Electric circuits are simple but when there are a number of components involved like that in a solar power system, things become complicated. Flowing current at different voltages is dangerous to both humans and machines. Just as an inverter and batteries are at risk of damage with such high voltages and currents. To protect them, different types of charge controllers are required. To ease the search here in this article you can find the best MPPT solar charge controllers. And you can get to know about the top solar charge controllers too.

What are Solar Charge Controllers?

Devices that regulate incoming direct current from solar panels before it enters batteries and inverters are known as solar charge controllers. There are basically 4 types of solar charge controllers, namely, series regulator, shunt regulator, pulse width modulation, and maximum power point tracking charge controller.

1. Series regulator connects the circuit between solar panels and battery once the battery reaches the optimum voltage that it can handle. It maintains the circuit until the battery reaches its disconnect voltage gain.

2. Shunt Regulator then comes into the picture because these charge controllers break the circuit between solar panels and solar battery once it reaches the disconnect voltage. This is why they both are known as on/off regulators.

3. PWM, also known as pulse width modulation, the charge controller works by swiftly connecting and disconnecting the power source to load. Basically, it controls how long the switch remains on to regulate the amount of power transferred. Therefore, it is more like a gate to the voltage thus limiting the amount of time for which solar panels and batteries stay connected.

4. MPPT, also known as Maximum Power Point Tracking charge controller, works by tracking the point at which solar panels produce maximum power. For this, it tracks the point around voltage and current curves. Once the point is detected, the voltage of solar panels is reduced using a step-down converter so that it is the same as the battery voltage. More integrated chips and other components are required to make a good MPPT charge controller.

6 Best MPPT Solar Charge Controllers

These charge controllers can maintain the efficiency of solar panels. It is a challenging process to choose a suitable MPPT charge controller that is ideal for your solar panel system. Here, takes a look at the list below for some of the best ideas.

1. Victron SmartSolar 100V 30Amps

Victron energy MPPT charge controller: 6 Best MPPT Solar Charge Controllers #1
Image by victronenergy.com

The Dutch company Victron is a well-known brand in DIY solar. Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controller selection ranges from 10A to 200 Amps, but this one is 100-volt 30 amp. Victron solar charge controllers are capable of charging even a severely depleted battery, and they can operate with a 0-volt battery as well. With the only exception that the cells provided are not permanently sulfated or damaged.

The controller has integrated Bluetooth features that can be paired with mobile applications or other devices via VictronConnect to remotely monitor and control the system. With this, you will stay updated about available, used, and rinsed energy. The versatile and compact design with Integrated Intelligent load output provides battery protection is one of its notable features.

Specifications

  • Nominal battery voltage: 12/24V
  • Charge current rating: 10A/15A/20A/30A/50A
  • DC input voltage: Max 100V
  • Battery compatibility: Lithium Compatible
  • Price: Expensive
  • Bluetooth monitoring: Bluetooth / No display
  • Warranty: 5 years warranty

Also Read: What are Different Types of Solar Charge Controller?

2. Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75V 15 Amps

Victron Energy smartsolar mppt: 6 Best MPPT Solar Charge Controllers #2
Image by victronenergy.com

Another MPPT charge controller from Victron, the SmartSolar MPPT 75V 15 Amps, is an efficient and compact solar charge controller. With this optimal amount of solar energy harvesting is ensured for the day. Featured with smart technology, SmartSolar uses the slightest amount of sunlight hitting the panels for storage and maximizes the energy absorbed by PV panels for charging the batteries. You will get accurate power generation even on a cloudy day.

Its smart load output is its unique feature that prevents excessive draining of batteries as this is one of the main causes of battery damage. The load is slowly released, and voltage is configured to prevent batteries from being drained. With this battery life is also prolonged and protected with the everyday goal of the MPPT controller to achieve 100% battery.

The system of these best MPPT solar charge controllers is automatically connected via Bluetooth to your phone, and you can manage, control and monitor the system with its smartphone application. Victron Remote Management Portal provides you access to your MPPT. The controller has LED indicators, connectors, and easy-to-use buttons.

Specifications

  • Battery voltage (auto-select): 12/24V 12/24/48V
  • Charge current rating: 15A
  • Nominal PV power, 12V/24V: 220W/440W
  • Max. PV short circuit current: 15A
  • Max. PV open circuit voltage (Voc): 75V
  • Operating temperature range: -30 to +60°C (full rated output up to 40°C
  • LCD display: No
  • Bluetooth monitoring: Yes (requires additional purchase)

3. Epever MPPT Solar Charge Controller

Epever duoracer mppt controller : 6 Best MPPT Solar Charge Controllers #3
Image by epever.com

This charge controller from Epever is an efficient option and capable of delivering high-standard solar output from PV panels to your batteries. Epever MPPT solar charge controller is compatible with lead acid and lithium batteries. Its tracking efficiency is 99.5% and can reach up to 98%. With this negative grounding is preferred, making it compatible with most systems. Its MPPT controller protection systems guard it against short-circuiting, reverse polarity/current, and over-discharge. It protects the battery from over-discharge by the load and over-charged by solar panels.

The unit has a 4-stage charging system and a temperature compensation mechanism to keep battery life from degrading. The LCD scene has backlit for easy understanding and convenience. The only minor drawback is the 3- to 4-foot-long cord for the remote meter connection. But this charge controller has the ability to automatically detect 12V and 24V DC systems.

Specifications

  • Battery compatibility: Sealed, gel, flooded, lithium
  • Bluetooth monitoring: Yes (requires additional purchase)
  • Charge current rating: 30A
  • LCD display: Yes
  • Max. PV open circuit voltage (Voc): 100V
  • Nominal battery voltage: 12/24VDC auto work
  • Operating temperature range: -20 °F to 113 °F (-35 °C to 45 °C)

4. Renogy Rover 100V 30A

Renogy 30 Li: 6 Best MPPT Solar Charge Controllers #4
Image by renogy.com

Another mid-range MPPT charge controller from Renogy is its 100V 30A charge controller, which has an innovative design. Irrespective of the fact that solar panels are shaded or have micro-cracks, this Rover solar charge controller maximizes the output with 99.99% efficiency. It is safe, reliable, and has essential protection features to safeguard batteries, panels, and loads from overvoltage and other hazards. It has a compatible temperature sensor allowing you to monitor the battery temperature and make adjustments accordingly.

Renogy Rover is one of the best MPPT solar charge controllers, which is ideal to harvest maximum solar energy and working with different sizes. With its RS232 communication port remote control is under your supervision. It is built-in with a 4-stage intelligent charging algorithm and preset charging modes for different types of batteries like sealed, AGM, gel, flooded, and lithium.

Specifications

  • Max Battery Voltage: 100V
  • Rated Charge Current: 30A
  • Max. PV Input Voltage: 100 VDC
  • Max. PV Input Power: 12V/400W, 24V/800W
  • Max Battery Voltage: 32V
  • Operating Temperature Range:-35 °C to 45 °C; -31°F to 113°F
  • Nominal System Voltage:12/24V (Auto-Detect for Non-Lithium types)
  • LCD display: Yes
  • Bluetooth monitoring: Yes (requires additional purchase)

5. Renogy Rover 40A

Renogy Li 40A: 6 Best MPPT Solar Charge Controllers #5
Image by renogy.com

This MPPT charge controller holds good value at its price range and comes featured with a mobile app and custom charging profiles. Renogy Rover 40A is an easy-to-use controller and is compatible with the most common types of batteries. To use Renogy DC Home mobile app and connect Rover with it, you need to buy Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth Module. The LCD screen displays almost every spec of the system and with it, you can easily edit load settings, create custom charging profiles, and select your battery type. Though this controller lacks battery voltage sensors, it is still worth the money as it has all the necessary features and battery presets you need to set up the system quickly and easily.

Specification

  • Rated charge current: 40A
  • Max. PV open circuit voltage (Voc): 100V
  • Battery voltage: 12/24V
  • Battery types: LiFePO4, sealed (AGM), gel, flooded, custom
  • Max. PV input power: 520W at 12V, 1040W at 24V
  • Max. Wire size: 8 AWG (10 mm2)
  • Bluetooth monitoring: Yes (requires additional purchase)
  • Temperature sensor: Yes (included)

Also Read: Solar Charge Controller Settings

6. EPEver Tracer 4125BN

This one of the best MPPT solar charge controllers has the excellent built quality and a PV voltage limit of 150V. EPEver Tracer 4125BN is a durable option. You can also create custom charging profiles for Tracer, also known as Tracer BN or Tracer BN series. It has big wire terminals capable of handling up to 4 AWG wires in case you want/need to over-gauge the wires. Tracer has an MT50 screen which is great for viewing all system specs, and it is preset for lead acid batteries.

Specification

  • Rated charge current: 40A
  • Max. PV open circuit voltage (Voc): 150V
  • Battery voltage: 12/24V
  • Battery types: Sealed (AGM), gel, flooded, custom
  • Max. PV input power: 520W @ 12V, 1040W @ 24V
  • Max. Wire size: 4 AWG (25 mm2)
  • Bluetooth monitoring: Yes (requires additional purchase)
  • Temperature sensor: Yes (included)

Also See: 5 Best PWM Solar Charge Controller

Things to Consider While Choosing the Best MPPT Charge Controller

If you are still confused about the best and which one to choose, take a look at the following points; based on these you can rank the MPPT controllers.

1. Rated Charge Current

You also know it as rated output current, battery charge current, or rated battery current. It is the maximum amount of current in amps carried by a charge controller to charge the battery. This important number is often included with the product name, as in Renogy 40A.

a) Less than 30A: MPPT controllers in this range are capable of holding 400 watts of solar or less at 12 volts; 800 watts or fewer at 24 volts. For best results, pair them up with lithium batteries of 60Ah or more and lead acid batteries of 100 Ah or more.

b) 30A-40A: MPPT charge controllers in this range can handle power between 400–500 watts at 12 volts and 800–1000 watts of solar power at 24 volts. For best results, pair your best MPPT solar charge controllers with a lithium battery of 80Ah or more, and if going with lead acid batteries make sure they are of 130Ah or more.

c) More than 40A: Controllers in this range are usually designed to pair with large solar systems as they can handle more than or equal to 600 watts at 12 volts and 1200 watts at 24 volts. However, some MPPT controllers in this range are also compatible with 36V and 48V batteries and can handle greater PV power inputs at these voltages.

Also See: What is Direct Current (DC)?

2. Rated Load Current

Charge controllers with load terminals have this rating which is also known as rated discharge current. It usually indicates the power of output current through the load terminals of an MPPT controller.

3. Battery Voltage

Also known as system voltage or nominal battery voltage, this number refers to the voltage with which the charge controller is compatible. Auto is written next to the battery voltage like 12V/24V Auto. It means that the MPPT controller can automatically detect whether the connected system is a 12V or 24V battery bank.

  • 12V/24V: Most MPPT controllers are compatible with this voltage range.
  • 12V/24V/48V: For these battery voltages, high-end MPPT controllers are used, usually the ones with higher charge current ratings.
  • 12/24/36/48V: If working with batteries in this range, you will need a more compatible MPPT controller.

Also Read: What is Cut-off Voltage?

4. Compatible Batteries

It is important to check while buying the MPPT charge controller whether it is compatible with the battery type you have. Gel, flooded lead acid, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP, or lithium), and sealed lead acid are some commonly used battery types in solar power systems. The MPPT charge controller compatible with a battery type indicates that it has a preset setting for that battery chemistry.

Some controllers offer custom charging profiles. With this, you can create a battery profile yourself along with setting voltage set points (float voltage and absorption voltage). Charge controller with custom charge profile settings makes it compatible with all main types of solar batteries.

5. Max Input Voltage

Also known as Max PV input voltage refers to solar panels. The number mentioned is the max wattage of the solar array that you can connect with that MPPT charge controller. To determine the best MPPT solar charge controllers it is an important parameter. Watts is based on both amps and volts though you may notice that the controller has a different Max PV input voltage.

This can be calculated with a solar panel voltage calculator. Once calculated the maximum open circuit voltage of your solar array is, you need an MPPT controller with a max PV voltage greater than this number.

  • Less than 100V: There are rarely MPPTs in this range, but these models can easily handle small systems like 2 to 3 (12V) series wired solar panels.
  • 100V-150V: This is the most popular range for MPPT controllers and the ones in this range can handle 3 to 6 (12V) series wired solar panels.
  • More than 150V: MPPT controllers in this range are practically for large solar power systems, and they can handle more than 7 (12V) series wired solar panels.

6. Smart Options (Bluetooth and Display)

It is beneficial to have remote monitoring with your MPPT controller and regarding this feature, MPPTs are divided into three categories.

  • Built-in: Some MPPT controllers have built-in Bluetooth features. So, you do not have to buy any additional product to start Bluetooth monitoring.
  • Additional purchase required: MPPT with this instruction means you need to buy an additional product to start Bluetooth monitoring. Basically, it is a Bluetooth module that connects to the controller and costs around $30-$40.
  • No Bluetooth: Yes, there are some MPPT controllers without any in-built Bluetooth and an additional purchase cannot start this feature either. But you can monitor the system specs through a screen or LED light indicators on the charge controller.

7. Other Considerations

While we are on the topic, here are some more parameters to consider.

a. Operating temperature range: If there are chances of wide temperature swings that your MPPT controller will face you need to pay attention to the operating temperature range.

b. Power consumption: This feature is an essential component of the best MPPT solar charge controllers. You can find the power consumed by the MPPT controller on its specs sheet. Though it is not a big factor in the short run. But if solar panels go days without sunlight, you should look for a low-power-consuming MPPT controller.

c. Temperature compensation: Lead-acid batteries experience wide temperature swings and to maintain this voltage your MPPT charge controller must have a temperature compensation feature. Then only it can adjust battery voltage set points based on its temperatures. Lithium batteries are fine with or without temperature compensation.

A charge controller needs a temperature sensor to have this feature and this sensor can be in-built as an internal sensor or an external sensor that will come with the product (or as an additional purchase). If it is an external sensor, you need to plug it into the temperature sensor port and then tape the probe to the battery.

d. Wire terminals: You need to look for good wire terminals with quality screws. Inaccurate wire terminals may result in loose screws over time and if you wish to over-gauge wires as thick wires can minimize voltage drop. You need to pay extra attention to wire terminals. Now let’s also look at the 4 top solar charge controllers.

Also Read: 13 Best Grid Tie Inverter with Battery Backup

4 Top Solar Charge Controllers

Mostly MPPT and PWM solar charge controllers are used because they are based on the basic shunt and series charge controller mechanism. The only difference is that MPPT and PWM are upgraded versions.

1. BougerRV Li 30 Amp 12V/24V

BougerRV Li 30 Amp 12V/24V
Image by bougerv.com

It is an upgraded version of BougeRV, and it uses negative ground. You can accommodate more vehicles with it without worrying about polarity. You can change or check parameters on BougerRV Li 30 Amp easily with its backlit display. The solar panel controller will connect to the PV input current and to the battery voltage on the main interface. You can get the real-time values as current status and PV output status on the display.

This charge controller is compatible with 12V, and 24 V batteries sealed lead acid (SLD), flooded lead acid (FLD), ternary lithium, lithium iron phosphate, and Lithium titanate (LTO) batteries. This controller automatically resets once the protector switch closes and wakes the inactive lithium battery after setting it to lithium battery type.

Also Read: 8 Best 3000 Watt Inverter

2. MorningStar PWM Prostar PS-30M

MorningStar PWM Prostar PS-30M
Image by morningstarcorp.com

After learning about the best MPPT solar charge controllers, here is a PWM the best controller. It is a medium voltage controller widely used to power small to medium-scale power systems. MorningStar PWM Prostar suitably operates on permanently connected 12 V or 24 V batteries and can handle 30 amps of solar energy at 12 volts and 1000 amps at 24 volts panels. Its series switching is advantageous over shunt controllers, and it reduces overheating along with reducing stress on battery power. Its series design improves accuracy and in the PWM controller series, switching is automatically corrected for voltage and temperature drops. You can convert it into parallel up to 300A.

3. Renogy Adventurer Li- 30A PWM Flush Mount Charge Controller

Renogy Adventurer Li- 30A PWM Flush Mount Charge Controller
Image by ca.renogy.com

This new and improved Renogy Adventurer Li-30A features added lithium battery charging features. Its programmable lithium voltage allows Adventurer-Li Lithium Afterwriter to charge almost all lithium batteries. Adventurer-Li has an RS232 port for connecting the Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth module. This advanced negative ground charge controller is suitable for 12V and 24V PV systems. It is designed for aesthetically clean mounting on RV or camper walls.

The Adventurer-Li has highly efficient PWM charging that increases battery life by regulating the charge flow between solar panels and the battery bank. With its LCD you can monitor system operational information, including full parameter control. Its circuit board is preloaded with internal safeguards, making it inaccessible to errors during installation and other inefficiencies.

4. Renogy Rover Li 40A MPPT Controller

Renogy Rover Li 40A MPPT Controller
Image by renogy.com

It is one of the most efficiently powerful charge controllers with a 99% efficiency rating. Renogy Rover Li 40A automatically detects lead acid batteries and supports 12V and 24V wet cell, sealed, and gel battery applications. But a manual setting is required for a 24V Lithium battery. Overcharging, short circuit, and over-discharging protection are provided, and this MPPT charge controller is capable of charging over-charging lithium batteries. It is backed up by a 2-year material and workmanship warranty.

So, today you learned about the best MPPT solar charge controllers and factors that you need to consider while purchasing one. You need to understand different parameters and most importantly your system requirements and adaptability before you go for any charge controller. Because top solar charge controllers are not those with heavy price tags because what matters is the features and specifications.

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Olivia is committed to green energy and works to help ensure our planet's long-term habitability. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and avoiding single-use plastic.

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