Best MPPT Charge Controllers
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I spent weeks testing 5 of the best MPPT solar charge controllers on the market.
I built a custom testing setup and tested their ease of use, build quality, and power output. I also researched their specs and spent time using their mobile apps to monitor my system and create custom charging profiles.
Based on all that, here are my reviews and recommendations.
Quick Recommendations: Best MPPT Solar Charge Controllers
Here’s the TLDR version of my rankings:
- Top Pick:Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30
- Budget Pick:Renogy Rover 40A
- Honorable Mention:EPEver Tracer 4215BN
- Renogy Rover Elite 40A
- EPEver Tracer 4210AN
Or keep reading for my full MPPT charge controller reviews.
Note: Most of the charge controllers I tested offer models with different charge current ratings, max PV voltages, and/or compatible battery voltages. So if you see one on this list you like, but it isn’t compatible with your system, just search for the other available models and you’ll probably find one that is.
Top Pick: Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30
| Rated charge current: | 30A | Max. PV open circuit voltage (Voc): | 100V |
| Battery voltage: | 12/24V | Battery types: | LiFePO4, sealed (AGM), gel, flooded, custom |
| Max. PV input power: | 440W @ 12V, 880W @ 24V | Max. wire size: | 6 AWG (16 mm2) |
| Bluetooth monitoring: | Yes (built-in) | Temperature sensor: | Yes (built-in) |
Pros: Easy to use, built-in Bluetooth, robust mobile app, custom charging profiles
Cons: Expensive, mediocre wire terminals, no screen
Best for: Those looking for the best MPPT charge controller who don’t mind paying top dollar; advanced users who want the most features and customizability
Review
For the sake of everyone’s wallets, I almost hoped the Victron wouldn’t be my favorite. But it was.
Out of the box, I found the Victron to have the most features and be the easiest to use. It’s about as “plug and play” as it gets.
Bluetooth is built in to all the models in the Victron SmartSolar MPPT product line. Once the Victron is installed, you can use the free VictronConnect mobile app to monitor and customize your system.
The Victron was the only MPPT I tested with Bluetooth built in. All the other charge controllers in this review make you buy a 30-40 Bluetooth module for that feature. That helps justify the Victron’s price a bit.
The VictronConnect app has a lot of features. It can be a little overwhelming at first. But, once you learn your way around it, it can be quite powerful. You can use one of the many battery presets or, for advanced users, easily create and save custom charging profiles.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Victron makes all sorts of accessories — sensors and shunts and the like — that can pair with the app as well and communicate with your controller to customize and optimize your system. It’s a solar nerd’s playground.
I also performed a power output test and the Victron placed first — by a hair. I wouldn’t put too much stock in these results because of the variables I couldn’t control (e.g. panel temperature, fluctuations in solar irradiance), but it was nice to see a first place finish from a top-of-the-line MPPT.
The Victron’s wire terminals are passable, but nothing to write home about. The screws felt high quality, but the terminals themselves were shallow and a little too close together for my taste.
Otherwise, the build quality of the Victron felt solid. The case and heat sink seem durable. It was also the smallest and lightest controller I tested, if that’s an important factor in your system.
I tested the bestselling Victron SmartSolar MPPT model on Amazon at the time of my research, which happened to be the 100/30 model (100V PV voltage limit, 30A charge current rating).
But Victron has a huge product lineup and sells SmartSolar controllers with a wide range of PV voltages (75-250V) and current ratings (10-100A). So if the model I’ve tested is too much or too little for your purposes, you can upgrade or downgrade accordingly.
Budget Pick: Renogy Rover 40A
| Rated charge current: | 40A | Max. PV open circuit voltage (Voc): | 100V |
| Battery voltage: | 12/24V | Battery types: | LiFePO4, sealed (AGM), gel, flooded, custom |
| Max. PV input power: | 520W @ 12V, 1040W @ 24V | Max. wire size: | 8 AWG (10 mm2) |
| Bluetooth monitoring: | Yes (requires additional purchase) | Temperature sensor: | Yes (included) |
Pros: Great value, easy to use, good mobile app (must buy Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth Module to use), custom charging profiles
Cons: Not compatible with Renogy Battery Voltage Sensor
Best for: Those looking for the best bang for their buck
Review
I’ve had the Renogy Rover 40A for over 6 months, and I’ve become quite familiar with it during that time.
It’s well-priced and easy to use. It’s compatible with all the most common types of solar batteries, plus has the option to create custom charging profiles.
Renogy has a mobile app called Renogy DC Home. To use it with the Rover 40A, you’ll have to buy the Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth Module.
The Renogy app is good, but I found it a little less feature-rich than Victron’s. For many users it will have everything you need. I suspect advanced users may want a little more customization, though.
The Rover’s wire terminals were good but not great. The terminals felt roomier than the listed max wire size, but the screws were a little loose and hard to tighten at times.
The screen on the Rover 40A displays nearly every system spec I could hope for. It’s also easy to use it to select your battery type, edit load settings, and create custom charging profiles.
In my power output test, the Rover tied for last with the EPEver Tracer 4210AN. They both output a max of 142 watts compared to the 146 watts of the Victron which placed first. I think the difference of 4 watts is negligible.
The Rover 40A doesn’t have a port for connecting a battery voltage sensor, which I don’t love. You have to upgrade to the Rover 60A or Rover 100A for that feature. Battery voltage sensors help charge controllers adjust their charging voltage to account for voltage drop, which is helpful in certain systems.
Overall, the Rover 40A is a good MPPT charge controller for the money. It has all the features and battery presets you need to set up your system quickly and easily. And for more advanced users, you can create custom charging profiles and buy the BT-1 Bluetooth Module for remote monitoring.
Honorable Mention: EPEver Tracer 4215BN
| Rated charge current: | 40A | Max. PV open circuit voltage (Voc): | 150V |
| Battery voltage: | 12/24V | Battery types: | Sealed (AGM), gel, flooded, custom |
| Max. PV input power: | 520W @ 12V, 1040W @ 24V | Max. wire size: | 4 AWG (25 mm2) |
| Bluetooth monitoring: | Yes (requires additional purchase) | Temperature sensor: | Yes (included) |
Pros: Excellent build quality, my favorite wire terminals, 150V PV voltage limit
Cons: Must make custom charging profile if using with lithium batteries, Bluetooth monitoring is harder to set up
Best for: Those looking for a charge controller with great build quality; users with lead acid batteries; users with lithium batteries who don’t mind creating custom charging profiles
Review
From a hardware perspective, the Tracer 4215BN — sometimes called the Tracer BN or Tracer BN Series — was my favorite charge controller.
It’s big and heavy and virtually one entire heat sink. The wire terminals were easily my favorite. They felt like tanks. And they’re the biggest in this review – capable of handling up to 4 AWG wire. If you like to overgauge your wires, this is one to consider.
However, the hardware in a charge controller isn’t the full story. Charge controllers also have a software component. When that’s lacking, it makes the controller harder to use.
I didn’t test the EPEver app, but from reviews I’ve read it’s a little clunky. The included MT50 screen is great, though. It’s easy to view all your system specs and select your battery type. If you’re using lead acid batteries, the Tracer BN is about as plug and play as any other MPPT.
But it has no preset for LiFePO4 batteries. You’ll have to create your own custom charging profile if using lithium. It isn’t that hard to do, but it’s certainly not as easy as selecting your battery type from a menu.
These usability hurdles are small, but more noticeable than on the other controllers in this review. If you’re comfortable with technical product manuals, they shouldn’t be difficult to overcome. And, once you do, you’ll have a great controller that feels like it could last a lifetime.
As a final heads up, the Tracer BN’s days might be numbered. While doing research for this article, I tried to find this controller on EPEver’s website, but couldn’t.
From years of product testing, I’ve come to see these removals as the first sign of a product’s discontinuation. For now it’s still available on Amazon, but time will tell.
Renogy Rover Elite 40A
| Rated charge current: | 40A | Max. PV open circuit voltage (Voc): | 100V |
| Battery voltage: | 12/24V | Battery types: | LiFePO4, sealed (AGM), gel, flooded |
| Max. PV input power: | 520W @ 12V, 1040W @ 24V | Max. wire size: | 6 AWG (16 mm2) |
| Bluetooth monitoring: | Yes (requires additional purchase) | Temperature sensor: | Yes (included) |
Pros: Cheapest MPPT tested, good mobile app (must buy Renogy BT-2 Bluetooth Module to use)
Cons: No custom charging profiles
Best for: Those who want a cheap MPPT and only plan to use preset battery charging profiles
Review
Based on its name, I wouldn’t fault you for assuming the Renogy Rover Elite is a more advanced version of the Renogy Rover. I know I certainly did.
But you’d be wrong. It’s actually a cheaper version. (Whose idea was that?)
The Rover Elite was close to being one of my recommended picks. It has a lot going for it: It’s the cheapest MPPT I tested. It’s compatible with all the main types of solar batteries. And, if you buy the Renogy BT-2 Bluetooth Module, you can connect the Rover Elite to the Renogy app to monitor your system from your phone.
Based on that, I think it’s a good budget option for DIY solar beginners, or users who just plan on using the battery presets.
But if you want to create custom charging profiles, know that the Rover Elite doesn’t have that option. I know from plenty of reader emails and Комментарии и мнения владельцев that advanced users like to customize their charging setpoints.
Unlike it’s more expensive cousin, the Rover Elite does have a battery voltage sensor port. You can buy a Renogy Battery Voltage Sensor and connect it to the Rover Elite to improve the controller’s battery voltage reading.
I’ve tested a handful of Renogy products over the years, and I always seem to come to the same conclusion: they’re good quality for the price. The Rover Elite is the same. Overall, it’s a good cheap MPPT.
EPEver Tracer 4210AN
| Rated charge current: | 40A | Max. PV open circuit voltage (Voc): | 100V |
| Battery voltage: | 12/24V | Battery types: | LiFePO4, sealed (AGM), gel, flooded, LiNiCoMnO2, custom |
| Max. PV input power: | 520W @ 12V, 1040W @ 24V | Max. wire size: | 6 AWG (16 mm2) |
| Bluetooth monitoring: | Yes (requires additional purchase) | Temperature sensor: | Yes (included) |
Pros: Fast power point tracking, custom charging profiles
Cons: Not the easiest to use, mediocre wire terminals
Review
The Tracer 4210AN — sometimes called the Tracer AN or Tracer AN Series — is a solid controller.
But, when pitted side by side against the others, it didn’t stand out to me in any way. I’m not sure what type of user I’d recommend it for.
I think it’s a good value for the money, but not as good as the Renogy Rover. The build quality is solid but not outstanding. I think the wire terminals are subpar.
On startup, it did track the maximum power point the fastest of any controller tested (in about 9 seconds on average, compared to the 57 seconds of its sibling, the Tracer 4215BN, which placed last). That’s something, I suppose.
It has a good screen and, on Amazon at least, the 40 amp model comes with the MT50 display included.
But I do want to underscore that this is a well-made unit. It works well, is solidly built, and even has the lowest power consumption of those tested. EPEver claims ≤12mA (it doesn’t say at what voltage), which is less than the 30mA (at 12V) of the Victron, the next closest.
If this controller is on sale, or you just prefer the EPEver brand, I’d say go for it. If it was the only MPPT I owned, I expect I’d end up being perfectly happy with it.
How to Choose the Best MPPT Charge Controller for Your Needs
Rated Charge Current
Also called: rated battery current, battery charge current or rated output current
The rated charge current is the maximum amount of current (in amps) that the charge controller can charge the battery at. It’s such an important number that it’s often included in the product name (e.g. Renogy Rover 40A — “40A” is the rated charge current).
30A-40A: Many popular MPPTs (including all the ones I tested) fall in this range. They can usually handle between 400-500 watts of solar at 12 volts and 800-1000 watts of solar at 24 volts. They’re best used with lithium batteries of 80Ah or greater and lead acid batteries of 130Ah or greater.
40A: MPPTs with charge current ratings greater than 40 amps are designed for large solar systems. They can usually handle greater than or equal to 600 watts of solar at 12 volts and 1200 watts at 24 volts. Some may also be compatible with 36V and 48V batteries and capable of handling even greater PV power inputs at these voltages.
Note: Charge controllers with load terminals may also list a rated discharge current (aka rated load current). This is how much current the controller can output through its load terminals.
Maximum PV Voltage
Also called: maximum PV open circuit voltage, maximum input voltage
Use our solar panel voltage calculator to calculate the maximum open circuit voltage of your solar array. Then, pick a charge controller with a maximum PV voltage greater than this number.
100V-150V: This is the most popular PV voltage range for MPPT charge controllers. Models in this range can usually handle 3-6 12V solar panels wired in series.
150V: MPPTs in this range are designed for large solar arrays. They can usually handle 7 or more 12V solar panels wired in series.
Note: Estimating the max voltage of your solar array is not as simple as multiplying open circuit voltage by the number of solar panels wired in series. This is because solar panel voltage increases as temperature drops. To get an accurate estimate, you’ll have to correct for temperature.
Battery Voltage
Also called: system voltage, nominal battery voltage
This number refers to the nominal battery voltage the controller is compatible with. You may see the word “auto” next to the battery voltage — e.g. “12/24V Auto.” This means the charge controller automatically detects whether you’re using a 12V or 24V battery bank.
12/24V: Many popular MPPT models are compatible with 12 and 24 volt batteries. Indeed, these are the compatible battery voltages of all the models I tested for this review.
12/24/48V: There are higher-end MPPTs compatible with 12, 24 and 48 volt batteries. These are usually MPPTs with higher charge current ratings.
12/24/36/48V: Some brands sell models that are also compatible with 36 volt batteries.
Note: Some charge controllers also list a max battery voltage in their spec sheet. As you’d expect, you don’t want your battery voltage to exceed this number.
Compatible Battery Types
Make sure the charge controller you’re getting is compatible with your type of battery.
Here are the most common types of solar batteries:
- LiFePO4 (Also referred to as lithium iron phosphate, LFP, or simply “lithium”)
- Gel
- AGM/Sealed lead acid
- Flooded lead acid
If a controller is compatible with a type of battery, it essentially means it has a preset charging profile for that battery chemistry that you can select when you set up the controller.
Custom charging profiles: Many MPPT controllers also offer the ability for you to create custom or “user” charging profiles. These let you select all the voltage setpoints — such as absorption voltage and float voltage — so you can tailor it for your specific battery.
In essence, custom profiles make the controller compatible with all main types of solar batteries. Many advanced users also like to adjust these numbers to try to maximize their battery lifespan.
Maximum PV Input Power
“PV” refers to solar panels, so this number is the max solar array wattage you can connect to the controller.
You’ll notice that the controller has different max PV input power ratings for different voltages. This is because watts is based on both volts and amps (W = V A).
If you’re having trouble figuring out what charge current rating you need, you can also refer to this number for guidance.
Bluetooth Monitoring
Being able to monitor and control your solar system from an app on your phone is great convenience. Don’t underestimate how nice it can be! MPPT controllers fall into three different buckets here:
Built-in: Some controllers have Bluetooth built in, meaning you don’t need to buy anything in order to start monitoring your system from your phone. Of the controllers I tested, only the Victron SmartSolar came with Bluetooth built in.
Additional purchase required: A lot of controllers require an additional purchase before you can use Bluetooth monitoring. You have to buy a Bluetooth module that connects to the controller. These typically cost 30-40. The remaining 4 controllers I tested fall into this bucket.
No Bluetooth: Some MPPT charge controllers come with no Bluetooth capabilities at all. The only way to monitor your system with these is through the screen or LED lights on the controller.
Wire Terminals
Look for good wire terminals with quality screws. Cheap charge controllers skimp on their wire terminals and you’ll notice right away. They’re easier to strip and you can’t tighten the screws down as much. They may be quicker to loosen over time.
Some people also like to over-gauge their wires. Thicker wires help minimize voltage drop and make it easy to expand your system later on. If that’s you, you’ll want to pay attention to max wire size.
Power Consumption
Charge controllers consume a modest amount of power, which will be listed on the specs sheet. In most DIY solar systems, the power consumption isn’t enough to make a material difference.
However, power consumption can come into consideration if your solar panels will go for long stretches without receiving sunlight. For instance, one reader from Scandinavia wrote to me about how charge controller power consumption factored into his buying decision because the solar panels on his off-grid cabin were covered in snow for most of the winter. He didn’t want the charge controller to consume so much power that it fully drained his batteries.
In these situations, look for a controller with low power consumption. Most charge controllers have lower power consumption at lower system voltages, so you may want to keep your battery bank at 12 volts. PWM charge controllers tend to consume less power than MPPTs, so you may want to also consider a PWM model.
Temperature Compensation
If you’re using lead acid batteries and they’ll be experiencing wide temperature swings, you should look for a charge controller that adjusts its voltage setpoints based on temperature — a featured called temperature compensation. Lithium batteries don’t need temperature compensation.
To have this feature, the controller needs to have a temperature sensor. The sensor will either be a built-in internal sensor, or an external sensor included in the box or available as an additional purchase.
If it’s an external sensor, You plug it into the temperature sensor port on the controller and then tape the probe to the battery.
Operating Temperature Range
Pay attention to operating temperature range if your charge controller will be experiencing wide temperature swings — such as if it’s located in a boat, RV, or campervan without AC. The higher-end models are typically able to handle wider temperature ranges.
MPPT vs PWM Charge Controllers
MPPT charge controllers are more expensive, but more efficient. Most are around 95% efficient.
PWM charge controllers are cheaper, but less efficient. They are around 75-80% efficient.
What’s more, MPPT controllers often have higher charge current ratings, such as 30 amps or more. This means you can connect more solar panels to them. (The MPPT models included in this test, for instance, can handle solar arrays of 400-1000 watts depending on system voltage.) They also have higher PV voltage limits, so you can connect more panels in series which can save you money on wiring.
PWM charge controllers usually have lower charge current ratings, such as 10-30 amps, making them best suited for solar arrays of 400 watts or less. They often only have high enough PV voltage limits for 1-2 12V solar panels in series. If you’re using lots of solar panels with a PWM, you’ll probably have to wire them in parallel which can increase wiring costs.
The Bottom Line
I liked all of the MPPT charge controllers I tested for this review. I’d be happy to have any of them in my system. Alas, the job of a reviewer is to rank the options from best for worst.
After testing 5 MPPTs side by side and comparing their spec sheets, I think the Victron SmartSolar MPPT is the best MPPT charge controller on the market. I thought it had the best build quality and was the easiest to set up and use.
The Renogy Rover 40A has the best bang for your buck. It’s a well-made model that can be paired with Renogy’s mobile app if you also buy the BT-1 Bluetooth Module.
Lastly, the EPEver Tracer 4215BN is built like a tank and has the best wire terminals of any charge controller I’ve ever used. It’s not compatible with lithium batteries out of the box, but you can use the included MT50 screen to create a custom charging profile.
As a reminder, all the charge controllers I tested offer models with different charge current and PV voltage limits. If you like the Victron, for instance, but need a higher current rating, consider the Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50. It has a 50 amp current rating, compared to the 30 amp rating of the model I tested.
A small ask: If you found my MPPT charge controller reviews helpful and are planning to buy one, please consider buying through one of my affiliate links below. I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which will help fund more reviews like this one. Thank you!
Portable Solar Panels Battery Box
In this modern age, we love our electronics. But without power or charge, that device or appliance is as good as a doorstop or paperweight, and is as useless as you-know-what on a bull! It’s so important that when you hit the road with your fourbie, your caravan, or your campervan, that you’re fully prepared and organised to give your intended site or devices the type of power-love they need. There are many types of power—battery boxes and battery packs, solar panels and solar blankets, portable generators, power inverters, and more. No matter what kind of power you need, BCF has you covered. To calculate how much power you’ll need or how long your power will last, check out our Power Calculator for a quick and easy answer!
What power sources are available at BCF?
BCF is here to get you stocked up the wazoo with whatever power source you need. We stock a variety of:
Work out what you need for your upcoming trip or at your humble abode, and find a power product that suits your needs. If you’re powering some pretty hefty stuff, you might want to invest in a powerful portable generator or a lightweight and foldable solar panel. Maybe you’re just wanting to charge your phone, laptop, or tablet, and keep them alive as well as you can before you reach a more intense power source. Battery boxes and power banks are perfect for this kind of usage.
What brands of power and battery products does BCF stock?
Here at BCF, we stock only the best brands with a wide selection to choose from, supporting every type of camper with every type of budget. With brands such as XTM, Dometic, Engel, Hardkorr, Wanderer, and Companion, you’ll be able to find a cracker power product for whatever you need it for.
What can I use these power sources and batteries for?
The sky’s the limit mate! First, rack your brain for what you’re actually needing the power for. Is it to charge small items such as mobile phones, laptops, iPads, or handheld game devices? Or is it a peace-of-mind type purchase for backup power when you’re off grid or stuck in the dark due to a crazy storm? Or maybe you’re looking for something to power your whole campsite? Depending on what you need it for, power sources and batteries can be invaluable items to have while on the road, or even at home to keep your humble abode powered in the event of a blackout.
The larger of the power sources such as solar panels, solar blankets, and generators are usually for the more serious camper or off-roader. These bad boys are able to power large campsites, power-hungry devices and appliances, and outdoor tech. They’re also cracker for keeping as a backup at home to keep your place powered during storm season, flooding, or a power outage.
The mid-size portable power units such as battery boxes and deep cycle batteries can be super handy when on the road or camping out bush. With the battery boxes having many outputs available to plug in different cords and devices at one time, it can be a godsend when you’re trying to pump up that inflatable air mattress or charge your phone or GPS while out in the middle of whoop whoop. Deep cycle batteries on the other hand are a super efficient source of power, and can keep your solar power, boat, or camper trailer powered for longer.
Smaller power sources like batteries are perfect for a range of different uses. They come in heaps of different pack sizes and power types, with brands like Energizer and Eveready leading the way. Torch gone flat? No dramas. Remote gone dead? Don’t even stress! Keep a heap of these bad boys in your car, camping box, or bag to always have a power backup ready to go.
How do I know which portable power source is right for me?
The BCFing experts can help you with that one! You can head to your local BCF store where you can have a chat with the experts in person—they’ll guide you to the power source that you need. Alternatively, you can venture online to have a squiz at our wide range to find one that suits your lifestyle and requirements.
If you’d like a more in-depth approach to all of the types of power sources at BCF and want to know how to use them, how they work, and which one is right for you, check out our portable power and solar source buyer’s guide. This’ll steer you in the right direction. Happy days!
Rover Li 20 Amp MPPT Solar Charge Controller
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【Innovative MPPT Design】 Die-cast aluminium design ensuring excellent heat dissipation and Renogy Maximum Power Point Tracking technology with a high tracking efficiency of up to 99% and peak conversion efficiency of 98%. It is the best charging solution even in cloudy environments where the max power point of the solar panels will fluctuate all day.
【12V/24V Automatically Detect】 Automatically detects 12V or 24V DC system voltages (for Non-Lithium battery types), and the LCD screen and multiple LED indicators display the solar charging and battery operation information, customizable parameters, and error codes.
【Full System Protection】 Meant to safeguard your system, the self-diagnostic capability can assess and protect against reverse polarity, battery overcharging, battery over-discharging, overload, short-circuiting, and reverse current.
【4-Stage Safely Charging】 Features 4-stage charging (Bulk, Absorption, Float, and Equalization) of Lead Acid Batteries and 2-stage charging (Bulk and Absorption) for Lithiuim batteries as well as Lithium Reactivation.
【Diverse Load Control】 Connect DC appliances directly to the optional Load Terminals and monitor consumption or set up timer controls directly from the controller.
【Remote Monitoring】 The RS232 communication port allows the Renogy Rover charge controller to communicate with the DC Home app and Renogy ONE M1 via the Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth module (highly recommend to add-on ). This will enable you to monitor the status and productivity of your panels on the go.
The Renogy 20A Rover MPPT Charge Controller is the most efficient type of charge controller. With up to 99% tracking efficiency, the Rover ensures maximum power point solar charging that gets more energy to your battery bank. Capable of automatically detecting 12V/24V lead acid battery systems, this crucial component is preset to also work with Gel, Flooded (wet cell), and Sealed batteries（manual setting is required for 24V Lithium battery）. When paired with the Renogy BT-1 Module and DC Home app you can view system performance in real-time and make parameter changes without having to get up!
Renogy Innovative MPPT technology with high tracking efficiency of up to 99% and peak conversion efficiency of 98%. It is the best charging solution even in cloudy environments where the max power point of the solar panels will fluctuate all day.
The Renogy Rover 20A MPPT Charge Controller supports both 12V and 24V systems and can automatically identify system voltage once connected to a Sealed, Gel, AGM, and Flooded battery (manual setting is required for 24V Lithium batteries).
Die-cast aluminium design ensures excellent heat dissipation. Fitted with a Remote Temperature Sensor, the Rover MPPT Charge Controller can measure battery temperature in real-time and use this data for very accurate temperature compensation, assuring stable and constant charging.
Renogy Rover MPPT provides 4-stage charging (Bulk, Absorption, Float, and Equalization) and features a comprehensive set of electronic protection functions such as stopping reverse current at night (from the battery back to the solar panel), automatic cut off to prevent over-charging and deep discharge, solar panel over voltage, over load, short circuit and reverse polarity protection.
The Rover MPPT charge controller can work with standard off-grid 12/24V solar panels with high voltage or multiple panels with voltage up to 100V. In particular, this controller will significantly increase the efficiency of a solar system where the solar panel voltage is much higher than the battery voltage.
By adding the Renogy ONE M1 to your system, Wi-Fi connectivity uploads energy status to the data Cloud in real time. Now you can monitor the system from Renogy ONE M1 when you are at home, or through the DC Home app on your phone when you are out to explore.
- If you have any questions regarding this product, please call us at 1 (909) 287-7111 or or submit a ticket for troubleshooting assistance.
- questions about your off-grid power system? Learn more from Renogy Learning Center !
Package Includes
Rover Li 20 Amp MPPT Charge Controller
Remote Temperature Sensor
Mounting Brackets
In what order do I connect my system?
The off-grid solar system includes the solar panels, charge controller, batteries, inverter, Bluetooth module, and wirings. First, the battery should be hooked up to the charge controller with tray cables. Second, then connect your solar panel to your charge controller with adaptor kits.
What type of protection does the Rover MPPT Charge Controller have?
Battery Protection: Battery Over Discharge protection. Battery Over Voltage protection, Battery Reverse Polarity protection Load Protection: Load Overload protection, Load Short Circuit protection, Controller Overheating protection PV Protection: PV Over Current Protection. PV Short Circuit protection. PV Reverse Polarity protection, Battery overheating protection
What are the Positive ground and negative ground charge controllers?
In charge controllers, positive ground or negative ground refers to how the controller is wired internally. Positive ground means all the positives are hard-wired together, and the internal switching happens on the negatives. The negative ground is the opposite. It doesn’t matter as long as your solar /- runs to the charge controller and isn’t grounded anywhere else.
Does the Rover 20A MPPT charge controller have a built in 20A fuse for the rated 20A load output?
No. Please always add an external fuse between the charge controller and batteries. To determine the fuse size needed between the charge controller and battery bank, you can match the amperage rating on the charge controller. For instance, if you have one of our 20Amp charge controllers, we recommend using a 20Amp fuse.
If I have 2x200W panels which of these MPPT charge controller will be good? 20A or 30A ect.
If you connect these panels in series to a 24V system, the 20A model would be acceptable. But you would need a 30A controller if you connect these two solar panels in parallel to make a 12V system.
How many watts can Renogy Rover 20 amp charge controller handle?
The Rover MPPT charge controller can work with standard off-grid 12/24V solar panels with high voltage or multiple panels with voltage up to 100V. And the maximum combined input solar power is 260W for a 12V battery system or 520W for a 24V system. In particular, this controller will significantly increase the efficiency of a solar system where the solar panel voltage is much higher than the battery voltage.
What is a Solar Charge Controller and what is MPPT?
The Charge Controller takes the power made by the solar panels and transform the ‘solar panel power’ into a form of power that the batteries can use. MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking, and it relates to the solar cell itself. Each solar cell has a point at which the current (I) and voltage (V) output from the cell result in the maximum power output of the cell. MPPT ensures that you get the most power possible from your solar panels at any point in time. It is particularly effective during low light level conditions.
What are the advantages of Renogy MPPT technology?
Renogy Rover series solar charge controller uses the most advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology to track solar panels’ maximum power voltage point as it varies depending on sunlight exposure and temperature. This technology ensures the maximum efficiency of your solar system and significantly outperforms standard PWM solar controllers. Another benefit of MPPT technology is the wide solar input voltage range. This controller can work with standard off-grid 12/24V solar panels and with high voltage or multiple panels with voltage up to 100V.
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Solar Panel Charge Controller Wiring Diagram Steps
Solar Panel Charge Controller Wiring Diagram and Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Off-Grid Solar Power System Wiring.
Connecting the solar panel charge controller (MPPT or PWM are the same), solar battery and PV array in the right way is the essential work before enjoying the solar energy.
Solar Power System Wiring Steps
Broadly, there are 5 steps for you to wiring the solar power system
- Connect the battery
- Connect the load
- Connect the PV array
- Check the connection
- Check the Power
Let’s Connect the solar energy system one by one.
Step 1: Connect the Battery
Note: Fire and explosion may occur if the positive and negative terminals of the battery are short-circuited.
Make sure the battery voltage is higher than 6V if system is 12V, then start the controller before connecting the battery to the solar system.
Make sure the battery voltage is not lower than 18V if the system is 24V.
When the controller is first started, the battery system voltage detection is an automatic process.
When installing the fuse, the maximum distance between the fuse and the positive battery terminal should be 150 mm. Before turning on the fuse, please confirm that the cable is connected correctly.
Step 2: Connect the load
The load terminal of the solar controller can be connected to a DC power source that has the same operating voltage as the rated voltage of the battery, and the controller will supply power to the load at the battery voltage.
Connect the load’s positive and negative terminals to the controller’s load terminals.
There may be voltage on the load side, be careful not to short circuit the load during connection.
A fuse should be connected to the positive or negative wire of the load. Do not connect the fuse during installation.
After installation, confirm that the fuse is properly connected.
Each load circuit has a separate fuse and all load currents cannot exceed the rated current of the controller when the load is connected through the panel.
Step 3: Connect the PV array
Connect the solar panel to the solar controller, which is available in 12V, 24V and 48V, noting that the rated voltage of the solar controller should be lower than the input voltage of the solar panel.
The solar module voltage in the system should not be lower than the system voltage.
Step 4: Check Connections
Check all connections again to see if the positive and negative terminals of each terminal are correct right. and the 6 terminal wiring should all be tightened.
Step 5: Confirm Power On
When the battery is supplying power to the controller, the controller will start up, the battery LED on the controller will then light up, check the status of the light and make sure that the light is normal.
Boost Solar Charge Controller wiring diagram this boost charge controller lets you charge a wide range of 36V-88V battery systems with 18V and 36V Panels. and contrary to the typical charge controller, this type of booster must connect conversely, connect the solar panel to the controller first. Multiple Solar Charge Controller wiring diagram In a large PV system, you may need to connect multiple solar controllers in parallel to charge the battery bank at the same time. Below is the wiring diagram for a parallel 60A 48V solar controller stacks.
Conclusion
Wiring sequence: first connect the battery, set the working mode of the load via solar charge controller, connect the solar panel, connect the load in the last, when disconnecting the solar power system, disconnect in the reverse order.
Quick Takeaways
This is the simple steps to wiring the whole solar system, broadly there are 5 steps for you to wire solar system.
Connect the solar battery
Always connect the solar battery first when hooking the solar power system.
Connect the load
connect the load to the solar charge controller load port
Connect the Solar Array
connect the solar array after the battery has been connected
Connect the inverter to solar battery
the inverter is only allowed to connect to the solar battery.