The most important thing to consider when choosing an MPPT solar charger controller is how much power it will produce. This depends on several factors, including the size of your panels, the amount of sunlight in your area, and the efficiency of your solar system.
What Is an MPPT Solar Charge Controller?
An MPPT solar charge controller (also known as a “smart inverter”) is a device that helps you maximize the output of your solar panel by adjusting its voltage and frequency. It does this by monitoring the current flowing through the panel and changing the speed at which it charges your batteries.
Which Features Matter Most When Choosing an MPPT Solar Charge Controller?
There are three main things to consider when choosing an MPPT solar charge controller: how much power it will produce, what type of battery it supports, and whether it has any additional features.
The 10 Best MPPT Solar Charge Controllers
1. EPever: 40AMP MPPT Solar Panel Charge Controller + Meter MT-50 + Temp Sensor for Gel Sealed Flooded Battery
The MT-50 remote meter is an optional extra that can be used with this controller and gives you live information about your solar system including battery voltage, current, power output from your solar panels, the temperature of your battery (with optional extra temp sensor), etc.
This kit is ideal for those who want to set up a small to medium-sized solar panel system for their RV, boat, cabin, or home.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $212.98 |
| Type: | Negative Grounding. |
| Battery Options: | Sealed, Gel and Flooded, and User. |
| System Voltage: | 12V/24V. |
| Rated Charge Current: | 40A. |
| Rated Load Current: | 20A. |
| Max PV Input Power: | 520W in 12V Battery. |
| Weight: | 7.89 Pounds. |
| Key Features: | Faster Tracking Speed And Efficiency. |
2. Renogy:60 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller
It also has an internal temperature sensor for sensing high temperatures, automatic adjustments to prevent overcharging, overload protection, and more. Compatible with multiple battery types for convenient use: Sealed Lead Acid, GEL, Flooded, and Lithium Iron Phosphate.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $289.99 |
| Type: | Negative Ground. |
| Battery Options: | Gel, Flooded, Lithium-iron phosphate. |
| System Voltage: | 12V/24V/36V/48V |
| Rated Charge Current: | 5V/2A. |
| Rated Load Current: | 5V/3.1A |
| Weight: | 9.31 Pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 7.85 x 5.12 x 3.02 Inches |
3. Richsolar: 20AMP MPPT Solar Charge Controller built with LCD Display Negative Ground and Temperature Sensor
It includes a remote monitoring (optional) capability to allow you to locate your solar panels wherever they are installed.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $79.99 |
| Battery Options: | Sealed, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium. |
| System Voltage: | 12V/24V. |
| Rated Battery Current: | 20A. |
| Rated Load Current: | 20A. |
| Weight: | 3.08 Pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 8.26 x 5.94 x 2.34 Inches. |
4. EPEVER: 40A MPPT Negative Grounded Solar Charge Controller
The built-in protection system prevents overcharging and over-discharging, and protects against reverse polarity, overload, short-circuiting, and reverse current.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $163.98 |
| Type: | Negatived Ground. |
| Battery Options: | Gel, Sealed, Flooded. |
| Voltage: | 24V. |
| Rated charge current: | 40A |
| Battery Voltage Range: | 9V/32V |
| Weight: | 4.18 Pounds. |
5. Victron Energy: MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Using MPPT technology ensures that every drop of available power is rinsed out of your panels, harvesting all available energy and storing it in your batteries.
Anytime anywhere remotely control and monitor the extensive features of your SmartSolar MPPT solar charge controller with built-in Bluetooth by pairing it with your smartphone or another device via VictronConnect.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $118.15 |
| Weight: | 1.17 Pounds |
| Dimensions: | 8.27 x 5.91 x 1.97 Inches. |
| Key Features: | Builtin Bluetooth. |
6. AMPINVT: 60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller
The controller has an LCD display that shows the battery voltage, charging current, and charging status. It also has a USB port for monitoring and programming the controller with a PC.
Specs And Key Features:
| Price: | $183.00 |
| Battery: | Sealed Gel AGM Flooded Lithium Battery. |
| Rated Current: | 60A. |
| Max Input: | 150VDC. |
| Weight: | 8.16 Pounds. |
| Dimensions: | 7.9 x 3.3 x 11 Inches. |
| Key Features: | Wide Operating Voltage Range. |
Which Performance Metrics Should You Look For?
To determine how well a solar charge controller performs[1], you should look at its output voltage, current, and efficiency. These metrics tell you how much energy the system produces and how efficiently it converts sunlight into electricity.
Which Cost Factors Are Important To You?
If you’re looking for an affordable solution, then you might consider purchasing a solar charge controller with a lower price tag. However, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t pay more for a better product. A high-quality solar charge controller will provide you with reliable power, while also being easy to install and maintain.
How Do I Choose The Right MPPT Solar Charge Controller Based On My Budget?
There are two main categories of solar charge controllers: those that use a microprocessor and those that do not. Microprocessor-based systems are generally more expensive than non-microprocessor-based systems. They offer greater functionality, such as monitoring battery voltage, current draw, and charging rate, and they allow users to monitor and control multiple panels at once. Non-microprocessor-based controllers are less expensive, but they lack some of these advanced features.
