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What Is an MPPT Inverter: Everything You Need to Know

What is MPPT inverter?
An MPPT inverter (Maximum Power Point Tracking inverter) is a type of solar inverter that continuously adjusts operating conditions to extract the maximum possible power from solar panels. Unlike conventional inverters, it doesn’t simply convert DC to AC—it actively “hunts” for the optimal operating point where your solar array performs at its peak.
At a glance, that might sound like a minor optimization. But in real-world solar systems—where sunlight fluctuates, temperatures shift, and loads vary—this capability can significantly increase energy yield. So the real question is not what an MPPT inverter is, but why it makes such a difference in actual deployments.
Core Concept (What “MPPT” actually means)
Solar panels don’t produce constant power. Their output is inherently variable and influenced by multiple environmental and electrical factors, including sunlight intensity, ambient temperature, and load conditions. As a result, the voltage and current generated by a panel are always shifting.
At any given moment, there exists a specific combination of voltage and current where the panel delivers its highest possible power output. This is known as the Maximum Power Point (MPP)—essentially the “sweet spot” of performance.
An MPPT inverter continuously tracks this point in real time. Instead of operating at a fixed voltage like traditional systems, it dynamically adapts to ensure that the solar panels are always working as efficiently as possible. Think of it as a smart optimizer that refuses to settle for “good enough” when “maximum output” is achievable.
How it works
The working principle behind MPPT is grounded in a simple but powerful electrical relationship:
P=V×IP = V \times IP=V×I
Where power (P) is the product of voltage (V) and current (I). The challenge is that increasing voltage may decrease current, and vice versa. So how do you find the optimal balance?
An MPPT inverter solves this by continuously adjusting voltage and current, testing different operating points, and identifying where the product of the two—power—is maximized. This process is not static; it occurs thousands of times per second through sophisticated algorithms such as Perturb & Observe or Incremental Conductance.
In practical terms, the inverter is constantly asking: “Can I get more power if I slightly tweak the voltage?” If the answer is yes, it keeps adjusting in that direction. If not, it shifts course. This rapid feedback loop ensures that even under changing weather conditions—like passing clouds or rising temperatures—the system maintains optimal performance.
MPPT vs PWM: What makes MPPT inverter different
When evaluating solar technologies, one of the most common comparisons is between MPPT and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). While both are used in solar charge control, their efficiency and functionality differ significantly—especially in larger or more complex systems.
Below is a high-quality comparison table to clearly illustrate the differences:
| Feature | MPPT Inverter | PWM Controller |
| Efficiency | 95%–99% (very high) | 70%–85% (moderate) |
| Operating Principle | Tracks maximum power point dynamically | Operates at fixed voltage |
| Energy Harvest | Maximizes power output from panels | Loses excess potential power |
| System Compatibility | Suitable for high-voltage systems | Limited to smaller systems |
| Performance in Low Light | Excellent | Poor |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost | Lower cost |
| Scalability | Highly scalable | Limited scalability |
| ROI Over Time | Higher due to efficiency gains | Lower due to energy loss |
What does this mean in practice? If you’re running a residential or commercial solar installation where efficiency directly impacts ROI, choosing PWM over MPPT could mean leaving a significant amount of energy—and money—on the table. The upfront savings may look attractive, but the long-term trade-off often isn’t worth it.
How to connect an MPPT charge controller to an inverter
Connecting an MPPT charge controller to an inverter is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires a clear understanding of system architecture. Typically, the solar panels are first connected to the MPPT charge controller, which regulates the DC power and optimizes output. This power is then stored in batteries (in off-grid or hybrid systems) before being fed into the inverter, which converts it into usable AC electricity.
The key is ensuring compatibility between voltage levels, battery capacity, and inverter specifications. Improper configuration can lead to inefficiencies or even system damage.
Key Functions of MPPT Inverters in Real Systems
In real-world solar deployments, MPPT inverters do far more than just optimize power output—they act as the central intelligence layer of the system. This is especially evident in advanced systems such as hybrid inverter low frequency solutions, where stability, surge capacity, and intelligent energy management are critical for both grid-tied and off-grid scenarios. One of their primary functions is maximizing energy harvest under fluctuating environmental conditions. Whether it’s partial shading, temperature variation, or inconsistent sunlight, the inverter ensures that performance remains as close to optimal as possible.
Another critical function is voltage regulation. Solar panels often produce voltages that exceed what batteries or loads can safely handle. MPPT inverters step this voltage down efficiently while preserving power, which is particularly important in off-grid and hybrid systems.
They also enable system flexibility. For example, in large-scale installations, multiple strings of panels can operate at different voltages and still be optimized independently through MPPT channels. This is especially useful in complex rooftops or industrial environments where uniform panel orientation isn’t always possible.
Additionally, modern MPPT inverters often integrate with energy management systems, enabling real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, and even predictive maintenance. This transforms the inverter from a passive device into an active control hub within the solar ecosystem.
Where MPPT Inverters Used?
MPPT inverters are widely deployed across a range of applications, each benefiting from their ability to maximize efficiency and adaptability.
In industrial solar power systems, where energy demand is high and operational efficiency directly impacts profitability, MPPT technology ensures that every watt generated is utilized effectively. Large manufacturing facilities, for instance, rely on stable and optimized power output to maintain continuous operations.
Commercial rooftops are another major application area. Buildings with complex layouts or partial shading conditions benefit greatly from MPPT’s dynamic tracking capabilities. Instead of suffering performance losses due to suboptimal panel positioning, these systems maintain high efficiency throughout the day.
Off-grid energy systems perhaps gain the most from MPPT inverters. In these scenarios, combining MPPT technology with a low frequency hybrid inverter allows for better handling of heavy loads, higher surge tolerance, and more stable long-term operation in remote environments. In remote locations where energy resources are limited and reliability is critical, maximizing solar output is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Whether it’s a rural electrification project or a standalone cabin, MPPT ensures consistent energy availability.
Agricultural solar pumps also rely heavily on MPPT technology. Water pumping requirements vary throughout the day, and solar conditions are rarely constant. MPPT inverters allow these systems to operate efficiently even under changing sunlight conditions, ensuring reliable irrigation.
Finally, in energy storage and hybrid systems, MPPT inverters play a crucial role in balancing power generation, storage, and consumption. They ensure that batteries are charged efficiently while also supplying stable power to loads or the grid.
Why is Investing in MPPT Solar Inverters the Right Move?
Investing in an MPPT solar inverter is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic decision. While the initial cost may be higher compared to simpler alternatives, the long-term benefits often far outweigh the upfront expense. In fact, this decision becomes even more compelling when viewed against the backdrop of rapid global solar expansion and increasing demand for high-efficiency energy systems.
According to the International Energy Agency, solar power is now the fastest-growing source of electricity worldwide, and renewables are expected to account for over 90% of global electricity demand growth between 2025 and 2030 . This means that efficiency is no longer optional—it is central to competitiveness in modern energy systems.
First, there is the undeniable advantage of higher energy yield. Over the lifespan of a solar system, even a 10–20% increase in efficiency can translate into substantial financial returns. This is particularly relevant for commercial and industrial users where energy consumption is significant. As global solar deployment accelerates, the value of every additional kilowatt-hour becomes more pronounced. In 2025 alone, global solar installations surged dramatically, with hundreds of gigawatts of new capacity being added within a single year, reflecting the scale at which efficiency improvements can compound financial returns .
Moreover, technological advancements continue to push efficiency boundaries. For example, next-generation solar modules have already achieved conversion efficiencies above 25% in laboratory conditions, setting new industry benchmarks . As Martin Green from the University of New South Wales noted:
“High-efficiency technologies may start at a higher cost, but their prices tend to fall rapidly with industry adoption.”
This trend reinforces a critical point: investing in efficiency-driven components like MPPT inverters aligns with the broader trajectory of the solar industry.
Second, MPPT inverters offer greater system flexibility and scalability. Second, MPPT inverters offer greater system flexibility and scalability. This becomes even more valuable in systems designed with off grid inverter parallel configurations, where multiple units can be connected to expand capacity without compromising efficiency or system stability. As energy needs grow or system configurations change, MPPT-based setups can adapt more easily without requiring complete redesigns. This flexibility is increasingly important in a market where solar investment is scaling rapidly. The global solar sector attracted approximately $450 billion in investment in 2025, making it the largest area of energy investment worldwide . In such a capital-intensive environment, systems that can scale efficiently without costly retrofits offer a clear economic advantage.
Third, they enhance system reliability. By continuously optimizing performance and preventing inefficient operating conditions, MPPT inverters reduce stress on system components, potentially extending their lifespan. This is particularly critical as solar becomes a core part of national energy infrastructure. In the United States alone, solar power generated approximately 388.8 TWh of electricity in 2025, demonstrating its growing role in maintaining grid stability and energy supply . With systems operating at such scale, reliability is no longer a secondary concern—it is fundamental.
And perhaps most importantly, they future-proof your investment. The global energy system is undergoing a structural shift toward renewables, with solar at the center of this transition. Forecasts indicate that renewable energy will supply up to 43% of global electricity by 2030, nearly doubling its share within a decade . At the same time, the market for ultra-efficient solar technologies is projected to grow rapidly, reaching $28.5 billion in 2026 with a CAGR of over 15% .
What does this mean for decision-makers? It means that systems built today must be optimized not just for current performance, but for future energy landscapes defined by higher efficiency standards, smarter grids, and more dynamic demand patterns.
In this context, choosing an MPPT inverter is not simply about improving performance—it is about aligning with where the entire industry is heading. When efficiency, scalability, and long-term ROI are all considered together, the real question becomes: can a modern solar system afford to operate without intelligent optimization?
So the real question becomes: Can you afford not to use MPPT technology in a modern solar installation? Now click for solar inverter wholesale!
FAQs of MPPT inverter
Is an MPPT inverter necessary for all solar systems?
Not necessarily, but for most medium to large systems, it is highly recommended. Smaller systems with minimal power demands may use PWM controllers, but they sacrifice efficiency.
How much more efficient is MPPT compared to PWM?
Typically, MPPT systems are 15%–30% more efficient, depending on environmental conditions and system design.
Can MPPT inverters work in cloudy weather?
Yes, and this is where they truly shine. They continuously adjust to extract the maximum available power even under low-light conditions.
Are MPPT inverters compatible with battery storage systems?
Absolutely. In fact, they are commonly used in hybrid and off-grid systems where battery integration is essential.
Do MPPT inverters require maintenance?
They generally require minimal maintenance, but regular system checks and monitoring are recommended to ensure optimal performance.
Business
US economy grew 1.5% in second quarter, Commerce Department estimates
Horizon Portfolio Management head Zachary Hill and SlateStone Wealth chief market strategist Kenny Polcari discuss how the market will be impacted by the Federal Reserves decision to leave interest rates unchanged on The Claman Countdown.
This story about the advance estimate of second-quarter GDP will be updated with further details.
U.S. economic growth slowed unexpectedly in the second quarter of the year, according to the Commerce Department’s advance estimate.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) on Thursday released its advance estimate of second-quarter GDP, which showed the economy grew at an annualized rate of 1.5% in the three-month period including April, May and June.
That figure was below the 2.1% growth estimate of economists polled by LSEG.
It comes after the U.S. economy grew at a rate of roughly 2.1% in the first-quarter of 2026. Last year, the U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 4.4% in the third quarter and 0.5% in the fourth quarter, which contributed to a growth rate of about 2.1% for 2025 as a whole.
The BEA reported that the main categories that contributed to the rise in real GDP in the second quarter were increases in consumer spending, investment and exports – which were partly offset by a decrease in government spending. Imports increased in the second quarter.
The increase in investment was primarily due to increases in equipment and intellectual property products. Equipment increases were widespread and led by industrial, transportation and information processing equipment, while the rise in intellectual property products was mainly related to software and research and development.
Those gains were partly offset by decreases in private inventory investment, particularly wholesale trade, and nonresidential manufacturing structures.
A revised estimate of second quarter GDP is scheduled to be released in late August, while the final revision will be published at the end of September.
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Stellantis swings to profit on rising demand in North America
A new Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Sahara 4×4 vehicle displayed for sale at a Stellantis NV dealership in Miami, Florida, US, on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Eva Marie Uzcategui | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Auto giant Stellantis on Thursday swung to profit in the second quarter, boosted by rising demand in North America as the company showed tentative signs of benefitting from CEO Antonio Filosa’s turnaround plan.
The multinational conglomerate, which owns household names including Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Chrysler and Peugeot, posted second-quarter net profit of 293 million euros ($335.3 million), versus a loss of 1.87 billion euros a year earlier.
Adjusted operating income more than tripled in the second quarter to 773 million euros in the April to June period, from 213 million euros a year earlier. That was below an analyst consensus estimate from Reuters of 914 million euros, however.
Milan- and New York-listed shares of Stellantis fell sharply on the news, with shares in Italy falling more than 8% before paring losses. U.S. shares were off roughly 3% during trading Thursday morning.
Even with posting a profit, Wall Street analysts Thursday questioned why there wasn’t more growth for the company in the U.S. after significant price cuts and the launch of new models such as the Jeep Cherokee SUV.
Milan-listed shares of Stellantis so far this year.
Filosa said the Cherokee, which is made in Mexico, is ramping up production but the company is intentionally limiting some models due to U.S. tariff costs, which are expected to add at least 1 billion euros this year.
“It is very exposed to tariffs. So we are balancing volumes with profit generation,” he said of the Cherokee during the company’s quarterly earnings call. “We are doing that by limiting some trims and mixing on the highest and more profitable trims.”
Filosa many times noted that his FaSTLAne 2030 turnaround plan is well underway, but the “road is long” and the company needs time for the strategy to fully take hold.
Stellantis posted industrial free cash flows of 1 billion euros at the end of June, comfortably beating Citi’s forecast of 600 million euros.
Analysts at the Wall Street bank said that while this figure reflects improved operating performance, the auto giant’s adjusted operating income margin remains at a “very low” level of 1.8%.
Positive free cash flow is obviously welcome, analysts at Citi said in a research note to clients. “Nevertheless, we expect investors will await more evidence of positive operating performance before revisiting STLA,” they added.
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NBCUniversal-YouTube deal could jumpstart next streaming wars chapter
A general view of the Peacock logo on a microphone during the BIG EAST Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship game between the UConn Huskies and the Villanova Wildcats on March 9, 2026 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
Erica Denhoff | Icon Sportswire | Getty Images
NBCUniversal’s announcement this week that it’s struck a content deal with YouTube Premium could jumpstart a new chapter of the streaming wars — one that could be titled, “Aggregation.”
Under the agreement, which starts early next year, YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S. will get Peacock Premium baked into their subscription. Peacock content, including wildly popular shows like “Love Island USA” and the Real Housewives franchise, will be available directly via YouTube — as will NBC’s portfolio of live sports like the NFL and NBA.
At launch, YouTube Premium’s $15.99-per-month price won’t change. Customers will get Peacock Premium content for no additional charge.
YouTube Premium — the platform’s subscription, ad-free video product — is separate from YouTube TV, its bundle of live TV networks. The company says there are 125 million global users of YouTube Premium. It doesn’t break out U.S. subscribers.
The deal cements a new strategy for NBCUniversal — agreeing to a streaming wholesale deal with a distribution partner that ingests Peacock content. NBCU did a similar deal with Apple TV late last year, but that bundle required customers to opt into the offering, at a cost of $14.99 per month as opposed to $12.99 per month just for Apple TV. The YouTube deal allows its existing subscriber base to get access to all Peacock content instantly without paying any more money.
NBCU’s decision to allow Peacock content to appear on other streaming services could serve as a template for other media companies that similarly decide they’re willing to partner with other streaming services.
“Other strategies are a little more walled gardens,” Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh said during the company’s earnings conference call last week, referring to other media companies. “Our approach is to build great businesses that serve our own platforms, but look for opportunities to partner.”
Mike Cavanagh and Donna Langley at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
Elyse Jankowski | Golden Globes 2024 | Getty Images
The point of the deal for NBCU, which is set be to spun off as a separate publicly traded company from Comcast next year, is to get Peacock in front of more eyeballs. There’s a large, younger audience that spends most of its “TV” time on YouTube. Now these people can stumble upon NBCU programming in their viewing ecosystem of choice – translating into more advertising revenue.
For YouTube, the deal means a more robust subscription offering in Premium. This may help YouTube in its quest to buy more live sports rights. The company lost out to Netflix to stream several live NFL games earlier this year.
Still, it remains to be seen how quickly NBCU will strike deals with other platforms. The risk in striking these sorts of deals is the potential to cannibalize a company’s own subscriber base by making the content available elsewhere. NBCU executives felt YouTube offered the right deal economics to assuage those concerns, according to people familiar with the matter.
Aggregator vs. aggregated
The NBCU-YouTube deal could help set a precedent for future streaming distribution deals.
Both Netflix and Disney are considering striking wholesale deals with other media companies to bring fresh content onto their streaming services, according to public comments and media reports.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro spoke to his interest in this concept on stage at CNBC’s Game Plan conference earlier this month.
“As a part of a bundle or a partnership with a third party, we are very much focused on including the content or ingesting it within the ESPN app,” Pitaro said. “It’s like going back full circle to the pay TV bundle. There’s almost no friction. It’s all right there. It’s one app or one service and one username and password.”
ESPN has already struck a deal with the CW to ingest its sports into ESPN’s recently launched standalone streaming app.
Yet, so far, NBCU hasn’t been satisfied with offers for ingesting its content from Netflix or Disney – or the potential overlap among existing subscribers — according to the people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the conversations were private.
Jimmy Pitaro, CEO of ESPN, speaking at the CNBC Game Plan Summit in New York City on July 16th, 2026.
Shea Kastriner | CNBC
If the first stage of the streaming wars was media companies launching their own services, and the second was about getting them to profitability, the third iteration of this battle is poised to be about aggregation.
Netflix, Disney, YouTube and Amazon are clear aggregators. They all already have the size and scale to reach hundreds of millions of viewers.
If Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery come together as they’ve been attempting to, they’ll clearly be in that camp, as well.
But if the Paramount-WBD deal doesn’t happen — held up by a state-led antitrust challenge — both companies probably fall into the licensing camp, alongside NBCU. That would really jumpstart the re-evolution of the cable bundle, as Pitaro suggested.
Fox, which announced its acquisition of Roku last month, could find itself on either side of the equation. Its streaming service, Fox One, doesn’t have the scale of the biggest streaming services, but Roku gives Fox a large aggregation platform if it wants to move in that direction.

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Thangamayil Jewellery shares crash 19% in 2 days on weak Q2 outlook. What did the company say?
Thangamayil Jewellery said that it saw no visible improvement in sales during the first 28 days of the second quarter of FY27. The company attributed this to continued uncertainty around the war and customer expectations of a moderate decline in international gold prices, which led to further postponement of purchases.
The company expects this deferred demand to return once the war and gold price situation improves. It remains hopeful of seeing a recovery in demand in the second half of FY27.
Thangamayil Jewellery reported same-store sales (SSS) growth of 44.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared with 72.3% growth on a quarter-on-quarter basis. The company said gold volumes were relatively lower during the quarter despite international gold prices being more benign compared with the previous quarter, when prices had remained elevated.
According to the company, the slowdown was primarily due to a steep increase in import duty from 6% to 15% from May 13, 2026, along with significant depreciation in the Indian rupee. These factors led customers to postpone purchases in anticipation of a future decline in gold prices in U.S. dollar terms.
The uncertainty caused by the West Asia war also weighed on demand. The company said the resulting slowdown in gold purchases by expatriates, driven by lower inward remittances in the areas where it operates, further contributed to the sluggish offtake on a quarter-on-quarter basis.
Thangamyil Jewellery Q1 results
The company reported a net profit of Rs 85 crore for the first quarter of FY27, marking an 86% growth from Rs 45.7 crore posted in the same period last year.
The company’s revenue from operations jumped 71.2% in the June quarter to Rs 2,666.4 crore from Rs 1,558 crore posted in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year.
Further, EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) rose 66.2% to Rs 144.6 crore from Rs 87 crore. Margins for the quarter under review stood at 5.4%, compared with 5.6% in the corresponding period last year.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)
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