MPPT Solar Inverter vs PWM: Which is a better option for solar setup?

With the advent of solar power, more and more people are going solar and adapting solar energy for their daily power requirements. If you are also planning to install a solar power system then we are here with very crucial information for you. While looking for the best solar system, the most important step is to choose between MPPT and PWM solar inverters. Today we are going to discuss all the important factors in MPPT solar inverter vs PWM to help you select the best option. Making the right choice between MPPT and PWM is very important as it has a significant impact on the efficiency of the system, lifespan and ROI. In this blog, we have explained both MPPT and PWM, their working and pros and cons of each. So read on to make an informed decision and get the best solar inverter.

What is a solar inverter and why is it important?

Your solar panels generate DC electricity that cannot be used directly to power the home appliances as they work on AC current. A solar inverter plays a crucial role here by converting DC current to AC current so that power generated by panels could be used by the appliances. In the case of hybrid or off-grid systems, a solar inverter works with a solar charge controller for regulating power that goes into the battery. This is where MPPT and PWM come into play as they both are types of solar charge controllers that help the system to efficiently store and utilize solar energy.

What is a PWM solar inverter?

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is the traditional method for regulating voltage between solar panel and battery. They make use of short bursts known as pulses for connecting the solar panel output directly to the battery bank. In this manner, they control the extent of power that reaches a device with the help of constant frequency electrical signal. PWM delivers voltage not in a continuous manner but in a series of on and off pulses. The effective voltage and average power supply depends on the width of these pulses.

How it works:

PWM has a crucial role in solar power management and conversion within the solar inverters. They use electronic switches (such as MOSFETs) for switching DC power on and off quickly. A series of pulses is created by this action and these pulses’ width is organized for changing the average voltage that the inverter delivers. They are comparatively low-priced and offer a simple way for controlling voltage.

• PWM reduces panel voltage so as to match it with the battery voltage
• Cost-effective and simple but lacks in efficiency when compared to MPPT
• The excess solar voltage goes unused

What is an MPPT solar inverter?

This is a specialized device in which one single unit combines the function of both an inverter and a solar charge controller. This is the reason why MPPT are more advanced, smarter and efficient compared to PWM inverters. MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) tracks the ideal voltage and current of the solar panel continuously for extracting maximum power regardless of the conditions. With this action, they enhance solar system efficiency and provide homes and businesses with more usable electricity by converting most of the solar energy that is available.  

How it works:

MPPT ensures the ideal current and voltage combination for the system so that it works to produce the highest power output. The MPPT algorithm adjusts the voltage of the solar panel dynamically to match the MPP with the help of a DC-DC converter.  Irrespective of the changing environmental conditions, panels are able to perform at the peak efficiency with the help of MPPT. This is the reason why MPPT inverters are more efficient compared to PWM inverters.

• Adjusts solar panels input voltage for finding maximum power point
• Ideal choice for changing weather conditions, partial shading etc.
• Excess voltage is converted to usable current for charging

Comparison: MPPT solar inverter vs PWM

Which is the best option for your home?

Go for MPPT if:

• Your area is prone to weather changes
• The demand is of high efficiency
• You are looking for system with long-term ROI
• The system you are setting is medium to large solar system
• Your solar panel voltage exceeds the battery bank

Go for PWM if:

• You are installing a small system
• Your budget is tight
• Your battery and panel voltages match closely

Also Read: What is MPPT in solar inverter and how it increases solar panel output?

What is the best option for you?

When it comes to reliability and performance, Genus offers the best MPPT solar inverters like Hi-Flo series that are equipped with MPPT technology and offers:

• Up to 98% efficiency in energy conversion
• Option of smart switching between grid, solar and battery modes
• Better ROI for businesses and homeowners

MPPT is more than a smart investment. It maximizes the solar potential and offers peak voltage even when the conditions are not ideal.

Conclusion:

We have compared MPPT solar inverter vs PWM and at the time of selection, the choice comes down to the system size, budget and the goals of energy and ROI. While PWM is good for the basic systems, MPPT serves to be the smarter choice for those who are looking for savings, better performance and long-term solar efficiency. Make a wise choice of smart power to stay uninterrupted regardless of the weather conditions.  If you are looking for a reliable solar inverter for home or business then check out Genus MPPT solar inverter Hi-Flo (high frequency off-grid inverter) that is designed to offer maximum output from the panel. Call us now at +91-9773319407 to get the right product for going solar.

FAQs

Q. What is the main difference between MPPT solar inverter and PWM?

A. MPPT solar inverters extract the maximum solar panel power by adjusting the voltage continuously. PWM inverters reduce the voltage so as to match it with the battery and it leads to loss of energy.

Q. Does MPPT increase the efficiency of solar panels?

A. Yes MPPT can boost the energy yield by up to 30% with real-time tracking of the maximum power point of the panel.

Q. Which option is better for shaded or cloudy conditions: MPPT or PWM?

A. In the varying weather conditions like cloudy weather or shading, the performance of MPPT is much better as the panel voltage keeps changing continuously.

Q. Is MPPT better than PWM for home solar systems?

A. Yes, for the areas having varying sunlight or for the medium to large systems, MPPT inverters generally prove to be more efficient.

Q. Is it possible to use MPPT without a battery?

A. Yes, some of the advanced MPPT inverters like Genus Hi-Flo can work without batteries as well and can run the appliances directly on solar.