The MPPT charge controller, also known as the MPPT solar charge controller, is actually a solar power system controller. This charge controller is available in variations to handle various voltage ranges.
Moreover, MPPT charge controllers incorporate a load control feature that allows them to manage DC lighting as well as other types of loads. In this article, we will provide two MPPT charge controller reviews that are popular in the market and provide great performance.
What Is A MPPT Charge Controller?
Simply, “MPPT” stands for “Maximum Power Point Tracker”. This is a technique of tracking the variable power sources and maximizing the energy extraction. When we are talking about the MPPT charge controller, it is actually a solar charge controller that is featured with the Maximum Power Point Tracking technique.
Usually, an MPPT works as an electronic converter and matches the solar panel connections with the utility grid or battery bank after completing proper optimization. So, the MPPT charge controller works as a solar battery charge regulator, which is connected with both the solar panels and battery bank.
In other words, an MPPT charge controller regulates the solar output and tries to make sure the charging process is working properly. Also, it can prevent the battery from overcharging.
Best MPPT Solar Charge Controller Reviews
You may know, the MPPT solar charge controllers come with different current ratings and these are also used for different purposes. Most commonly, you will find MPPT charge controllers in solar panels, remote site backups, telecommunications, caravans, boats, homes, and cabins.
For such variable uses, you will find many companies, which produce the best solar charge controllers. Rather, we will concentrate on reviewing two of the best MPPT charge controllers on the market.
1. EPEVER MPPT 20A Charge Controller
Supports Wide Range of Voltages
The EPEVER MPPT charge controller has an automatic identifying system that identifies DC 12V and 24V batteries automatically and supplies the required energy according to the battery. Also, you can use any battery that has an input voltage of up to 100V. But, the controller will not be able to automatically identify these batteries. So, you need to set it manually.
Higher Accuracy
Generally, the EPEVER MPPT charge controller can recognize power points accurately and track them without any issue. If you look at the tracking efficiency, it is amazingly high with a rate of 99.5%. In the case of conversion, you will get an efficiency rate of 98%, which is considered a very good rate.
Various Modes and Compatibility
The EPEVER MPPT solar charge controller not only supports lead-acid batteries but also other popular batteries like Lithium, Gel, AGM, etc. In the case of a Gel battery, you can follow the same parameter setup just like the AGM battery.
However, you can also follow the specific battery parameters for different models. When setting different parameters in a regular model, you will find four modes called test modes, timer with the light on mode, light on or off mode, and manual mode. And, you can easily control the load with these modes.
LCD Display
The LCD displays of the EPEVER MPPT solar controller come with a backlight feature and support Windows PC operating system software. For using such a digital system, you can monitor the data real-time and view the parameter setting.
Several Protection Technologies
You will be very glad to know that the EPEVER MPPT charge controller has a battery temperature compensation function, which works to ensure a stable temperature in the battery. Besides, you will get many other protection systems in this controller like Short circuit protection, Over-discharge protection, reverse polarity protection, Overpower or current protection, etc. These technologies ensure that the battery is safe from any unwanted incidents.
Pros
- Supports various types of batteries like lithium, lead-acid, AGM, Gel, etc.
- Comes with several protection technologies
- Automatic identification feature for 12V or 24V batteries
- Has a backlit LCD display
Cons
- The terminals of screws are comparatively small
2. PowMr MPPT 60A Charge Controller
High-Efficiency Rate
The maximum efficiency rate of the PowMr MPPT 60A charge controller is 98.15 and you will get up to 99% when utilizing PV. You will be happy to know, this rate is one of the highest rates from top controllers. Therefore, this charge controller is comparatively more efficient than most others on the market.
Automatic Voltage Detection
The PowMr MPPT 60A solar charge controller has an automatic voltage detection feature, which can identify any of the 12V/24V/36V/48V batteries. You just need to make sure the battery has more than 12V power to get better performance from the controller.
Besides, you need to keep at least some power stored in the battery so that the controller can activate self-detection in the battery.
Vast Compatibility Features
You can use many kinds of batteries for the PowMr MPPT solar controller, which include Nickel-Cadmium, Gel, Sealed, Flooded, Vented, LifePO4, Lithium, etc. batteries.
In addition to this wide range of features, you will also get four different modes including Load timer, Low voltage disconnect, Floating voltage, and Absorption voltage to control using your own setup. Moreover, you can record energy supply in real-time with this controller.
Back-lit LCD Display
This MPPT charge controller also has a backlit LCD display, which shows many short notifications such as temperature, working mode, charging current, battery voltage, output power, PV voltage, etc. Actually, the LCD display helps the user to check the whole operating data as well as identifying system issues. Therefore, you can take the necessary action quickly.
Multiple Electronic Protections
The PowMr MPPT 60A controller also has multiple protection technologies. These include short circuit protection, reverse current protection, overcharging protection, overload protection, over-discharging protection, and reverse polarity protection. All of these protection techs work in a combined setting to ensure the maximum safety possible.
Pros
- Efficiency rate is up to 99% with PV utilization
- It can automatically detect voltages ranging from 12V to 48V
- Compatible with many battery types
- Comes with a backlit LCD display to monitor the system
- Supports multiple protection technologies
Cons
- Build quality could be better
Conclusion
If you are planning to set up a solar panel system, you need to understand the entire mechanism and the necessary devices and accessories, such as cables, inverters, batteries, and solar arrays. It is important to note, however, that these devices can’t work together well without an MPPT charge controller.
Because of this, you must have a charge controller for your solar panel system. We have already discussed two of the most efficient MPPT charge controllers including their features, merits, and disadvantages. In short, you can use EPEVER for a small-scale solar system and PowMr for larger ones.