Solar MPPT Controllers to consider

[SailingAdrift]

Hi all!

We can probably all agree that Victron is a high quality manufacturer of MPPT Charge controllers for solar panels, and I love the Bluetooth integration but is there any other options out there that I should consider? Mastervolt? Renogy?? All suggestions welcome.

[coopec43]

Did you see these articles/clips?

https://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/...ge-controllers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7DwgUGpI84

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF_cVEYxj3E

[Nicholson58]

https://www.morningstarcorp.com/products/tristar-mppt/


Morningstar TriStar MPPT. Get it with the optional LCD meter.

Also, I recommend two pole breakers on each panel. Three on the left are one per panel. And two pole main breaker on the solar MPPT output, breaker on the right. Makes isolating for service or lightening easy.

[sailormed]

Just be aware that a breaker on a high voltage DC current is a different animal then a breaker on a AC current. You need an arc suppression magnet installed.

[BlackHeron]

We have the Epever heavy-duty unit that is the same as the Outback except for it being white and not being rebranded. Very impressed by the build quality and the alloy frame and case with molded heat sink fins. This is a commercial-grade unit and not a plastic POS like so many others. It has real wire terminal lugs that are solidly-mounted to the unit and can accept decently-sized wire. It came with the battery temp sensor too.

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by sailormed

Just be aware that a breaker on a high voltage DC current is a different animal then a breaker on a AC current. You need an arc suppression magnet installed.

+1

Especially with modern high voltage panels. It is important to check the suitability of the components especially between the panels and solar controllers where the panel voltage can be above the voltage rating of some of the common marine DC components such as fuses and circuit breakers.

[Pete7]

Just need to pop down to the boat to check something

[briblack]

I second the recommendation of Morningstar. We're running two pair of Kyocera 250 watt panels, through two Morningstar MPPT controllers. With the remote meter/display. Product support is second-to-none!

[Lazerbrains]

Get the Victron, you won't be sorry.

[Jack C]

Originally Posted by coopec43

Did you see these articles/clips?

https://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/...ge-controllers

So video shows PWM working almost as well as MPPT. Not a real test. Its a spot test.

Look a lot deeper

[Laser fun]

Would the Bluesky 3000i fit your needs?

[Bittern]

Hello. Our MPPT by Empo-ni (Germany) has been perfect for several years. Good luck!

[Copacabana]

Originally Posted by Laser fun

Would the Bluesky 3000i fit your needs?

Another vote for Bluesky. I'm very happy with mine. I like that you can view and change everything on the LCD screen (no dongle for your phone). Easy to change parameters and very efficient.

[Martkimwat]

I have a 10Amp Epever for which I also have the remote display in the cabin, which is useful, I also have two Genasun GV4 MPPT regulators which have had some good write ups and have been working well. The Epever controls my 80W panel, one of the Genasuns runs my wandering 38W panel and then three 18W panels are all connected to the second Genasun regulator because only two can see the sun at any one time, usually only one. They all have built in diodes and are the same type and brand, one on each side of the cabin and one under the fore hatch.

[Martkimwat]

I have a 10Amp Epever for which I also have the remote display in the cabin, which is useful, I also have two Genasun GV4 MPPT regulators which have had some good write ups and have been working well. The Epever controls my 80W panel, one of the Genasuns runs my wandering 38W panel and then three 18W panels are all connected to the second Genasun regulator because only tow can see the sun at any one time, usually only one (they all have built in diodes and are the same type and brand)