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!
Victron MPPT Charge Controller Review
Just so you know, this page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one, at no extra cost to you I may earn a small commission.
This is my hands-on review of the Victron SmartSolar MPPT Charge Controller.
I spent a total of 3 weeks testing it on its own as well as alongside other top MPPT charge controllers. I installed it in a solar power system and tested its ease of use, power output and voltage accuracy.
After all that, I think the Victron SmartSolar MPPT is the best MPPT charge controller on the market. It’s pricey, but it’s built-in Bluetooth, free mobile app and ease of setup make it the most plug-and-play MPPT I tested. For experienced users, it’s also got plenty of customization and advanced features.
The best MPPT solar charge controller
The Victron SmartSolar MPPT was the most “plug-and-play” MPPT I tested. It has plenty of battery presets for all the most common solar batteries. And the built-in Bluetooth lets you use Victron’s free mobile app to remotely monitor your solar power system from your phone.
| 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) |
Victron SmartSolar MPPT Review
First Impressions
After taking it out of the box, I first noticed the Victron SmartSolar is small and light for an MPPT.
Beyond that, the controller doesn’t have a screen — just a few LED indicators to let you know what charging stage the controller is in.
Normally that’s limiting, but the Victron SmartSolar’s built-in Bluetooth gets rid of the need for a screen. With Bluetooth, you can easily monitor everything from your phone. I like that better because it gives you more information and enables remote monitoring. I could be in my kitchen and check on the status of my controller in my basement.
Installation
I immediately went to my basement to install the Victron in a test solar power system. Four screws are all you need to mount it.
After mounting, I connected the controller to a LiFePO4 battery and a 100 watt solar panel. The Victron’s wire terminals are just okay. The screws themselves feel strong and durable, but the terminals are a little too shallow and close together for my taste.
Once installed, though, I tend to forget about the wire terminals altogether. And I never had a problem with wires slipping out during setup or use.
Bluetooth
Once you’ve connected your Victron to your battery and solar panels, the next thing you’ll want to do is download the VictronConnect app.
To pair your phone to your Victron, simply open the Victron app and select your charge controller from the devices list. Here’s a quick video of me doing it:
Note: You may need to enter a pin code the first time you pair your phone. The default Victron pin code is 000000 (six zeroes).
You don’t pair it by going to your phone’s Bluetooth settings. It’s a different process than most Bluetooth devices.
Now you can monitor your solar power system from your phone. The Victron app is powerful and gives you all sorts of information about how much energy your solar panels are producing as well as your battery voltage and charging current.
For instance, when I paired mine, it told me my 100 watt panel was producing around 45 watts (due to some mild Cloud coverage).
As a simple test of the Victron’s Bluetooth range, I went to the second story of my house and tested if the Bluetooth would still connect. I estimate I was about 30-35 feet from the Victron controller, and my phone still connected just fine. In fact, it showed up as having 2-3 bars of Bluetooth ‘service.’
Voltage Accuracy
After trying out the Victron by itself, I wanted to test it alongside other top MPPT charge controllers. In addition to testing usability and build quality, I tested each controller’s voltage accuracy against a multimeter connected to the battery terminals.
The Victron placed first in my test with an average voltage discrepancy of only 0.075 volts. Most of the other models had an average discrepancy of 0.1-0.2 volts.
Power Output
Next, I tested the max power output of all the MPPTs when connected to a 200 watt solar array. I measured power output with the Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor.
The Victron placed first, by just a hair. It output a max of 146 watts. That was 1 watt more than the EPEver Tracer BN which came in second, and 4 watts more than the Renogy Rover which placed last.
I don’t put too much stock in these results because of the variables I couldn’t account for, such as fluctuations in solar irradiance and solar panel temperature. Regardless, it was nice to see a first-place finish from the Victron, given its price tag.
Key Specs
Note: These specs are for the model I tested, the SmartSolar MPPT 100/30. Victron has a whole SmartSolar product lineup with different PV voltage limits, charge current ratings and compatible battery voltages should you need a different size.
- Rated charge current: 30A
- Maximum PV open circuit voltage (Voc): 100V
- Battery voltage: 12/24V
- Battery types: LiFePO4, sealed (AGM), gel, flooded, custom
- Maximum PV input power: 440W @ 12V, 880W @ 24V
- Maximum wire size: 6 AWG (16 mm2)
- Bluetooth monitoring: Yes (built-in)
- Temperature sensor: Yes (built-in)
- Power consumption: 30mA @ 12V, 20mA @ 24V
- Operating temperature:.30 to 60°C (-22 to 140°F)
What I Don’t Like
Who This Charge Controller Isn’t for
Which Victron SmartSolar Model Is Right for You?
The SmartSolar MPPT product line has plenty of options of differing PV voltage and charge current ratings. Here’s a quick comparison table of some of the more popular models on Amazon:
| Max. PV Voltage | 75V | 100V | 100V | 100V |
| Rated Charge Current | 15A | 20A | 30A | 50A |
| Battery Voltage | 12/24V | 12/24/48V | 12/24V | 12/24V |
| Max. PV Input Power | 220W @ 12V, 440W @ 24V | 290W @ 12V, 580W @ 24V, 1160W @ 48V | 440W @ 12V, 880W @ 24V | 700W @ 12V, 1400W @ 24V |
| Buy Link | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Top Alternatives
If the Victron SmartSolar MPPT isn’t right for you, here are my top alternatives:
- Victron BlueSolar MPPT 100/30. The Victron BlueSolar is like the Victron SmartSolar but without Bluetooth built in. As a result, it’s quite a bit cheaper. And you can always add Bluetooth later on by buying the Victron VE.Direct Smart Dongle.
- Renogy Rover 40A. I think the Rover 40A is the MPPT controller with the best bang for your buck. If you don’t want to pay top dollar for the Victron, this is the one I’d recommend next. It has presets for all the most common types of solar batteries and lets you create custom charging profiles. It doesn’t have Bluetooth built in, but you can add it by getting the Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth Module. Renogy’s mobile app was my second favorite. Read my full Renogy Rover MPPT Review.
- EPEver Tracer 4215BN. The Tracer BN had my favorite hardware of the MPPTs I tested. It’s built like a tank and has my favorite wire terminals of any solar controller I’ve ever used. It has presets for lead acid batteries, but not LiFePO4 batteries. It lets you create custom charging profiles, though, so it can work with lithium batteries if you spend a little time setting it up properly.
The Bottom Line
The Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controller was my favorite of the 5 MPPTs I tested. It had the best voltage accuracy and power output.
Bluetooth comes built in to all Victron SmartSolar controllers. This lets you check on your system from your phone using the VictronConnect app. Pairing your phone takes all of 15 seconds and, once paired, you can monitor your system in real time and edit system settings such as battery type.
If you want an MPPT that’s easy to set up and works great out of the box, the Victron is the one I’d recommend.
The only real drawback to the Victron is its price. It’s a premium product and is priced like one. If you don’t want to spend all that money, look at a cheaper MPPT such as the Renogy Rover 40A.
A small ask: If you found my Victron SmartSolar MPPT review helpful and are planning to buy one, please consider buying through one of my affiliate links below — I’ll get a small commission which will help fund more reviews like this one. Thank you!
Victron 60A Solar Charge Controller
A solar charger gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries. Using the latest, fastest technology, SmartSolar maximizes this energy-harvest, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time. SmartSolar maintains battery health, extending its life.
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Description:
A solar charger gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries. Using the latest, fastest technology, SmartSolar maximizes this energy-harvest, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time. SmartSolar maintains battery health, extending its life.
By constantly monitoring the voltage and current output of your solar (PV) panels, MPPT technology ensures that every drop of available power is rinsed out of your panels, and harvested for storage. The advantage of this is most noticeable when the sky is partially clouded, and light intensity is constantly changing.
Remotely control and monitor the extensive features of your SmartSolar MPPT charger with built-in Bluetooth by pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect. If your installation is connected to the internet Victron Remote Management Portal (VRM) provides access to the full power of your MPPT, anytime, anywhere; both services are free to use. For remote installations. even when there is no internet connection or phone signal nearby. you may be able to monitor your MPPT by Bluetooth-pairing with a LoRaWAN(long-range wide area network) device, available optionally.
By adding the SmartSolar Control Display you will be able to check the status of your Charger and battery-storage at a glance. Simply plug it into the face of your MPPT charger to provide you with real-time monitoring and set-up capabilities.
Specifications:
- Nominal system voltage: 12. 48V
- Rated charge current : 60A
- Rated discharge current: 4A up to 35VDC, 1A up to 60VDC
- Max. PV open circuit voltage: 150v (absolute maximum coldest conditions) 145V(start-up and operating maximum)
- Max. PV input power: 860W(12V Battery); 1720W(24V battery); 2580W(36V battery); 3440W(48V battery)
- Power terminals: 35mm/AWG2 (3 pairs of MC4 connectors)
- Price: 539.75
- Ultra-fast maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
- Advanced maximum power point detection in case of partial shading conditions
- Outstanding conversion efficiency
- Natural convection cooling
- Automatic battery voltage recognition
- Flexible charge algorithm
- Over temperature protection and power derating when temperature is high
Victron Solar Controllers
For reliable and high-performance solar charging, choose Victron Solar Charge Controllers from Solar4RVs. Our controllers are designed to work seamlessly with a range of solar panels and battery types, ensuring that you can enjoy reliable power wherever your adventures take you.
SmartSolar Models. Smart and Efficient
Victron Smart Solar Charge Controllers are designed with advanced Smart charging technology that delivers optimal charging performance. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can easily monitor your system and adjust settings from your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to optimize your system for maximum efficiency and performance.
BlueSolar Models. Same Performance Reliabilty without the Bluetooth
Please note the 75/10. 100/20 can only be adjusted to lithium with a VE.Direct cable or external Bluetooth dongle.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Our Victron Solar Charge Controllers are built to last, with a rugged design that can withstand even the toughest conditions. They also come with a 5-year warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Expert Advice and Support
At Solar4RVs, we’re committed to providing our customers with expert advice and support. Our team of solar power experts can help you choose the right Victron Solar Charge Controller for your specific needs, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have.
Fast Shipping and Easy Ordering
Ordering your Victron Solar Charge Controller from Solar4RVs is easy and hassle-free. With fast shipping and secure online ordering, you can get the products you need quickly and conveniently. Shop now and enjoy reliable power on your next adventure.
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The Solar 4 RVs Code of Conduct describes our company’s philosophy and ethical approach to managing our business activities.
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