Are you getting ready to get some juice from solar panels to top up the batteries at your RV, cottage or boat, don’t forget to select a suitable solar charge controller. It will ensure that solar power gets stored safely in your batteries maximizing efficiency. Now, you might be wondering, “Which solar charge controller is the best for my needs?” After weeks of adventurous testing, we’ve rounded up the Best Solar MPPT Charge Controller available on the market. We checked the ease of use, build quality, and power output.
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Our list of Best Solar MPPT charger controller
 |  |  |
Affordable option  4.5 | Top Pick  5 | Popular among DIY'ers  4 |
| Check Renogy MPPT | Check Victron MPPT | Check EPEVER MPPT |
The MPPT charge controllers we have evaluated come in various models, each featuring different charge current ratings, maximum PV voltages, and compatible battery voltages. If you like a particular model from the list that isn’t suitable for your system, we recommend searching for alternative models that match your system’s proper size.
Top pick: Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controller
 Check Victron MPPT | Victron SmartSolar MPPT 30A charge controller Easy of use Built quality Product price |
Pros  Bluetooth Smart built-in: dongle not needed. 98% DC-to-DC conversion efficiency User-friendly app | Cons  Only max. 100V of PV input Price is on a higher end |
Review
Victron MPPT charge controllers are best suited for those seeking an advanced solar programming device maximizing system performance. If you already have a Victron solar inverter or any other Victron component, adding SmartSolar MPPT makes it convenient to operate the whole system via the same VictronConnect app. You can download the app for Android and IOS.
Victron charge controller specs
| Battery voltage: | 12/24V Auto-select | Battery types: | Lead-acid flooded, AGM, GEL & LiFePO4 |
| Rated charge current: | 30A | Max. wire size: | 6 AWG |
| Solar Power Input: | 440W for 12V system, 880W for 24V system, | Bluetooth: |  |
| Max. input Voltage: | 100V | Temp. sensor: | |
Victron offers a variety of solar PV charge controllers that do something unique: they get the most power from your solar panels and provide a wide variety of configurable features for its price. They have different sizes, from small to large, and can handle between 5 to 100 Amps of electricity. They work with various sizes of solar panels. The solar array’s max voltage range makes from 75 to 250 Volts. The controller allows adjusting the charging current via the app. These controllers work fast and use power well. Some can even show you what they’re doing on a screen that you can plug into the controller. And you can use your phone to check system charging parameters too. You can use multiple controllers at once if you have a big solar setup. It’s good to pick those with built-in VE.Can port to handle a daisy chain charge-to-charge communication.
Final verdict
Consider the Victron model if you want a hassle-free experience with an MPPT controller that offers a simple setup and solid quality right out of the box.
Popular among DIY’ers: EPEVER MPPT Solar Charge Controller
 Check EPEVER MPPT | EPEVER MPPT 30A Solar Charge Controller Easy of use Built quality Product price |
Pros Multiple load control modes Built-in LCD display Easy to install and operate | Cons Only max. 100V of PV input No remote monitoring Cheap contact terminals |
Review
Many folks, including our customers, have these controllers installed at their initial systems and operated flawlessly without any issues over a continuous span of 5 years. When paired with the MT50 display, they provide versatile functionality that meets all basic requirements. Historically, EPever units have been predominantly used to charge lead-acid battery banks. They’ve worked without any issues. The EPEver controllers can also charge lifepo4 batteries, which will also perform well. Unlike Victron SmartCharge controllers, EPEver controllers lack remote configuration through the app. However, with the MT50 display, you can install it up to 2 meters from the controller, allowing for more convenient access.
EPEVER charge controller specs
| Battery voltage: | 12/24V Auto-select | Battery types: | Lead-acid flooded, AGM, GEL & LiFePO4 |
| Rated charge current: | 30A | Max. wire size: | 6 AWG |
| Solar Power Input: | 390W for 12V system, 780W for 24V system, | Built-in Bluetooth: |  Check Dongle |
| Max. input Voltage: | 100V | Built-in Temp. sensor: | |
Purchasing EPEVER Wi-Fi Remote Monitor enables Local monitoring via “EPEVER Cloud” within 20 meters of communication distance. If you have lead-acid batteries such as Tojan or Rolls-Surrette, install the temperature sensor cable for battery temp monitoring. It will ensure that the charge controller output voltage matches the proper charging parameters for a certain temperature.
Final verdict
Many people, including us, think this cheap MPPT charge controller works well and lasts for years. If you want something simple and reliable, consider the EPEVER charger controller. The only drawback is its outdated appearance. The built-in and remote MT50 screen look like the old game Tetris we played as kids. It is pixelated and basic. But the controller does its job effectively.
Affordable option: Renogy MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Check Renogy MPPT | Renogy MPPT Solar Charge Controller Easy of use Built quality Product price |
Pros Diverse DC Load Control Built-in LCD display Easy install and comes with clear instructions | Cons Screws terminals have very shallow slot No built-in remote monitoring. Needs BT-1 Bluetooth module |
Review
The Renogy charge controller installation process is incredibly straightforward. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions that every DIY enthusiast will find handy. The mounting brackets are particularly easy to deal with, significantly simplifying the mounting process. The terminal screws could be designed a bit better, though. When we try to connect wires to the charge controller, the screwdriver often slips. It was causing further damage to the slot and an uneven thread. We sometimes believed the wire was tied, but it quickly came loose after a while. Some controls might take time to be intuitive, but they are easy to become accustomed to. Configuring the battery type and load mode is pretty straight forward. Many users found this charger worth its price.
Renogy charge controller specs
| Battery voltage: | 12/24V Auto-select | Battery types: | Lead-acid flooded, AGM, GEL & LiFePO4 |
| Rated charge current: | 30A | Max. wire size: | 6 AWG |
| Solar Power Input: | 390W for 12V system, 780W for 24V system, | Built-in Bluetooth: |   |
| Max. input Voltage: | 100V | Built Temp. sensor: | |
The Renogy charge controllers don’t include built-in Bluetooth communication. However, you can add the BT-1 Bluetooth module/dongle to enable remote monitoring. The solar off-grid charging status can be conveniently tracked via smartphone using the Renogy app. For downloading the Renogy app from Google Play click here.
Final verdict
If you’re on a tight budget, go for Renogy, which will suit your needs. They have a simple manual, and their US-based tech support is easily reachable if you have any questions during installation.
How to select the Best suitable charge controller for your needs. A Buyers guide.
Which is better MPPT or PWM?
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller boosts the solar off-grid system energy output by a whopping 30%, leaving conventional and old-fashioned PWM charge controllers far behind. The main difference between the two is Voltage Mismatch. In a PWM controller, if the voltage of the solar panels is significantly higher than the battery voltage, the excess voltage is converted into heat, resulting in energy loss. MPPT controllers can efficiently handle higher voltage inputs and convert them to the appropriate voltage for battery charging, reducing energy wastage. In other words, if your battery voltage is much lower than the voltage of your solar PV array, then the MPPT solar charge controller is the best choice.
Another lesser-known advantage of employing an MPPT Controller is its cost-saving impact on wiring. By using a higher solar module array voltage, you can utilize smaller gauge wiring for connecting to the charge controller.
What size MPPT charge controller do I need?
Selecting the appropriate size of MPPT charge controller is important for optimal battery charging speed and longevity. It must also maximize as much power as possible from your solar panel setup. This task can be intricate due to the considerable diversity among individual solar power systems and many influencing factors. To put it simply, we will suggest going over two steps-process:
Step 1
Determine the battery bank amp-hour rating. As a rule of thumb, the charge controller amp rating should be between 10% to 20% of the total amp-hour of your battery bank. For example, for a 400Ah battery bank, the MPPT charger controller can be anywhere between 40-80A.
Step 2
Verify that the maximum PV input of your solar system falls within the acceptable range of your solar charge controller. For instance, if you’ve connected three 60-cell solar panels in series, the array’s voltage will typically be between 110VDC and 140VDC. Confirming that the charge controller’s maximum input PV range is higher than this value is crucial.
Additional considerations include compatibility between the solar charge controller and your batteries, as well as the overall system voltage.
Charge controllers generally come in 12 and 24V. Note the charger controllers listed above are specifically suitable for 12 and 24-volt battery banks. Some models, however, can accommodate 48V on top of 12 and 24V. It’s worth remembering that utilizing higher system voltage saves wiring costs and allows for greater flexibility in locating solar arrays further to the charger controller and battery housing.
Most modern MPPT solar chargers work with common lead-based and lithium-ion technologies such as AGM, Gel, flooded lead-acid or lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4).
Some good info here !! I wish someone would just specify exactly what battery setting should be entered for 24 volt lead acid set up for my 100/30. Also setting for 48 volt lead acid 250/60 system..Please specify, also very important do I need to change manual setting on bottom of controller ???? One u tube video said # 7 vor lithium ?? What # for lead acid ???
Hey Jeffrey,
Thank you for getting in touch! Certainly, we can assist you with this inquiry. If you use sealed batteries like AGM or GEL lead-acid batteries, it’s best to select setting #7 on the rotary switch at the bottom. This choice is based on the fact that the AGM charging voltage closely aligns with the voltages typically used for lithium batteries. Furthermore, setting #7 is appropriate because it doesn’t include equalization, making it optimal for sealed lead-acid and lithium batteries.
However, if you are using flooded lead-acid batteries, we recommend manually configuring the settings following the recommendations outlined in our article MPPT charging settings. Hope it helps. Regards,