MPPT or Maximum Power Point Tracking is algorithm that included in charge controllers used for extracting maximum

available power from PV module under certain conditions. The voltage at which PV module can produce maximum power is
called maximum power point (or peak power voltage).
Maximum power varies with solar radiation, ambient temperature and solar cell temperature.

Working principle

The major principle of MPPT is to extract the maximum available power from PV module by making them operate at the
most efficient voltage (maximum power point). That is to say:
MPPT checks output of PV module, compares it to battery voltage then fixes what is the best power that PV module can
produce to charge the battery and converts it to the best voltage to get maximum current into battery. It can also supply
power to a DC load, which is connected directly to the battery.

MPPT is most effective under these conditions:

 Cold weather, cloudy or hazy days: Normally, PV module works better at cold temperatures and MPPT is utilized
to extract maximum power available from them
 When battery is deeply discharged: MPPT can extract more current and charge the battery if the state of charge in
the battery is lowers.

How to choose MPPT solar charge controller for PV module

Specifications of PV modules separated by manufacturers

PV Manufactures Model Wp Vpm Ipm Isc Voc

NE-78T1 78 17.1 4.57 5.08 21.4

SHARP
ND-130T1 130 17.4 7.48 8.09 22

Kaneka GPA 64 68 0.94 1.17 92

SANYO HIP-180B2 190 54 3.33 3.15 66.4

Bangkok Solar BS 40 40 44.8 0.9 1.16 62.2

Standard Test Condition: Irradiance = 1000 W/m2, Cell temperature = 25°C, Air mass = 1.5

Specifications of SHARP NE-78T1 and ND-130T1J PV modules

Model NE-78T1 ND-130T1J
Unit Condition
Parameters Symbol Min. Typ. Min. Typ.
Open circuit voltage Voc - 21.4 - 22.0 V
Maximum power voltage Vpm - 17.1 - 17.4 V
Short circuit current Isc - 5.08 - 8.09 A Irradiance:
Maximum power current Ipm - 4.57 - 7.48 A 1000 W/m2
Maximum power Pm 74.1 78 123.5 130 W
Encapsulated solar cell ηc - 13.7 - 15.0 %
efficiency
Module efficiency ηm - 12.26 - 12.99 % Module
temperature:
25°C
How to choose MPPT solar charge controller for PV module and battery

Steps to consider for choosing MPPT solar charge controller

 SPT-XXYY (XX is nominal battery voltage, YY is maximum charge current)

 Find out what is nominal battery voltage that charge controller will charge and select XX
 Find out what is Wp of PV module and
 Select the suitable charge current (CC) = (Wp) / XX
 Find out YY by multiply CC by safety factor (NEC requirement) = (CC) x 1.2
 Select SOLARCON SPT-series model that covers YY
 Check that Vpm(system) is in range that SPT-XXYY can handle (MPPT voltage range)
 If PV modules are in series, need to check that Vpm(system) = Vpm(module) x Module in series
 If PV modules are in parallel, need to check that Vpm(system) = Vpm(module)
 Check that Voc(system) is not more than SPT-XXYY range (Maximum open circuit voltage)
 If PV modules are in series, need to check that Voc(system) = Voc(module) x Module in series
 If PV modules are in parallel, need to check that Voc(system) = Voc(module