What is MPPT charging method?
The MPPT controller uses maximum power point tracking to extract the maximum power from the solar array for battery charging. The maximum power point tracking is completely automatic and does not require user adjustment. As the maximum power point of the array changes with environmental conditions, the Tracer controller automatically tracks the maximum power point of the array, ensuring that the maximum energy of the day is captured from the solar array.

Compared with the traditional controller What are the advantages?
The traditional controller connects the solar array directly to the battery when charging. This requires the solar array to operate at voltages typically below Vmp. For a 12V system, for example, the battery voltage range is typically 11-15 V, but the solar array's Vmp voltage is typically about 16 or 17V. Since traditional controllers do not always operate at the PV array Vmp, energy is wasted, which could have been used to charge the battery and power the system load. The greater the difference between the battery voltage and the Vmp of the solar photovoltaic array, the more energy is wasted. Tracer will always operate at its maximum power point, reducing energy waste compared to traditional controllers.

What are the factors that limit the maximum power point tracking controller efficiency?
The Vmp of a solar PV array decreases as the temperature of the array increases. In hot weather, Vmp may be close to or below the battery voltage. In this case, the Tracer controller will have little or no energy to get with traditional controllers. However, as long as the nominal voltage of the system PV module is higher than the battery voltage, the Vmp of the PV module will always be higher than the battery voltage. In addition, the MPPT controller offers significant advantages even in hot weather due to reduced wiring of the solar array and savings in wiring.