Capacitor Role in a PV System

Options
2»

Comments

  • bill von novak
    bill von novak Solar Expert Posts: 891 ✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Re: Capacitor Role in a PV System
    PNjunction wrote: »
    Would a large cap be of any benefit to a normal pwm or mppt charge controller on the input? I kind of doubt it because I don't see it recommended, but had to ask.

    Generally no. Small caps can reduce EMI and protect against fast transients, but large caps can actually mess up MPPT charge controllers by making the voltage change lag load change. This confuses the MPPT algorithm (depending on sweep speed) and can cause the MPPT to select a poor operating point.
  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Re: Capacitor Role in a PV System
    Generally no. Small caps can reduce EMI and protect against fast transients, but large caps can actually mess up MPPT charge controllers by making the voltage change lag load change. This confuses the MPPT algorithm (depending on sweep speed) and can cause the MPPT to select a poor operating point.

    Good post. Hadn't thought of that, but it's true!