I just purchased a 180-watt solar panel and a power station that has a strict input limit of 22V. To manage this, I used a buck converter, but I've noticed that the panel's performance is subpar. I'm on the hunt for an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) solution that works with my setup. The catch is, it needs to output a maximum of 22V and be passively powered, since I don't have a battery system in place—only this power station. Are there any options available, or what would you recommend? Thanks in advance for your help—I'm learning so much through this process!
2 Answers
A simple PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controller could be a more cost-effective choice than an MPPT in your case, especially under 22V. Plus, your power station seems to have a 100W cap, so you might want to consider getting a 100W panel or two 50W panels that fit your voltage range.
Have you thought about using "12V" solar panels instead? They typically max out around 20V, which fits your power station's requirements. You could also connect multiple panels in parallel to increase your power output. That's what your station is designed for!
That sounds good, but I already have the panel all set up. I can adjust the voltage with the buck converter to around 17-18V, but it’s inconsistent. Isn't there an MPPT solution that could handle this automatically?
Just a heads up, a lot of "12V" panels can still exceed the 22V mark when they're fully charged. You’ll need to be careful and select those that stay within your limit.
I agree with the PWM suggestion. It would likely outperform any MPPT solution when working within those voltage limits. Just ensure your setup aligns with your station's specs!