Misleading information from a supposed reputable? company

mcgivor
mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
This video demonstrates how misleading information can influence people's opinions and ultimately decisions on what is the best controller. There is some information which is valid, the MPPT controller will have an advantage over PWM with a 24V nominal panel, that's because the PWM is not designed to use such a panel, it would need a 12V nominal panel so as not to be so grossly over voltaged, if a 12V nominal  panel were used with the PWM, the difference in results would be less dramatic. The comparison should use compatible panels as described above, but also introduce temperature, the actual deciding factor, as the temperature drops the voltage increases which is where MPPT has its advantages, in a tropical location where temperatures are consistently high ~30°C or above, not so much. Judging from the comments in general many were wowed by the apples to oranges comparison, probably due to ignorance, they merely believe what they saw assuming it was gospel. Ignorance is not stupidity, but believing everything seen on YouTube is factual, is getting pretty close. 
https://youtu.be/V2b7z2eTb5o
1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.

Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Yes, improperly/poorly designed systems may not work "optimally". Install those systems on a 24 volt battery bank--And run the same test. Much less difference.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,730 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    But it is Amy and she is happy to sell you solar ;)
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

  • Photowhit
    Photowhit Solar Expert Posts: 6,002 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's actually hard to explain to someone, you have a bunch of variables and you are speaking in terms most don't use everyday.

    I suspect everyone here has had people just go blank when you are explaining the difference. 
    Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
    - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Yea... It is a good example of what an MPPT and PWM charge controller can do... But there is a whole bunch of stuff behind the scenes that go into designing and operating an off grid (or even grid tie) solar power system. The demo is "not enough" knowledge, by itself, to design a system (and I don't think that they really were saying it was).

    This is why engineers are no fun at parties.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • Thom
    Thom Solar Expert Posts: 196 ✭✭✭
    I bought many things from them. We’re very helpfull . You can’t judge a store by a utube video. 
    Off grid since 1984. 430w of panel, 300w suresine , 4 gc batteries 12v system, Rogue mpt3024 charge controller , air breeze windmill, Mikita 2400w generator . Added 2@ 100w panel with a midnight brat 
  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    The video was probably not intentionally misleading but rather potentially misleading, there is no judgment of the store on my behalf, just pointing out how easy it is to create an allusion (not illusion ), even with good intent. A side by side comparison  with 12V nominal modules,  in series for MPPT,  an equal count in parallel for PWM, then cool the panels with water to demonstrate the effects module temperature has on voltage and how MPPT is benificial, emphasizing that the colder they are, the greater the difference in production would be..
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.