The Best Solar Charge Controllers

Solar charge controllers are an essential part of any solar power system. It helps to ensure that your battery is charged correctly, preventing damage and prolonging the life of your battery.

A well-maintained battery will give you years of reliable service. Ensure your solar power system includes a quality solar charge controller to protect your investment.

There are a variety of controllers on the market, so it can be challenging to determine which one is best for your needs.

If you’re considering going off-grid or upgrading your current system, a charge controller is an essential piece of equipment.

But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?

This article will look at some of the best solar charge controllers available and help you decide which one is right for your needs.

Best solar charge controllers roundup

Best Overall – Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 30 amp 12/24-Volt Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth)

Best Complete Kit – Renogy KIT-STARTER-100D Starter Kit with 1 Pcs 100W Monocrystalline Panel and 30A PWM Controller

Best User-Friendly Unit – EPEVER MPPT Solar Charge Controller 40A Max PV 100V, 12V/520W, 24V/1040W, Common Negative Grounding, Work for Lead-Acid Sealed/Gel(AGM)/Flooded and Lithium Battery Charging(MPPT 40A)

Best Budget Solar System – Renogy 10 Amp 12V/24V PWM Negative Ground Solar Charge Controller Compact Design w/LCD Display for AGM, Gel, Flooded and Lithium Battery, Wanderer 10A

What Is A Solar Charge Controller, And Who Is This For?

A solar charge controller is an electronic device that regulates the voltage and current going to a battery from a solar panel. The primary function of a solar charge controller is to prevent overcharging of the battery, which can shorten the battery’s lifespan.

Solar charge controllers also help optimize the charging process and protect the battery from damage caused by excessive heat. Charge controllers are often used in off-grid solar systems, as well as in some grid-tie systems.

Many solar panels have a built-in charge controller but add a charge controller for larger systems.

When choosing a solar charge controller, it is essential to select one compatible with the type of battery being used (e.g., lead-acid, gel, or lithium-ion) and with the maximum power output of the solar panel array.

Solar charge controllers typically range in price from $20 to $200, depending on features and capacity. 

Charge controllers are an essential component of any solar power system and choosing the right one can help ensure that your system runs smoothly and efficiently.

Why do you need a solar charge controller?

A solar charge controller is a device installed between a solar panel and a battery. Its purpose is to prevent the battery from overcharging, shortening its lifespan.

In addition, a solar charge controller prevents the reverse flow of current from the battery to the solar panel, which can damage the panel.

A solar charge controller can also help maximize the solar panel’s power output by regulating the current. As a result, a solar charge controller is an essential component of any solar-powered system.

Tell me the different types of solar charge controllers?

PWM and MPPT solar charge controller – is the most commonly used among the different solar charge controllers.

PWM controllers are typically used for small systems where cost is a significant consideration, while MPPT charge controllers are often used in a larger solar system where maximum efficiency is desired.

There are also hybrid charge controllers that combine features from both PWM and MPPT solar charge controller – types. Most solar charge controllers will have USB ports for charging small devices such as phones or tablets.

Some also have an LCD that shows system information such as battery voltage, current, and temperature. When choosing a solar charge controller, selecting one compatible with the battery type is essential.

For example, lead-acid batteries require a different charging profile than lithium-ion batteries. Charge controllers also come in various form factors, including inline modules, box-style units, and remote displays. The right choice will depend on the specific needs of the application.

How Do A PWM Charge Controllers Work?

A PWM solar charge controller, also known as a pulse width modulation solar charge controller, is an electronic device that regulates the charging of batteries from a photovoltaic array.

The primary function of a PWM solar charge controller is to prevent overcharging of batteries by regulating the amount of current flowing from the PV array to the batteries. It does this by sending pulses of current to the batteries, with the width of each pulse determined by the amount of charge in the battery.

When the battery is nearly complete, the PWM solar charge controller will send pulses that are very close together, limiting the amount of current flowing into the battery and preventing damage.

On the other hand, when the battery is running low, the PWM solar charge controller will send wider pulses, allowing more current to flow into the battery and bringing it back up to full charge.

A PWM solar charge controller can help prolong your batteries’ life by preventing overcharging.

How Does A MPPT Solar Charge Controllers Work?

MPPT solar charge controllers work by constantly monitoring your solar array panels’ voltage and current output and comparing them to battery voltage. The solar charge controller then adjusts the current flowing from the solar array panels to the battery to ensure that the maximum power is extracted from your solar array. This results in more energy being stored in your batteries, which means that you will have more power available when you need it.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using MPPT (maximum power point tracking) solar charge. First, they are more expensive than PWM – Pulse Width Modulation types of solar charge controllers. Second, they require more frequent cleaning and maintenance than PWM types of solar charge controllers. However, the increased efficiency of MPPT solar charge controllers more than makes up for these disadvantages.

Let’s take a look at my top picks,

Best Overall

Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 30 amp 12/24-Volt Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth)

4.8

$226.10

You've decided to go solar, congratulations! But now what? You need to find the right solar charge controller to make sure your panels are charging your batteries correctly. 

There are a lot of different solar charge controllers on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. 

The Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100-Volt 30 amp is the perfect solar charger for people who want the latest and greatest technology. This MPPT controller will harvest every available drop of power from your solar panels, and can even recharge a severely depleted battery. Plus, it's easy to use and fits in any setting.

Pros:

• Ultrafast MPPT
• Optimal solar yield
• Electronic Protection
• 3-Stage charging

Cons:

• Instructions

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05/27/2022 08:38 pm GMT

Best Budget

Renogy 10 Amp 12V/24V PWM Negative Ground Solar Charge Controller Compact Design w/LCD Display for AGM, Gel, Flooded and Lithium Battery, Wanderer 10A

4.3

$16.99

The Renogy 10 Amp 12V/24V PWM Negative Ground Solar Charge Controller Compact Design is the perfect way to charge your batteries efficiently. With its simple interface and easy-to-read LCD, this charge controller is great for off-grid solar applications. The compact size makes installation a breeze, and the 10A rated charge current means your batteries will be charged quickly and efficiently.

Pros:

• Budget-Friendly
• Automatically detects 12V or 24V DC
• Smart 4-Stage PWM
• Optional Bluetooth
• 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Slow support reported

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05/27/2022 12:36 pm GMT

Best User Friendly

EPEVER MPPT Solar Charge Controller 40A Max PV 100V, 12V/520W, 24V/1040W, Common Negative Grounding, Work for Lead-Acid Sealed/Gel(AGM)/Flooded and Lithium Battery Charging(MPPT 40A)

4.6

$129.99

Looking for a reliable, high-performance solar charge controller? Check out the EPEVER MPPT Solar Charge Controller! This top-of-the-line controller is perfect for 12V or 24V battery systems, with a max PV input power of 520W/12V or 1040W/24V.

The EPEVER charge controller also features advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking technology for accurate recognition and tracking of multiple power points, with a high tracking efficiency of over 99.5% and a PEAK conversion efficiency of 98%.

And it's compatible with Lead-acid batteries, GEL/AGM, and Lithium battery types - perfect for any solar energy system. So don't wait - get the EPEVER MPPT

Pros:

• Backlight LCD
• Safety
• Multiple Battery Types
• Real-time energy statistics function

Cons:

• Plastic housing could be better

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05/27/2022 12:22 pm GMT

Best Complete System

Renogy KIT-STARTER-100D Starter Kit with 1 Pcs 100W Monocrystalline Panel and 30A PWM Controller Solar Charging, Boats, RV, Off-Grid System

4.7

$143.73

Introducing the Renogy KIT-STARTER-100D Starter Kit! This fantastic kit comes with everything you need to start solar, including one 100W Monocrystalline Panel and 30A PWM Charge Controller.

The high-efficiency solar cells offer reliable performance, while the bypass diodes minimize power drop caused by shade and ensure excellent performance in low-light environments. The corrosion-resistant aluminum frame ensures that your panel will last for years, and the IP65-rated junction box provides complete protection against the elements.

Plus, the intelligent function features of this kit allow you to choose between sealed, gel, flooded, and Li batteries – making it the perfect choice for nearly any application. Get off the grid and get

Pros:

• Smaller Footprint
• Battery Overcharge Protection
• Easy install
• 5-year Warranty 24/7 support

Cons:

• Bluetooth Not Included

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05/27/2022 09:16 pm GMT

Features to consider when choosing a solar charge controller

Maximum power supply

The maximum power supply voltage is the highest maximum input voltage that the solar charge controller can handle. This is important to consider because if the solar charge controller is not rated for the same voltage as your solar panel array, it will not be able to regulate the charging of your batteries properly.

Maximum current output

The maximum current output is the highest current that the solar charge controller can output. This is important to consider because if the solar charge controller cannot output enough current to charge your batteries, it will not be able to keep up with the demand.

Battery type

The type of battery you are using will determine the type of solar controller you need. For example, lead-acid batteries require a different solar charge controller than lithium-ion batteries.

Solar panel type

The type of solar panel you are using will also determine the type of solar charge controller you need. For example, monocrystalline solar panels require a different solar charge controller than polycrystalline solar panels.

Number of solar panels

The number of solar panels you have will determine the size of the solar charge controller you need. If you have a large solar panel array, you will need a more significant solar charge controller to handle the increased power.

Number of batteries

The number of batteries you have will also determine the size of the solar charge controller you need. If you have a large battery bank, you will need a more significant solar charge controller to handle the increased power.

Controller type

As we mentioned before, there are two types of solar charge controllers: MPPT-maximum power point tracking and PWM. MPPT solar charge controllers are more efficient than PWM solar charge controllers but are also more expensive.

Maximum PV open circuit voltage

The maximum PV open circuit voltage is the highest voltage that the solar charge controller can handle from the solar panel array. This is important to consider because if the solar charge controller is not rated for the same voltage as your solar panel array, it will not be able to regulate the charging of your batteries properly.

Operating temperature range

The operating temperature range is the range of temperatures that the solar charge controller can operate. This is important because most units are not waterproof and can only be used in specific temperature ranges.

Dimensions and mounting options

The dimensions and mounting options of the solar charge controller are essential to consider because you need to make sure that the unit will fit in the space you have available and that it can be mounted in the way you need it. Most units are surface mounted, but some can be flush mounted.

Display type

The display type is how the solar charge controller displays information. This is important to consider because you need to be able to see the information the solar charge controller is displaying quickly. Most units have an LED display, but some have an LCD.

FAQ’s

Which is better for solar chargers, MPPT charge controller or PWM?

There is no definitive answer to this question. MPPT solar chargers are more efficient but can be more expensive. PWM solar chargers are less costly but may not be as efficient. Ultimately, the best solar charger for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

When would you use a PWM controller?

Because the solar panel system and battery voltage must be at matching, PWM controllers are ideal for small-scale projects. With more extensive installations, this becomes much more difficult.

How big of a charge controller do I need?

Charge controllers are sized depending on the power, and current your solar panels produce. You want to make sure you have a charge controller that is large enough to handle the energy produced by your solar panels.

Conclusion

There are many options on the market for solar charge controllers. So, how do you know which one is the best for your needs?

This article has put together a list of the top solar charge controllers to help make your decision a little easier.

We have considered factors such as the type of solar panels, the number of solar panels, the number of batteries, the type of controller, the maximum PV open circuit voltage, the operating temperature range, the dimensions, mounting options, and the display type.

Solar charge controllers are a perfect addition for any size applications from solar backpacks to camping with solar.

We hope that this article has helped guide you to choose the best solar charge controller for