What Is the Difference Between Mppt And Pwm Inverter?

In solar power system, the inverter converts the DC power generated by the solar panel into usable AC power to power the load, affecting the operation of the entire system. As the management center of the system, the solar controller is responsible for regulating the voltage and current, and coordinating the energy flow between the solar panels, batteries and inverters, effectively preventing battery overcharge and over discharge, and improving system stability and service life. With the development of the market, more and more customers prefer to integrate inverters and solar controllers to save installation space and make it more convenient to use. MPPT inverter and PWM inverter are common types on the market, so what are the differences between them? Xindun has made an in depth analysis through this article to help users better understand inverters and choose the right inverter for their solar system.

What is MPPT inverter?

MPPT inverter is a multifunctional device that integrates the MPPT solar controller function with the inverter function. It has both the inverter function of converting the DC power generated by the solar panel into AC power, and the built in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology to optimize the output performance of the solar panel. MPPT can monitor the voltage and current of the solar panel in real time, and dynamically adjust the working point through complex algorithms so that the panel always works near the maximum power output point. Regardless of changes in external conditions such as light intensity and temperature, the MPPT inverter can maximize the use of solar energy and improve power generation efficiency.

What is PWM inverter?

PWM inverter, is an integrated device that integrates the functions of PWM solar controller and inverter in one machine. It is not only responsible for converting the DC power generated by the solar panel into AC power for the load, but also has a built in PWM control method to regulate and protect the battery charging process. PWM controls the output voltage and current by adjusting the pulse width. When the voltage generated by the solar panel is higher than the charging voltage of the battery, the PWM inverter controls the charging current with a fixed frequency pulse by turning on and off the circuit to charge the battery. This method is simple and direct, and the cost is low, but there are certain limitations in terms of efficiency optimization.

Importance of Solar Controllers in Solar Power System

PWM and MPPT solar controllers are key components of solar power systems. Solar controllers are the key hubs connecting solar panels, batteries and inverters. They play a decisive role in the stability, safety and efficiency of the entire system. Whether it is PWM or MPPT solar controllers, the primary responsibility is to protect batteries. By precisely controlling the charging and discharging process, the battery can be prevented from being overcharged or over discharged, effectively extending the service life of the battery. As the core component of the energy storage link, the performance and life of the battery directly affect the continuous power supply capacity of the solar power system. The solar controller and battery are used together to ensure the normal operation of the entire solar system. ​

Solar controllers can optimize the energy output of solar panels and ensure that the electricity they generate is maximized. It will reasonably distribute electricity according to different environmental conditions and load requirements to avoid energy waste. At night or when there is insufficient light, the controller will automatically cut off the connection between the solar panel and the load to prevent the battery's electricity from flowing back to the panel; when the output power of the solar panel exceeds the load demand, the controller will store the excess electricity in the battery for emergency use.

What is the difference between PWM and MPPT Inverter?

1. Different conversion efficiency

MPPT inverter: MPPT inverter can achieve higher energy conversion efficiency with its powerful maximum power point tracking function. Its efficiency can usually reach 90% - 98%, or even higher. Under the same solar panel configuration, MPPT inverter can output more power than PWM inverter, bringing higher power benefits to users.

PWM inverter: Since PWM inverter cannot track the maximum power point of solar panels in real time, its energy conversion efficiency is relatively low. Generally speaking, the efficiency of PWM inverter is between 70% - 85%. In the case of poor lighting conditions or the solar panel voltage does not match the inverter input voltage, the efficiency decreases more significantly, which will cause some solar energy resources to be wasted and cannot be fully utilized.

2. Different application scenarios

MPPT inverter is suitable for large scale solar power systems, such as commercial solar power stations, large industrial solar power supply systems, etc. These systems usually have large scale solar panel arrays, and environmental factors such as light and temperature vary greatly. MPPT inverters can give full play to their advantages of efficient tracking of maximum power points, improve the power efficiency of the entire system, reduce power costs, and bring more considerable economic benefits to users.

PWM inverters have simple structures and low costs, and are suitable for small solar power systems, such as some household solar lighting systems and small solar water pump systems that do not require high power efficiency and have limited budgets. In these scenarios, the scale of solar panels is small, and the impact of environmental changes on power efficiency is relatively small. PWM inverters can meet basic power needs.

3. Different output stability

Facing complex environments, MPPT inverters have strong dynamic adjustment capabilities, which can maintain relatively stable power output in different environments and ensure stable power supply;

PWM inverters are difficult to adjust flexibly, and the output power fluctuates greatly.

4. Different prices

MPPT inverters integrate complex circuits and algorithms, are costly, and are 2-3 times more expensive than PWM inverters. They are suitable for large scale solar power stations, commercial rooftop solar systems, and other scenarios with high power efficiency requirements. In the long run, the return on investment is higher.

PWM inverters have a simple structure, mature technology, and a low price. They are suitable for small solar energy scenarios with limited budgets and low efficiency requirements, such as home garden lighting.

The above is the difference between PWM and MPPT inverters. Choosing the right inverter is crucial to the stability of the solar system. In order to obtain stable electricity and long term return on investment, choose an inverter that adapts to the solar system according to the actual application load requirements, and comprehensively consider multiple factors such as system capacity, budget range, power stability requirements, and operating environment.

As a factory with more than 20 years of experience in R&D and manufacturing of solar power system products, Xindun provides a series of solar inverters with PWM and MPPT technology, supporting lithium batteries and solar panels and other components, supporting OEM/ODM customization, and meeting various off grid solar system needs. We look forward to providing reliable and efficient solar solutions to global partners.

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