Maximum power point tracker
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
photovoltaic (PV) solar cells have a single operating point where the current (I) and Voltage (V) of the cell outputs a maximum power. A PV cell has an exponential relationship between I-V and at the knee of the curve is the maximum power point (MPP). Maximum power point trackers (MPPT) search for this point to extract the maximum power available from a cell.
Maximum power point tracker (or MPPT) is a high efficiency DC to DC converter that operates a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel or array at a voltage at which maximum power is extracted and efficiently converts that higher (normally) voltage down to a lower voltage battery or external electric load.
Battery-less grid tie PV inverters utilize MPPT to extract the maximum power from a PV array, convert this to alternating current (AC) and sell excess energy back to the power grid.
MPPT charge controllers such as the OutBack Power Systems MX60 or the Blue Sky Energy Solar Boost line are desirable for off-grid power systems to make the best use of all the energy generated by the panels. MPPT charge controllers are quickly becoming more affordable and are more common in use now than ever before.
The benefits of MPPT regulators are greatest during cold weather, on cloudy or hazy days or when the battery is deeply discharged.
