MPPT Controllers
PWM Controllers
PWM solar charge controllers work by connecting solar panels to your batteries until a given voltage setpoint is reached. When the desired setpoint is reached, the controller switches current on/off to the battery in very fast cycles and in such a duration needed to keep voltage from rising. This "time slicing" power delivery is called is Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM.
Some heat will be generated by the switching. Counterintuitively, the PWM may be cooler the touch when it is running full open because there is no switching going on to limit voltage.
Compared to MPPT solar charge controllers, a PWM costs less to buy, but it typically makes less power over the course of the day.
Panel voltage and battery bank voltage need to be matched.
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