An RV is composed of different parts. And each one, may it be big or small, play a vital role in ensuring a smooth, safe, and exciting RV trip. You may not know the intricate process that comes with putting together all these parts, but in this article, we will dwell on a tiny part that plays a significant role in the RV’s operation; the solar charge controller. Choosing the best charge controller for the money
might be a back-breaker, especially if the technology is a bit new to you. Worry not, in this article; we have gathered the top five best charge controllers for the money available in the market today.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renogy Wanderer 10 Amp 12V/24V PWM Common Postive Solar Charge Controller Regulator | The Renogy Rover features a solar charge controller that offers first-rate performance, value for money, and durability. The LCD display shows battery status, lifespan and battery type you installed in your rig. | ||
| EPEVER Upgraded 30A MPPT Solar Charge Controller | With 99.5% efficiency at a rated charge current of 30A, you’ll never go wrong with this one. And the EPEVER Upgraded 30A MPPT does just like that. Complete with a remote monitor, this charge controller’s built-in LCD displays everything you need to know. | ||
| SOLAREPIC MPPT 40A Solar Charger Controller | The SolarEpic 40A MMPT Solar Charge Controller comes with a rated charge current of 40A, input power of 260W, and max PV open circuit voltage of 150V/ 138V. It provides the durability and efficiency you’re looking for in a charge controller. The ability to control the charging and discharging of the battery is one of its flagship features. Its smart tracking algorithm ensures the maximum energy from your solar panels. You need not worry about overheating nor overcharging since this device is equipped with various electric protection functions. | ||
| Victron SmartSolar Charge Controller | If you want a sleek and easy to use solar charge controller, the Victron SmartSolar unit is an excellent choice for you. Its Bluetooth capability allows you to use the system remotely and conveniently. The SmartSolar 15amps controller provides easy solar power control and convert it to AC electricity. This MPPT power controller improves battery efficiency and makes sure you operate the device anywhere. The LEDs feature float, absorption, and bulk function indicating which battery power is running. | ||
| HQST 20 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller with LCD Display Screen | The HQST 20 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller with LCD Display Screen comes with a clear and easy to read LCD screen. It also features four USB port overheat protection, so there’s plenty of room to charge your favorite devices. The LCD screen allows user to navigate and control solar power output. The HQST 20amps MPPT charge controller also comes with overcharging, discharging and overload protection. Its advanced digital power design lets you track power efficiency. |
Detailed Reviews on the Best Charge Controller For The Money
Renogy Wanderer 10 Amp 12V/24V PWM Common Postive Solar Charge Controller Regulator
Product Highlights
If you’re looking for a solar charge controller that can give you top-notch performance without having to spend more, then this controller is perfect for you. The LCD system design shows the status of your battery and the type of battery you have set up your controller for.
Its advanced charge controller is designed for off-grid solar applications. You can use it with a 12V/24V battery or battery bank. The Renology Wanderer can support higher voltages compared to its market counterparts. With its extra charging phase, you won’t have to deal with an over-charged battery. The durability of this solar charge panel is also undeniable. It’s built to withstand different weather conditions.
The Good
The Renogy Wanderer is the best PWN controller in the market today. It can increase battery life and improve your RV’s total system performance. It’s compact, and the best part is, this controller is compatible with Sealed, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium batteries. It offers support for a wider range of battery systems.
Since it automatically regulates the battery temperature, you can be assured of the controller’s safety features. It uses the appropriate charge depending on external temperatures. Plus, the fact that it has full comprehensive diagnostics, your RV’s battery is surely in good hands. With tons of special features and value for your money, this solar charge controller is truly recommended.
The Bad
This controller can only be used for small solar power needs. However, it is adequate for regular up to big RVs. You also have to take note that the float voltage can’t be adjusted for this device.
PROs
- Easy to use
- Compatible with most battery types
- Great value for your money
- Option to mount
CONs
- No option to adjust float voltage
EPEVER Upgraded 30A MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Product Highlights
As mentioned earlier, MPPT controllers offer a new technology that helps you get the maximum power for your battery needs. With 99.5% efficiency at a rated charge current of 30A, you’ll never go wrong with this one. And the EPEVER Upgraded 30A MPPT does just like that. Complete with a remote monitor, this charge controller’s built-in LCD displays everything you need to know. This gives you full control of your device.
The Good
The best feature of this controller is its automatic system voltage recognition. This means it has the capacity to distribute the volts/amps appropriately to your battery for optimum performance. It also offers a variety of electronic protections such as:
- PV short circuit protection
- PV reverse polarity protection
- Battery over-voltage protection
- Battery over-discharge protection
- Battery reverse polarity protection
- Load overload protection
Truly one of the most powerful solar charge controllers available today.
The Bad
If you have limited space, storage might be a problem for you. So before you purchase this device, make sure you find a slot in your storeroom for it.
PROs
- 99.5% power-tracking efficiency
- Comes with a remote monitor
- Fast charging time
- Easy to use
CONs
- Bulky design
SolarEpic 40A MMPT Solar Charge Controller
Product Highlights
The SolarEpic 40A MMPT Solar Charge Controller comes with a rated charge current of 40A, input power of 260W, and max PV open circuit voltage of 150V/ 138V. It provides the durability and efficiency you’re looking for in a charge controller. The ability to control the charging and discharging of the battery is one of its flagship features. Its smart tracking algorithm ensures the maximum energy from your solar panels. You need not worry about overheating nor overcharging since this device is equipped with various electric protection functions.
The Good
What we like about this device is its Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) function. When the battery’s voltage reaches its minimum threshold, this function automatically cuts off the load. This prevents over-discharging of your battery. Its heatsink design is also perfect for hot conditions. So going on an RV trip in the summer is no biggie.
The Bad
The lack of display in the SolarEpic 40A MMPT Solar Charge Controller is a considerable drawback. However, you can opt to connect the controller to a PC monitoring software, thanks to its RJ45 communication interface. The most common one is the MT-50 remote meter, which is used for the remote tracking and parameter adjustments.
PROs
- Easy to use
- Durable design
- 2-year warranty
- Features smart tracking algorithm
- Low voltage disconnect function
CONs
- Does not come with an MT-50 remote meter
- No LCD display
Victron SmartSolar Charge Controller
Product Highlights
If want a sleek and easy to use solar charge controller, the Victron SmartSolar unit is an excellent choice for you. Its Bluetooth capability allows you to use the system remotely and conveniently. The SmartSolar 15amps controller provides easy solar power control and convert it to AC electricity. This MPPT power controller improves battery efficiency and makes sure you operate the device anywhere. The LEDs feature float, absorption, and bulk function indicating which battery power is running.
The Good
The Victron’s load output prevents flat battery’s damage and offers high-quality performance. It also maximizes battery lifespan so you can use the product for a long period. This unit lets you program voltage limit, keep track of battery health and protects your battery from overcharging and discharging. The Victron comes with many unique features, making this product a good value for money.
The Bad
What we don’t like about this product is it doesn’t come with LCD screen. So you might want to consider other products before purchasing this one if your rig is using a lithium battery.
PROs
- Output switch and intelligent control
- Lightning protection
- Over-charging protection
- Under-voltage protection
- Overload and Short circuit protection
- Reverse Polarity protection
- Great value for your money
CONs
- Not suitable for lithium batteries and Ni-HM battery
HQST 20 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller with LCD Display Screen
Product Highlights
The HQST 20 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller with LCD Display Screen comes with a clear and easy to read LCD screen. It also features four USB port overheat protection, so there’s plenty of room to charge your favorite devices. The LCD screen allows user to navigate and control solar power output. The HQST 40amps MPPT charge controller also comes with overcharging, discharging and overload protection. Its advanced digital power design lets you track power efficiency.
The Good
One feature that you would like most about this device is its user-friendly function. This product allows you to charge lithium, sealed, and colloidal batteries easily. You will have no trouble getting off or running your electricity with this tool. Also, this device automatically shuts down when the battery is already fully charged.
The Bad
The HQST 20amp MPPT charge controller is simple to use with the features you would need in a solar charge controller. However, some users report the device’s instructions is a bit tedious to read and follow. So, you may need to call the company’s customer service.
PROs
- User-friendly LCD
- Multifunctional controller
- Automatic shut off
- Features overcharge, discharge, and overload protection
CONs
- The instruction manual is a bit hard to understand
- May not be durable enough
Other things to consider
Before you finally decide on what’s the best charge controller for the money, there are still other details you’ll need to consider. Here are a few of the things you need to remember before you buy the charge controller of your preference.
Importance of controllers
You may be wondering why there is a need for controllers. Can we not use the voltage coming from the solar panel directly to our battery? The answer is a big NO. Here’s why:
Controllers prevent overcharge
Overcharging can greatly reduce your battery performance. Controllers are programmed to adjust the voltage depending on the current need. So not having one can probably toast your battery.
Controllers improve charge quality
Having total control of your solar power improves your charge quality. Controllers usually come with adjustable set points, which can easily be tweaked depending on what you need.
Controllers prevent battery discharge
Controllers prevent the battery from draining completely. A drained battery is a recipe for disaster. If the battery deteriorates easily, you might need to change it often. Which, in return, can cost a lot of money in the long run.
Conclusion
A solar charge controller is a good investment and a necessity for every RVer. Although it seems that the options are endless, at the end of the day, you have to choose the controller that can cater to your needs. Hoping you’ll find the best charge controller for the money. Good luck! Find out more about RV power.