Best MPPT Solar Charge Controller in 2023
While solar panels are still an effective way to generate clean energy, as the amount of available light changes, so does the voltage and current. This can cause your solar panels to run at a lower or higher voltage. This buffer is vital to constructing a safe and reliable solar array. Learn more about MPPT’s solar charge controller and recommended devices.
What is MPPT Solar Charge Controller
The MPPT is what your solar charge controller is all about. It’s the direct current to direct current converter in your system. It takes the electricity from the solar panels and sends it to your battery to be charged appropriately. This helps ensure you don’t waste any energy your system captures or produces so that you can use and store as much energy as possible. Solar panels have different electrical output and efficiency levels. Many things can affect how efficient your system is, like how long it’s sunny, how much cloud cover there is, and how hot the panels are. So, the MPPT helps you determine where your system is the most efficient.
Market Research
Power transfer from PV arrays to batteries is controlled by solar charge converters, also known as controllers. They regulate the voltage and current flow from the panels to the battery to prevent it from being overloaded or drained. The global market for solar charge controllers is predicted to be valued at $1.78 billion in 2021 and 3.4 billion in 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% between 2023 and 2031. Most solar charge controllers in PV applications are switched series, with controlled voltage and current. They are used to regulate the power input from the PV array, whether off-grid or hybrid, to get the greatest possible power output for powering electrical loads and charging batteries.
Best 6 MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Victron SmartSolar 100V 30Amps MPPT
Victron, a Netherlands-based company, is a widely-recognized brand in the Do-it-Yourself (DIY) solar energy sector. Their Victron Smart Solar MPPT Charge Controllers are available in capacities ranging from 10A to 200 Amps. These Victron Solar 100-volt and 30-amp charge controllers are capable of charging even the most severely depleted battery. These Victron Solar Charge Controllers can also be used with any 0-volt battery. The only caveat is that Victron’s cells are not subject to permanent sulfation or corrosion.
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
IGOYE Explorer-M-30A 100V 12V/24V MPPT
IGOYE’s MPPT charge controller incorporates the algorithm to extract the maximum achievable power from the photovoltaic modules under specified conditions. Additionally, the MPPT charge controller tracks the ability for the entire PowerPoint. IGOYE is committed to maintaining its highest quality product by ensuring its products pass stringent quality assurance tests before release.
Specifications
- Maximum power point tracking efficiency ≥99.5%
- HD LCD color display
- Suitable for 12V/24V/36V/48V lead-acid battery system
- Suitable for lithium-ion battery
- Lithium-ion battery activates arousal function
- Centralized monitoring and parallel function, upper computer software, and mobile phone monitoring
- Air cooling & protection of IP43
Epever MPPT Solar Charge Controller
This charge controller from Epever is a great option to get the best solar energy out of your photovoltaic panels and into your batteries. It works with lead acid and lithium batteries and has a tracking efficiency of 99.5%. Plus, it can go up to 98%. It has a negative grounding, so it works with most systems. Plus, MPPT protection systems protect it from short circuits, reversing polarity/current, and over-discharging, so you don’t have to worry about your battery over-charging by the load or being overcharged by solar panels.
Specifications
- Battery compatibility: Sealed, gel, flooded, lithium
- Bluetooth monitoring: Yes (requires additional purchase)
- Charge current rating: 30A
- LCD: 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)
Renogy Rover 100V 30A MPPT
Renogy Rover is one of the most advanced MPPT solar charge controllers available, providing optimal solar power performance and compatibility with a wide range of batteries. It features a remote control with an RS232 communication port, allowing users to monitor the charging process. Additionally, it is equipped with a 4-stage intelligent charging algorithm and preset charging modes for various batteries, including sealed, AGM, gel, flooded, and lithium batteries.
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
- Temperature Range:-35 °C to 45 °C; -31°F to 113°F
- Nominal System Voltage: 12/24V (Auto-Detect for Non-Lithium types)
- LCD: Yes
- Bluetooth monitoring: Yes (requires additional purchase)
EcoBoost MPPT
The EcoBoost MPPT charge controller is a compact, user-friendly charge controller specifically designed for single solar panels or small array RV solar users. This charge controller is equipped with integrated USB ports, which enable the integration of small electronic devices and appliances directly into the controller for convenient RV solar charge administration.
Pros
- This charge controller is equipped with TrakStar technology that automatically adjusts its maximum power point.
- It also has a tiny LED display that shows the device’s status.
- Different MPPT solar chargers are available, each with its power rating.
WindyNation TrakMax MPPT
This charge controller has a maximum input current of 40 Amps and a maximum photovoltaic voltage of 100V, making it a suitable choice for RV solar installations. Compact solar charge controllers like this one are cost-effective, making them an attractive option for smaller solar power systems.
Pros
- The compact size of this RV solar controller makes it an excellent choice.
- It also works with all types of batteries, including Lithium
- Batteries and more.
This charger is compatible with 12 or 24-V batteries. - It is capable of storing up to 98 percent of the power generated.
Factors to Consider in Choosing an MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Select the Right Voltage
It’s important to remember that your solar charge controller has to work with the voltage of your system, so that’s the first thing you should think about when you’re picking one. Some solar charge controllers, such as low-cost PWM controllers, can only utilize a single voltage. In contrast, others, such as high-end MPPT controllers, can combine different voltages.Select the Appropriate Current Capacity
The power capacity is another factor to consider when selecting a solar charge controller. This means that a charge controller must be able to manage the power output of your solar panel. Too few amps can lead to inefficient energy conversion and too much heat, but if you use one bigger than you need, you won’t feel any harmful effects.Multi-Voltage Function
Solar charge controllers with multi-voltage functions allow you to change the voltage set point to improve the device’s performance. Usually, your voltage set point should be right next to your battery’s temperature so it can charge completely without getting too hot.Load Control
Load control is a feature of a charge controller that enables it to automatically shut off the output of the battery when the controller perceives that the battery bank has reached a certain level. Most charge controllers are equipped with this feature, choosing between an automatic load control controller and manual load control, a relatively simple one.Display
It is essential to keep track of the system’s charges, currents, voltages (including OCR), temperatures, and more, which is why it is important to ensure that the controller you select has a display that is easy to read. Many more recent models have large LCDs that are easily readable.Conclusie
The cost of your solar energy system is one of the most significant investments you can make for your home. An MPPT controller can help you maximize the return on this investment. The top-of-the-line 6 MPPT solar charge controller will assist you in selecting the most suitable MPPT solution for your requirements.