Best MPPT Solar Charge Controllers 2022

Best mid-range MPPT solar charge controllers up to 40A

In this article, we review six of the most popular, mid-level MPPT solar charge controllers commonly used for small scale solar power systems up to 2kW. These are more affordable, lower voltage (100-150V) units, which are generally designed for 12V or 24V battery systems, although several can be used on 48V batteries. A number of these charge controllers also feature inbuilt load control terminals for basic DC lighting and other loads.

In this review, we don’t list simple PWM controllers used for DC lighting and basic systems since there are many sites already covering these entry-level PWM controllers. For high-performance MPPT solar charge controllers with higher input voltages up to 300V and current ratings from 60A to 100A, see our high-power MPPT solar charge controllers review.

What is a solar charge controller?

A solar charge controller, also known as a solar regulator, is a battery charge regulator connected between the solar array and battery. Its job is to regulate the solar output to ensure the battery is charged correctly and not overcharged. DC coupled solar charge controllers been around for decades and are used in most small scale off-grid solar power systems.

Basic layout diagram of an off-grid solar system using an MPPT solar charge controller

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Top 6 Solar Charge Controllers

Mid-level solar controllers up to 40A

Smaller capacity MPPT solar charge controllers with a current rating from 20A to 40A are used for many different applications, including off-grid cabins and homes, RV’s, boats, caravans, telecommunications and remote site backup. These mid-range MPPT solar charge controllers are available from many different manufacturers. However, this review will focus on the most popular and best-quality charge controllers from the most reputable manufacturers, which have been on the market for several years.

No#	image	Model	Current rating (A)	Max Voltage (Voc)	Batt Voltages	Price range $
1		Victron SmartSolar MPPT	35 A	150V	12V 24V 36V 48V	$350 to $480
2		EPever TRIRON Series	40 A	150V	12V 24V	$150 to $250
3		Morningstar ProStar MPPT	40 A	120V	12V 24V	$460 to $540
4		EPever XTRA Series	40 A	150V	12V 24V 36V 48V	$130 to $190
5		Renogy Rover	40 A	100V	12V 24V	$150 to $190
6		EPever BN Series	40 A	150V	12V 24V	$170 to $250

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Comparison Criteria

In this review, we rank the various charge controllers according to a number of important criteria, including build quality, MPPT tracking speed, battery voltage range, operating temperature range (heat dissipation), monitoring, real-world performance and price. In our reviews, we generally rank performance and quality over affordability, so in this case, we rate the unit price lower than other criteria. This may come across as bias towards the more expensive models. However, based on real-world experience, testing and performance monitoring, the higher-end controllers have proven to outperform the cheaper models in almost all situations.

• Build quality

• MPP Tracking

• PV Voltage range

• Battery voltage options

• Monitoring

• Price / Value

• Configuration options

Read more about selecting and correct sizing a solar charge controller in the MPPT solar charge controllers explained article.

1. Victron SmartSolar

Victron Energy is considered a world leader in power electronics and specialises in manufacturing equipment required for off-grid and stand-alone power systems, including inverters, batteries, chargers, monitors and solar charge controllers. Based in the Netherlands, Victron manufactures many products in India and has become well-known for producing quality, reliable, off-grid battery inverter-chargers and a wide range of quality MPPT solar charge controllers.

Victron offers a vast range of solar charge controllers, from small 10A PWM models to high-performance 200A MPPT varieties with high voltage inputs up to 450V. The MPPT 150V models appear very simple in design and may not have a display or load control terminals like many others; however, Victron outperforms the competition in MPPT tracking performance, communications and monitoring.

Victron has the most advanced system monitoring with an inbuilt Bluetooth connection offering easy programming and configuration, plus remote firmware updates, which add extra features and options. The display-less design may not please all users, but the fast, accurate MPPT tracking, high build quality, and V.E. smart networking options are stand-out features.

Smartsolar MPPT 150V 35A

Pros:

• Fast MPP Tracking

• 150V max Voc

• 12V, 24V or 48V batteries

• Compatible with LiFePO4 Lithium batteries

• Very advanced monitoring app

• Wide operating temperature up to 60°C

• Inbuilt temp sensor

• Optional wireless battery sensor

• Easy remote firmware updates

• 5 Year warranty

Cons:

• No display

• No load control

• Expensive $$$

See full details in the Victron Energy Review.

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2. EPever TRIRON Series

EPever was founded in 2007 and has grown rapidly to become one of the largest Chinese manufacturers of cost-effective power products including a wide range of MPPT solar charge controllers. The Triron series is the next evolution to the well-known Tracer series of MPPT’s.

The TRIRON series from EPever is a much more advanced and user-friendly version of the original AN series of charge controllers. The TRIRON controllers have a unique swappable display module as well as a swappable interface module with an RS485 communication option that can be used for a number of different applications. Note, maximum PV voltage is either 100V or 150V depending on the model. The 5 button display module is very easy to use and provide all the important information you need about the PV, battery and load. Wireless access is available via the eBox-BLE Bluetooth adapter or the Wifi adapter is available for remote monitoring.

TRIRON Series MPPT 150V 40A

Pros:

• Fast MPP Tracking

• 150V max Voltage Voc (TRIRON 3215N & 4215N)

• Easy to use with a large clear display

• Compatible with Lead-acid and Lithium batteries

• 40A Load control

• Swappable display and interface modules

• RS485 Interface for communications and remote control

• USB Port and relay control options

• Optional Temp sensor

Cons:

• Add-on module required for Wifi and Bluetooth

• Screw Terminals are a little small

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3. Morningstar Prostar MPPT

Morningstar are a well-established company based in the US with 25 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing high-performance solar charge controllers. Morningstar is widely recognized as developing some of the best quality products on the market with high levels of protection against extreme environments, lightning surges and high operating temperatures.

The Prostar range of MPPT charge controllers are available in 25A and 40A versions with a 120V input voltage limit. The extremely fast MPP tracking can perform a full voltage sweep in less than 1 second using the Trakstar technology. The device features good size terminals protected under a front cover, including load control output terminals rated up to 30A, plus a clear backlit LCD display and can easily programmed using the 4 large buttons. However, the very high price tag means the Prostar MPPT series is out of reach for many users.

Prostar MPPT 120V 40A

Pros:

• Very fast MPP Tracking

• 120V max Voc

• Compatible with LiFePO4 Lithium batteries

• Wide operating temp up to 60°C

• 30A Load control

• High surge protection

• Optional Battery sensor

• 5 Year warranty

Cons:

• No Wifi or Bluetooth monitoring

• Very expensive $$$$

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4. EPever XTRA Series

EPever, also known as EPsolar, was founded in 2007 in Beijing, China and has grown rapidly to become one of the largest manufacturers of cost-effective solar power products including a wide range of MPPT charge controllers. The XTRA series of MPPT’s released in early 2018, have only recently become more popular due to the low cost, easy setup, and lithium battery compatibility.

The XTRA series is available in 10 different options with 3 display types, current ratings from 10 to 40A, battery voltages from 12V to 48V, and input voltage limit up to 150V. In comparison to the older AN series which had a 100V input limit, the XTRA series features lithium battery compatibility and a higher input 150V voltage (Voc) on the 30 and 40A models, plus a modern look and concealed screw terminals. Note, the two-button version with LCD is basically the older AN series controller in a modern package.

XTRA Series MPPT 40A

Pros:

• Good MPP Tracking

• Three display options with a clear simple LCD

• Compatible with most Lithium LiFePO4 batteries

• 40A Load control

• Optional MT50 display

• Optional Temp sensor

• Optional Wifi and Bluetooth module

• Low cost $$

Cons:

• Screw terminals are a little small

• Add-on module required for Wifi and Bluetooth

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5. Renogy Rover

Renogy, founded in the US in 2014, recently became a very popular choice for solar enthusiasts across the world due to the low-cost, easy setup and good MPPT tracking. Renogy manufacture a wide range of affordable inverters, DC converters and solar charge controllers in China.

The Rover series from Renogy is a feature packed MPPT controller with a clear inbuilt display, plus a low-cost (optional) Bluetooth adapter which provides a great, easy to use interface with many configuration options. Load control terminals are built-in, although the output is limited to 20A. The overall build quality is quite good, however there are some area’s which could be improved, most notably the cable terminals which are far too small for a 40A controller.

Rover MPPT 100V 40A

Pros:

• Good MPP Tracking

• Clear Simple display

• Compatible with Lithium (12.8V LiFePO4) batteries

• 20A Load control

• Advanced Bluetooth app and user settings

• Temp sensor included

• Low cost $$

Cons:

• Max 100V Voc

• Very small cable terminals

• 1 year warranty

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6. Outback BN series by EPever

The Outback Power Flexmax40 is made by EPever and is commonly known as the Tracer BN series which is a well known affordable MPPT controller.

EPever one of the leading manufacturers of cost-effective power products including a wide range of solar charge controllers. The well-known Tracer and TRIRON series of MPPT’s are a very popular choice for solar enthusiasts across the world due to the easy setup, good MPPT tracking, and low cost.

The first generation AN series is the best-known MPPT in the range, being a low-cost 100V unit with an inbuilt display. However, the BN series is the more expensive higher-performance version with many extra features including a 150V input voltage limit, heavy-duty robust design, large heatsink, and huge input terminals which can accept a cable size up to 50mm2 (1 AWG).

The obvious feature lacking from the BN series is the display. However, monitoring and configuration is available via the additional remote MT50 display which features a good clear LCD screen showing all the basic information required. Wireless access is also available via the eBox-BLE Bluetooth adapter.

Tracer BN Series MPPT 150V 40A

Pros:

• Very large screw terminals

• Large heatsink and wide operating temperature range

• 12V, 24V batteries

• 150V max Voc

• Wide MPP voltage range

• 20A Load control

• Remote MT50 display with settings and load control

• Optional Temp sensor

Cons:

• No inbuilt display

• Slower MPP tracking

• More expensive $$$

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