To prevent damage to the battery, a charge controller system is crucial as it sits between the energy generation source (solar panels), the energy storage portion (battery), and the final charge. This ensures accurate and complete management of energy flow and keeps devices safe.
Were you aware that charging your batteries using solar power, if not carefully controlled, can lead to a reduced lifespan for the battery? Overcharging can occur as sunlight causes the batteries to charge beyond their capacity. This can result in several issues. To tackle this problem, a solar charge controller is employed which is a vital system that controls the voltage from the solar panels. It protects the batteries from being overcharged, ensuring their longevity and efficiency.
Top 10 Best Solar Charge Controllers
- EPEVER MPPT Solar Charge Controller 40A
- Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V Charge Controller
- Renogy Rover 60 Amp 12V/24V/36V/48V MPPT Common Positive Solar
- Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 Charge Controller
- Renogy New Edition Voyager 20A PWM Waterproof
- Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 20 Amp 12-24-Volt Solar Charge Controller
- Victron SmartSolar Charge Controller With Built-In Bluetooth MPPT 75/15
- EPEVER MPPT Charge Controller 30A Tracer3210AN
- 60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller 48V 36V 24V 12V Auto Battery System
- EPEVER 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller 100V
Best Solar Charge Controllers Reviews
EPEVER 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller 100V PV Max Input Negative
If you have been a huge fan of solar-powered products, you should also consider at least one solar charge controller to regulate the flow of energy being transferred. There are just so many types and models on the markets, so today, we will introduce you to 10 different products, and we will kickstart this compiled list with this EPEVER solar charge controller.
What really makes this solar charge manager stands out is its ability to multi-task. This solar controller can handle multiple works at once. If we look at its compatibility, this solar charge controller is compatible with LiFePO4 & Li(NiCoMn)O2 Batteries. The designer also tries to maximize this charging capacity. Moreover, you can also monitor the activity via your mobile phone as well.
Key Features:
- This solar charge controller works with 12v and 24v systems
- EPEVER solar charge controller works best with lithium and acid lead battery
60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller 48V 36V 24V 12V Auto Battery System
Next on the list is this 60A MPPT solar charge controller. It has a very sleek design and body in yellow color. If you’re looking for a solar charger with all the functionality you need and doesn’t exceed the budget, the exuberant Onesolar MPPT Charge Controller feedback will make it easy for you.
This solar charge controller is filled with many outstanding and top-quality functionality. Energy consumption is one of the main causes of why we need a solar charge controller. This controller unit has a 60-amp performance with a fast-tracking rate of 99 percent and a high conversion rate of 98 percent. It also has a maximum input voltage of 150V PV. This means that you get the most fuel out of your batteries.
Key Features:
- There is an LCD screen
- This solar charge controller is very user-friendly
EPEVER MPPT Charge Controller 30A Tracer3210AN
The Epever MPPT charge controller is a series that is also an innovative MPPT Solar Charge Controller based on a smart and fast algorithm. It is placed at the top of the list of MPPT charge controllers due to its cost-effective performance, achieving peak conversion efficiencies of approximately 98%. With a multi-function LCD, it is also programmable for many types of batteries: packed, GEL, AGM, flooded, liFEPO4, or Li (NiCoMn). It also features an automated recognition of the battery voltage.
The integrated MT-50 remote meter shows real-time running data and device fault, and the remote thermometer allows the temperature to be changed to the battery’s temperature. Multiple workload modes maintain direct control over the charging and release phase of the batteries.
Key Features:
- The tracking speed is very fast
- There are 4 charging options
Victron SmartSolar Charge Controller with Built-in Bluetooth MPPT 75/15
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 has been a well solar charge controller made by Victron Energy, situated in the Netherlands. The Victron SmartSolar charging controller has built-in Bluetooth networking. You could connect your smartphone to your device via Bluetooth and keep a close eye on results, production, and much more.
The unit has up to 100V input voltage and up to 30 amp output. This makes it an ideal choice for small and medium-sized structures. With Bluetooth communication, you can customize the settings and charge the battery to the correct voltages. This is one of the finest solar charge controllers on the market. This solar charge controller can charge your battery very easily and effectively without any concerns.
Key Features:
- Bluetooth is very easy to connect
- The price of this solar charge controller is reasonable
Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 20 amp 12-24-Volt Solar Charge Controller
Victron sells a full range of MPPT charge controllers ranging from 75 volts/10 amps to 250 volts/100 amps. Another important detail provided with all Victron SmartSolar MPPT chargers is the Bluetooth connectivity used for immediate management and surveillance with the Victron Connect app.
The whole device can be linked to the main hub, where several MPPT controllers can be attached and can track down all aspects of your system to the water and fuel tanks. These monitoring functions require a Victron GX display, such as Color Control GX, Venus GX, or Cerbo GX (just launched – the product page is coming soon!). Depending on the device, certain devices will require the VE. Can resistive tank transmitter adapter or one of the larger GX modules.
Key Features:
- This item’s weight is 1.19 pounds
- It is very durable and works fine
Renogy New Edition Voyager 20A PWM Waterproof
This gadget is an MPPT charge controller that requires 12V or 24V to be powered. It is capable of handling 520W at 12V load and 1040W at 24V load. It has a monitoring capacity of approximately 99 percent and a translation efficiency of 98%. The device is compact and simple to use. The construction of aluminum makes it solid and robust. Due to its nature, it can scare away animosity quite quickly. The unit can be used for charging and discharging Li-ion batteries.
The Rover comes with overcharging, overcharging short circuit safety, programmable charging features, and common negative ground. PV+ and PV-are inputs for the charge controller. The latter two are for a battery pack, and the charging terminals are for an alternative DC fee.
Key Features:
- This is an automatic machine and does not need any prior setup
- You can monitor everything on the LCD screen
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 Charge Controller
This is another controller from Victron. The Victron Smart charge controller has many functions. Two DC plugs can be connected. This lets you run a couple of 12V DC machines. It also has two USB ports, each 5V 3A. The unit itself is valued at 20A for charging and discharge. It will operate with a 12V or 24V system. It’s got a 14V float fee. If this voltage is achieved, the system ceases charging the batteries attached to it. It keeps the battery at a certain voltage, so you don’t overload it.
Certain features have included a light indicator that lights up when the cables are successfully attached to the charger. The unit is also powerfully effective and precise. When charging, the monitor displays the arrow in the center of the solar panel icon and the battery icon. The arrow pulses rapidly as the battery charges. The speed of the blinking arrow will decrease as the battery begins to be full.
Key Features:
- The solar charge controller will work immediately once you connect
- You can connect and view data on your smartphones
Renogy Rover 60 Amp 12V/24V/36V/48V MPPT Common Positive Solar
The Renogy Rover 40 Amp MPPT controller delivers up to 99 percent performance. It is packed full of great functionality, such as error code monitoring, which helps you diagnose the system set-up and avoid any harm caused by installation bugs or system failures. It comes with several security features to secure your service.
This includes overload, over-discharge, short-circuit, and overload safety. The die-cast aluminum body means the heat dissipates rapidly and effectively. The display of the LCD is transparent and succinct. This is supported by a set of LED indicators that show important details such as error codes. Led lights are often used for demand response purposes, and the LCD panel is accessible. The machine can be easily configured and the parameters modified as appropriate.
Key Features:
- The body of this controller is so sleek
- It received many positive reviews
Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V
The Victron Energy Smart solar is an MPPT solar charge controller with a wide variety of features and provides multiple types of batteries. One of the main features of this Victron is its high peak output voltage power. It’s a straightforward interface to use. It features an 80-character backlit display that makes device status easier to see. The unit also presents a review of daily amp-hours or kilowatt-hours used.
The system will increase the performance of the PV array by roughly 30%. This makes it better than any of the MPPT solar charge controllers on the market. It’s going to operate on battery banks that are between 12 and 60V DC. It will also immediately sense the voltage as you connect it to the battery bank. It is capable of connecting to an open circuit array of up to 150VDC. This high voltage ability makes the Victron an outstanding option for off-grid solar panels.
Key Features:
- Item’s weight is 2.82 pounds
- It is very easy to set-up this controller with a few instructions
EPEVER MPPT Solar Charge Controller 40A 150V PV Solar Panel Controller Negative Ground W/ MT50
If you’re looking for an inexpensive charger controller that’s powerful and has nice features, then the EPEVER MPPT Solar Charge could be what you’re looking for. The EPEVER MPPT charge controller is filled with some fascinating features. It has a monitoring efficiency of approximately 99.9 percent and a conversion efficiency of 98%. The 40-AMP charging controller has 4 forms of charging.
The bulk mode of charging is for daily charging. The battery is charged easily in boost mode. It consists of four LED metrics. It’s the PV, the battery, and the charge. It’s even got a fault indicator. It has a max—solar input of 550W for 12V and 1100W for 24V Current source voltages.
The charge controller comprises four controls that allow it to move through several displays. You can also configure the computer with the keys.
Key Features:
- There is a temperature remote sensor included
- The LED screen display is big
- It is made of metal
Best Solar Charge Controller Buying Guide – 3 Simple Things To Consider
Power Output
Solar charge controllers attached to high-amp solar panels and batteries provide a wide variety of power outputs. This tells us they can pay for different types of batteries. Charge controllers with high power output have a 60-amp output. Such machines can be used to charge 12V batteries to 48V batteries. Less efficient charge controllers, such as those with 20-Amp power out, are used to power 12V and 24V batteries.
Budget
Are you having a budget-constrained? Your energy needs are limited? Then you need to go to the most effective and affordable solar charge controller. The solar charge control system would usually be the perfect solution for small solar systems to secure and securely charge your battery. Now, if you want to get the most power out of your PV array, an MPPT controller may be your solution. Usually, they can recharge a battery-based device with lighting, cooking, and heating devices as they are equipped to meet higher energy requirements.
Protection features
It is crucial to have safety features incorporated when charging controllers. Ideally, the more functionalities present, the better the experience. It is essential to ensure your charge controller has a reversible safety mechanism that enables charging in reverse in the event of complications. Additionally, your charger needs to feature protection devices, discharge protection and short-circuit coverage for optimal safety. When making a purchase, conducting a Solar Charge Controller analysis on the desired product will enable better understanding of its effectiveness.
Conclusion:
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your valuable time in reviewing this compiled list of the best solar charge controllers. After thorough research and taking into account buyer’s reviews, our top recommendation is the EPEVER MPPT Solar Charge controller, thanks to its exceptional performance and durability. However, if this product does not meet your specific needs and preferences, we have also listed nine other alternative solar charge controllers, each with their unique and special features.
In addition to the concise information and features provided for each selected product, we have also included a buying guide that outlines essential factors to consider when selecting the best solar charge controller for your needs. We hope this compilation provides useful insights and guidance to steer your decision-making process.