Solar energy has become a popular and efficient way to power our homes and devices, and one essential component for a successful solar system is a MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) solar charge controller. This device helps maximize the energy output from solar panels by optimizing the voltage and current levels. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right MPPT solar charge controller for your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 6 best MPPT solar charge controllers, highlighting their key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a solar enthusiast or a beginner, this article will guide you in choosing the perfect MPPT solar charge controller for your solar system.
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
EPever 40Amp MPPT Solar Controller, MT-50 Remote Meter, and Temp Sensor Kit. The EPever Tracer 40Amp MPPT Solar Controller is the most popular model sold by the brand. It is a great all-around solar controller that will work with almost any solar panel on the market and can handle up to a 400-watt (12-volt) or 800-watt (24-volt) system.
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. it includes an optional extra temp sensor which can be placed inside your battery box to give you real-time information about the temperature of your batteries – this is important to ensure they don’t overheat in hot conditions.
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
The Renogy MPPT is the best charging solution even in cloudy environments where the maximum power point of the solar panels will fluctuate all day. This unit is capable of charging both Sealed Lead Acid and Lithium batteries.
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. Designed with a highly efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking technology, the MPPT will automatically adjust to the optimal input voltage range based on the available sunlight and load requirements of your battery system.
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
Get the best rechargeable battery power with this MPPT Solar Charge Controller. It works for various deep-cycle battery types: Sealed, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium. This is because it has advanced MPPT technology with a high track that detects 12V or 24V DC system voltages automatically, ensuring that your batteries are always being charged efficiently.
It includes a remote monitoring (optional) capability to allow you to locate your solar panels wherever they are installed. This controller’s electronic protection features such as overcharging, over-discharging, overload, and short circuits protect both batteries and solar modules from damage.
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 EPEVER 40A MPPT Negative Grounded Solar Charge Controller is designed to charge your battery safely and efficiently. Featuring advanced MPPT technology, the EPEVER 40A MPPT Negative Grounded Solar Charge Controller converts up to 99.5% of solar power into electricity, providing the maximum amount of energy possible from your solar panels.
The built-in protection system prevents overcharging and over-discharging and protects against reverse polarity, overload, short-circuiting, and reverse current. This EPEVER solar charge controller includes four charging stages (Bulk, Boost, Float, and Equalization) for a quick and smooth charging experience with long battery life.
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
The SmartSolar charge controller is the most reliable, fastest-acting solar energy system controller you can buy. It will even recharge a severely depleted battery.
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. SmartSolar maximizes this energy harvest by constantly monitoring the voltage and current output of your solar (PV) panels and comparing it to each battery bank’s actual open circuit voltage.
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 AMPINVT MPPT 60A Solar Charge Controller is an advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) battery charger for off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems up to 60 amps. It is suitable for 12/24VDC and 48VDC systems. With its wide operating voltage range, it can charge batteries from a solar array of up to 100 volts.
The controller has an LCD 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. The AMPINVT MPPT 60A Solar Charge Controller also has a built-in DC-to-DC converter that allows you to charge a second battery from the same solar array.
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. |
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.
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.
