Every part of your solar energy system plays a role in determining how efficient your home is at creating usable power. But many homeowners only focus on their solar panels when trying to optimize their systems.
Your solar controller can have a big impact on how much of your panel’s solar energy you’re able to use. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you find the best PWM solar controller for your home.
We’ve put together this guide to introduce you to the top 7 PWM solar controllers of 2023. We’ll also provide more detailed information about what PWM controllers are, so you can figure out whether they’re right for you.
Let’s get started.
- What is a solar charge controller?
- PWM Solar Charge Controllers
- Benefits of a PWM Charge Controller
- The Best Solar Charge Controllers of 2023 – BougeRV’s PWM Solar Charge Controllers
- Are PWM Solar Charge Controllers Worth It?
- FAQs
- BougeRV has a PWM Solar Charge Controller For Every Need
What is a solar charge controller?
A solar charge controller regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels to your solar battery.
They prevent batteries from being overcharged, which can shorten their lifespan. They also prevent batteries from discharging power through the solar array at night, which can decrease the amount of usable power you get from your system.
The bottom line is that if you have a solar battery, then you need a solar charge controller on your system as well. Without one, your battery could die sooner, and you won’t get as much usable energy from the power your solar panels generate.
PWM Solar Charge Controllers
PWM solar charge controllers are a specific type of solar controller. The acronym stands for pulse-width modulation. This is the type of technology that this class of solar controller uses.
PWM controllers reduce the flow of energy gradually to properly regulate energy. They also deliver small amounts of continuous power to ensure your batteries remain full for as long as possible.
Benefits of a PWM Charge Controller
PWM charge controllers offer several benefits over other options that make them a potential fit for your system.
First, they’re highly affordable. PWM solar charge controllers don’t cost as much as MPPT controllers, which is the main competition. That means if you want to save as much money as possible, you’re going to find the best deals in this class of solar controllers.
Also, PWM controllers have longer lifespans than the competition. So not only are you saving money upfront, but you could save some money on the back end by being able to use your solar controller for longer.
One of the reasons why PWM controllers have longer lifespans is that they have fewer components in them. This essentially means there are fewer things that can break. That also means your solar controller should require less maintenance than an MPPT model.
These two benefits make PWM controllers the perfect option for certain types of solar setups. If your power needs are relatively low and you want an affordable, easy-to-maintain controller, then a PWM could be your best option.
The Best Solar Charge Controllers of 2023 – BougeRV’s PWM Solar Charge Controllers
Now that we know what PWM solar charge controllers are and why you might want one let’s take a look at some products. Here are seven options worth considering.
Li 30Amp 12/24V PWM Solar Charge Controller (Negative Ground)
This PWM solar charge controller from BougeRV features a negative ground design, which makes it more convenient for vehicle-based solar systems. It also features a backlit display and a high-speed master chip for faster and more accurate power tracing.
Li 30A PWM Solar Charge Controller 12V 24VLi 30A PWM Solar Charge Controller 12V 24V
This PWM solar charge controller features active-shield technology, which automatically cycles PV input current and battery voltage to provide optimal efficiency for your solar energy system throughout every part of the year.
Li 30A PWM Solar Charge Controller 12V 24V
Here’s another great option from BougeRV. It features the same benefits as the previous model but has slightly less amperage in exchange for a lower price. It can be a good option for systems that generate less power.
Li 10A PWM Solar Charge Controller 12V 24V
This BougeRV solar charge controller is the third and final version of the previous two models. It features the lowest amperage of the group in exchange for the lowest price, making it a good fit for certain budget-friendly home solar applications.
30Amp PWM Solar Charge Controller
This solar charge controller is an intelligent regulator of your home energy system. It will help you maintain the system’s efficiency and protect the battery. It’s even equipped with upgraded 32-bit chips to deliver more power tracing and greater accuracy.
20Amp PWM Solar Charge Controller
This product is the same as the last one, but features a lower amperage and has a more affordable price tag. It’s a good middle-of-the-road option for solar owners that want some cost savings without having to give up too much power.
10Amp PWM Solar Charge Controller
Finally, we round out our list with this PWM solar charge controller. It’s in the same product line as the previous two options on this list but just has a lower amperage in exchange for a lower price tag.
Are PWM Solar Charge Controllers Worth It?
Purchasing a solar charge controller, in general, is absolutely worth doing if you have a solar system with a battery. They’ll provide you with enough energy savings and efficiency increases to more than justify their meager price tag over their lifespan.
That means the real question is whether it’s worth purchasing a PWM solar charge controller over an alternative, like an MPPT controller.
The answer to that question depends on your unique needs. MPPT controllers are more efficient and flexible than PWM controllers. But they also cost more. If you’re okay with spending the extra money to get better performance, then an MPPT controller may be a better option.
That being said, if you’re not generating much solar energy anyways, then a PWM controller should be enough for your needs, and you’ll be able to purchase one at a lower price point.
FAQs
What’s a good alternative to PWM solar controllers?
If you’re not sure whether a PWM solar controller is right for you, then look into an MPPT model. These offer more efficiency and power but come with a higher price tag and may not last as long as PWM options.
How much should a PWM solar controller cost?
You should be able to find a good PWM solar controller for under $100. But the exact amount that you spend will vary based on the model you select and the brand you choose. For example, BougeRV sells most of its PWM solar controllers for under $50.
Does my system really need a solar controller?
Yes, you need a solar controller if your solar energy system has a battery component. Controllers significantly increase your energy efficiency so that you get more usable power out of the electricity that your panels generate.
BougeRV has a PWM Solar Charge Controller For Every Need
Whether you think a PWM solar charge controller is right for you or you’re interested in exploring alternatives, BougeRV has a product that can match your needs.
Our solar charge controllers are available in every size and specification that you may want – in both PWM and MPPT models.
But don’t take our word for it. Take a look at our solar controller page today to learn more about what we have to offer.