрын

Top review mate well done

@itsimplylogic 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@raphaelusek 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Very educational 👍

@pinoypotatopcgamer6071 2 жыл бұрын

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

@crochetingaroundnewzealand 3 жыл бұрын

Wow excellent thank you

@debbied7803 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@danielwi2634 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video! Thanks 🙏👍🏻

@can5projects563 2 жыл бұрын

very informative video well done.

@shepherdnleya7828 7 ай бұрын

Informative... thank you

@saiprayastha7141 2 жыл бұрын

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

@boss290bafalcon 2 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial.. thank you

@coryanderson2371 2 жыл бұрын

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

@aaronodguy967 2 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@simphiwemphiwe8600 2 жыл бұрын

Good explaination

@timwilliams632 3 жыл бұрын

Great info

@janusrokkjr4782 10 ай бұрын

Thanks great video Even for a beginner.

@fabioquintana7148 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!

@TracksideNW 2 жыл бұрын

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

@GabeDonzelli 11 ай бұрын

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

@OWK000 6 ай бұрын

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.

@flynndouglas219 3 жыл бұрын

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 3 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

Please make a video for this.

@waynehobbs5175 2 жыл бұрын

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 2 жыл бұрын

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.