When using solar power, it is crucial to get a solar charge controller to regulate the energy being released into your grid. Basically, a controller acts as a regulator that delivers electricity from the solar panel’s photovoltaic cells into your electric home grid.
It is like the gatekeeper that prevents shorting due to fluctuations in the electric voltage and prevents your solar batteries from getting fried by fluctuating power amps. Inconsistent power strengths can shorten their lifespan. Which will dent your pocket on account of how expensive solar batteries are. That said, here are the best solar charge controllers in the market.
Top 5 Solar Charge Controllers Under 40A
| Name | Type | Current (Amps) | Connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 | MPPT | 30 | Bluetooth, | Check Price |
| EPEVER Tracer4215BN | MPPT | 40 | Remote MT50 LCD display | Check Price |
| Renogy Rover 40 Amp | MPPT | 40 | Built-in LCD display, Optional Bluetooth | Check Price |
| RICH SOLAR 20 Amp | MPPT | 20 | Built-in LCD display, Optional Bluetooth | Check Price |
| Renogy Wanderer 10 | PWM | 10 | Built-in LCD display | Check Price |
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30
The SmatSolar MPPT Charge Controller can be controlled remotely. You can monitor your SmartSolar MPPT charger using its built-in Bluetooth via VictronConnect.
The Victron SmartSolar charge controller can recharge a severely depleted battery. It can also operate with a battery voltage as low as 0 Volts.
Its MPPT technology ensures that every drop of available power is rinsed out of your panels, and harvested for storage.
Features
- Remote control
- Built-in Bluetooth
- MPPT technology
Pros
- Durable
- Can be monitored from your PC
- Compatible with multiple battery types
Cons
- Difficult to install
EPEVER Tracer4215BN
The EPEVER Tracer4215BN charge controller is equipped with an advanced MPPT control algorithm with an efficiency rate higher than 99.5%.you can use it with up to five 12V solar panels. It is compatible with Lead Acid Batteries, Sealed AGM GEL, and Flooded Battery.
Additionally, its user-mode allows the buyer to set their charging parameters. The controller has an RS-485 communication bus interface and Standard MODBUS interface to meet various communication requirements, temperature sensing, and remote monitoring.
Features
- USB to RS485 Converter Adapter
- Negative Grounding
- Metal Case
- 4 Stage Charging
- Advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology
- Built with advanced power tracking technology
- MT50 Remote Meter
- Battery Temperature Sensor
- PC Communication Cable
Pros
- Support 4 charging options: Sealed, Gel, Flooded and User
- Efficiency rate: 99.5%
- smart tracking algorithm
- Wide LED screen
Cons
- The voltage discharged is unsteady
Renogy Rover 40 Amp
The Renogy Rover solar charge controller automatically detects 12V or 24V DC system voltages. It is equipped with innovative MPPT technology with high tracking efficiency up to 99% and peak. Its conversion efficiency is 98%.
It is made of die-cast aluminum, which is excellent for heat dissipation. It can also measure the battery’s temperature. The controller can be programmed as per your power needs.
The controller can also be sued to charge over-discharged lithium-ion batteries.
It is also compatible with various Deep Cycle battery options: Sealed, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium.
Features
- RS232 Communication Port
- Temperature Sensor
- non-polarized wires
- Rated Battery Current:40A
- Rated Load Current:20A
- PV Input Short Current:50A
- Battery Voltage:32V
- Solar Input Voltage:100VDC
- Charge circuit voltage drop:≤ 0.26V
Pros
- Easy to use LCD Screen
- Multiple LEDs
- Durable die-cast aluminum shell
Cons
- The wire ports are fragile
RICH SOLAR 20 Amp
The Rich solar charge controller is compatible with many deep cycle batteries: Sealed, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium. It detects 12V or 24V DC system voltages automatically. It uses innovative MPPT technology with high tracking efficiency of up to 99%. It has a conversion efficiency rate of 98%.
The controller is equipped with electronic protection against overcharging, over-discharging, overload, and short circuit. It also has reverse protection.
The controller is housed in a die-cast aluminum shell with excellent heat dissipation tendencies. It has the capability of measuring the battery’s temperature and remote monitoring. It also has customizable charging voltages.
Features
- MPPT technology
- LCD screen
- Die-cast aluminum design
- Rated Battery Current: 20A
- Rated Load Current: 20A
- PV Input Short Current:25A
- Battery Voltage: 32V
- Solar Input Voltage: 100 VDC
Pros
- Compatible with various Deep Cycle battery options: Sealed, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium.
- High tracking efficiency
- Multiple LED indicators
- Diverse load control
Cons
- The manual instructions are difficult to follow
Renogy Wanderer 10
The Renogy PWM charge controller is suitable for a 12V/24V system. It can also work with Deep Cycle Sealed (AGM), Gel, Flooded, and Lithium batteries.
This smart, 4-Stage PWM charge controller increases battery life and improves system performance. It is equipped with intelligent protection against reverse polarity, overcharging, short-circuit, and reverse current. It features a backlit LCD screen that displays system operation, diverse load control, and error codes.
The controller has integrated 5V 2A USB ports to charge USB devices. Its compact size makes it easy to install virtually anywhere. It is capable of charging over-discharged lithium batteries. And its RS232 port allows it to connect with BT-1 Bluetooth modules and sync with the Renogy BT smartphone app.
Features
- Rated Charge Current: 10A
- Max Gauge Size: Up to 12AWG
- Self-Consumption: <10mA
- PV Input Voltage: 50 VDC
- LCD Screen
- Select Button
- Enter Button
- USB Ports
- Load Terminal
- Battery Terminal
- PV Terminal
- RS232 Communication Port
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Easy to install
Cons
- The output voltage is not regulated
Conclusion
The best solar charge controller should stabilize power being emitted into your batteries or your electric system if you have a direct connection. Failure to do so may lead to losses in thousands, especially if your batteries or other electronics are destroyed. Look for a highly reviewed option to be sure that it delivers on this front.