The most effective way to harness the power of the sun, wind, or water is to install a renewable energy controller. This electronic device, which can be mounted inside a home or out, monitors and controls your system, ensuring a reliable flow of clean energy.
We researched and tested dozens of controllers, evaluating ease of installation, compatibility, and smart home integration. Our overall favorite, the Victron Energy SmartSolar, integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it works with a wide range of pumps and solar panels.
Here are the best renewable energy controllers.
Best Renewable Energy Controllers: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Renewable Energy Controllers Reviews
- 【Hybrid charge controller application range】: This hybrid charge controller fits all 12/24/48V batteries, including lithium battery. Fits max wind generator and max solar panels for wind solar complementary system for home, boat, street light.
- 【Operating System】: The wind turbine charging part has booster MPPT technology, which makes it charge continuously and efficiently even at low wind speeds. Stepless discharge function including external dump charging resistor solar panel charging uses PWM technology through MOS tube in series.
- 【Intelligent and Stable System】: The parameter is set perfectly after choosing the battery type. User can also customize according to their own needs. This system has been updated more intelligently to control the charging voltage with absolute stability.
- 【Display and DC charging mode】: larger LCD screen that is easy to browse and handle. Two DC load (output) with 4 output modes and each can be set different models.
- 【Protection Function】: reverse charging, sunlight protection, overcharge voltage/under voltage and overload protection, battery reverse and idle protection, lightning protection, etc.
- SMART SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Solar charge the smart way with the Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT charge controller, to ensure that every ray of available sunlight is converted into usable energy, while optimizing battery longevity.
- MAXIMIZE POWER OUTPUT: With lightning-fast optimum power point tracking and intelligent charge algorithms the Victron MPPT solar charge controller makes sure you always get the maximum possible power output, even when your solar panels are partially covered in shade.
- SYNCHRONIZED CHARGING: Multiple SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers can synchronize to behave as one, simultaneously switching through different charge stages to ensure battery longevity and system wide energy optimization.
- CONNECTIVITY: The VictronConnect app lets you connect with your system to gain insight into real-time data and 30-day performance history. Easily configure devices with battery presets, change settings, update firmware and set alarms to tailor your system to your every need.
- INTELLIGENT LOAD OUTPUT: Power devices directly and securely from your solar charger. Configure the voltage at which a load should disconnect and rely on the MPPT charge controller to automatically disconnect the loads if the battery voltage drops too low.
- SMART SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Solar charge the smart way with the Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT charge controller, to ensure that every ray of available sunlight is converted into usable energy, while optimizing battery longevity.
- MAXIMIZE POWER OUTPUT: With lightning-fast optimum power point tracking and intelligent charge algorithms the Victron MPPT solar charge controller makes sure you always get the maximum possible power output, even when your solar panels are partially covered in shade.
- SYNCHRONIZED CHARGING: Multiple SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers can synchronize to behave as one, simultaneously switching through different charge stages to ensure battery longevity and system wide energy optimization.
- CONNECTIVITY: The VictronConnect app lets you connect with your system to gain insight into real-time data and 30-day performance history. Easily configure devices with battery presets, change settings, update firmware and set alarms to tailor your system to your every need.
- INTELLIGENT LOAD OUTPUT: Power devices directly and securely from your solar charger. Configure the voltage at which a load should disconnect and rely on the MPPT charge controller to automatically disconnect the loads if the battery voltage drops too low.
- 【Product Advantages 】: 100A intelligent adjustment controller with precise time control and light control, can switch loads on and off at a fixed time, adjustable voltage parameters, and memory function. Large LED display screen, real-time display of working voltage, clearer data reading. Flame retardant materials are safe and durable, fashionable and simple. Large section wiring port, wire spacing increased by 99mm
- 【Upgrade Difference】 SA mppt vs SY mppt: 1: Added visualization of solar panel voltage, allowing users to real-time understand photovoltaic input parameters. 2: Solution to load mode precise timing (error 1-2 seconds) 3: Increase the spacing between the radiator gears, natural heat dissipation allows the controller to improve charging efficiency at low temperatures
- 【Intelligent Recognition 】: The 100A MPPT solar controller adopts advanced MPPT maximum power point tracking technology algorithm, significantly improving the energy utilization efficiency of the solar system, and automatically recognizes 12V/24V/36V/48V; Dual USB 5V charging ports can quickly track the maximum power point of the PV array in any environment, with a tracking efficiency of no less than 99.5%. And significantly improve the energy utilization efficiency in solar energy systems
- 【Battery Selection】Battery Compatibility+Automatic Voltage: Seamless adaptation to 12V/24V/36V/48V systems, and supports all major battery types - sealed, GEL, Floodlight, LiFePO4。 Very suitable for hybrid settings, backup power stations, or upgrading existing solar systems without the need for rewiring
- 【Safe use】The LCD backlit screen displays real-time data: battery voltage, PV charging/discharging current, temperature, and error codes. Three layer protection can be used to immediately cut off power during surges (exceeding 32V), short circuits, or overheating, and can be used for communication base stations, home power supply systems, traffic lights, solar street lights, courtyard lighting systems, etc. (>65 ℃/149 ℉) to protect batteries and connected equipment. Very suitable for off grid homes, solar street lights, and remote installations
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Kemp, William H. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 592 Pages - 04/01/2006 (Publication Date) - Aztext Press (Publisher)
- MAXIMIZE POWER OUTPUT: With lightning-fast optimum power point tracking and intelligent charge algorithms the Victron MPPT solar charge controller makes sure you always get the maximum possible power output, even when your solar panels are partially covered in shade.
- SMART SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Solar charge the smart way with the Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT charge controller, to ensure that every ray of available sunlight is converted into usable energy, while optimizing battery longevity.
- MAXIMIZE POWER OUTPUT: With lightning-fast optimum power point tracking and intelligent charge algorithms the Victron MPPT solar charge controller makes sure you always get the maximum possible power output, even when your solar panels are partially covered in shade.
- SYNCHRONIZED CHARGING: Multiple SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers can synchronize to behave as one, simultaneously switching through different charge stages to ensure battery longevity and system wide energy optimization.
- CONNECTIVITY: The VictronConnect app lets you connect with your system to gain insight into real-time data and 30-day performance history. Easily configure devices with battery presets, change settings, update firmware and set alarms to tailor your system to your every need.
- INTELLIGENT LOAD OUTPUT: Power devices directly and securely from your solar charger. Configure the voltage at which a load should disconnect and rely on the MPPT charge controller to automatically disconnect the loads if the battery voltage drops too low.
- [Reverse Charging Protection]: Prevents Reverse Charging Of The Battery And Solar Panels, With Overload Protection. If An Overload Occurs, The Controller Will Automatically Disconnect The Circuit. It Has A Wide Range Of Applications, Such As Battery Packs And Lithium Battery Packs, Residential Photovoltaic Power Systems, Solar Street Lights, Etc
- [Large-Area Terminal Ports]: Utilizes Large-Cross-Section, Wide-Spaced Terminal Ports To Effectively Reduce Circuit Voltage Drop And Minimize Losses. Features Rapid Discharge Functionality With Extremely Fast Voltage Response Speed Adjustment
- [Key Features]: The Mpt-7210A Mppt Solar Charge Controller Employs Advanced Mppt Technology, Offering High Tracking Efficiency And Compatibility With 24V-72V Battery Systems. Users Can Adjust The Output Voltage And Current According To Their Specific Requirements. It Features An Aluminum Alloy Housing, An Lcd Display, Adjustable Output Voltage And Current, Overload Protection, And Support For Lithium-Ion Batteries. The Maximum Output Power Is 600W, Making It Ideal For Solar Panels With Power Ratings Between 100W And 600W
- [Multi-Timing Operations]: Safe And Reliable With Adjustable Timing Settings. Designed For High-Speed And High-Performance Operation, Making It Ideal For Solar Charging Applications
- [Alloy Heat Dissipation Backplate] The Thickened Heat Dissipation Backplate Enhances Cooling Performance. The Heat Dissipation Plate Design Ensures Normal Operation At An Ambient Temperature Of 60 Degrees, With Excellent Heat Dissipation. It Incorporates Advanced Fan Temperature Control Technology For Rapid Heat Dissipation. It Includes An Aluminum Alloy Housing, Lcd Display, Adjustable Output Voltage And Current, Overload Protection, And Supports Lithium Batteries
- Part Name:Control Box Assy: 310185
- Joystick Controller: 123994
- Applicable Models for: Compatible With SkyJack Scissor Lift SJIII3015 SJIII3215 SJIII3219
- Warranty:1 Year
- SMART SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Solar charge the smart way with the Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT charge controller, to ensure that every ray of available sunlight is converted into usable energy, while optimizing battery longevity.
- MAXIMIZE POWER OUTPUT: With lightning-fast optimum power point tracking and intelligent charge algorithms the Victron MPPT solar charge controller makes sure you always get the maximum possible power output, even when your solar panels are partially covered in shade.
- SYNCHRONIZED CHARGING: Multiple SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers can synchronize to behave as one, simultaneously switching through different charge stages to ensure battery longevity and system wide energy optimization.
- CONNECTIVITY: The VictronConnect app lets you connect with your system to gain insight into real-time data and 30-day performance history. Easily configure devices with battery presets, change settings, update firmware and set alarms to tailor your system to your every need.
- INTELLIGENT LOAD OUTPUT: Power devices directly and securely from your solar charger. Configure the voltage at which a load should disconnect and rely on the MPPT charge controller to automatically disconnect the loads if the battery voltage drops too low.
Best Renewable Energy Controllers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best renewable energy controllers you should consider the following options:
1. Modular or integrated: A key decision point in choosing a solar controller is whether to go for a modular or an integrated system. Modular controllers are usually cheaper and easier to install, but they are a bit less efficient.
Integrated controllers are more expensive, but they offer greater efficiency and more seamless integration of the solar energy system into the overall electricity grid.
2. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT): MPPT technology helps maximize the power output of the solar PV modules in order to harvest more energy from the solar PV array. The advantage of this technology is that it increases the overall efficiency of the solar PV system.
3. Maximum capacity: The maximum capacity of a solar controller is expressed in kW and must be selected according to the size of the solar PV array. The power rating of the controller must be greater than the total maximum power of all the modules in the solar PV array.
Also, note that the maximum capacity should be greater than the maximum power consumption of the entire electrical appliances in the home or office connected to the solar PV system.
4. Maximum voltage: The solar controller must be selected according to the voltage of the solar PV array. In general, the nominal voltage of a solar PV array is either 12 or 24 volts.
However, in some cases, 36-volt solar PV arrays are also available. The most common solar controllers operate with a maximum voltage of 1000 volts, which is suitable for most residential solar PV systems.
5. Maximum current: The current rating of the solar controller must be adequate to support the maximum current of the solar PV array. The current rating of the solar controller is expressed in Amps, and the selection must be based on the maximum current of the solar PV array.
6. Maximum power tracking and battery charging: The solar controller must be selected according to the type of application. In case the solar PV system is going to be connected to the electricity grid, the controller must have sufficient features to support and smooth out the output of the solar PV array.
What else you should know about the best renewable energy controllers
1. What are the best renewable energy controllers on the market?
Some of the more popular and well-regarded renewable energy controllers on the market include the Morningstar ProStar PS-30M and the OutBack Power MX60.
2. What are the features of the best renewable energy controllers?
The best renewable energy controllers will have the following features:
1. They will be able to accurately control the output of the renewable energy source.
2. They will be able to efficiently convert renewable energy into usable electricity.
3. They will be able to effectively manage the distribution of the electricity generated.
4. They will be able to safely and securely operate the renewable energy source.
3. What are the benefits of using a renewable energy controller?
Some benefits of using a renewable energy controller include reducing your reliance on the grid, saving money on your energy bill, and reducing your carbon footprint.
4. How do I choose the right renewable energy controller for my needs?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best renewable energy controller for your needs will depend on a number of factors, including the type of renewable energy system you are using, the size and capacity of your system, and your specific power needs. However, there are a few general tips that can help you choose the right controller for your system:
1. Make sure that the controller you choose is compatible with the type of renewable energy system you are using. For example, if you have a solar PV system, you will need a solar PV controller.
2. Choose a controller that is the right size for your system. If you have a small system, you will not need a large and expensive controller.
3. Consider your specific power needs when choosing a controller. For example, if you need to control a large amount of power, you will need a controller with a high capacity.
5. How do I install a renewable energy controller?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the installation process for a renewable energy controller will vary depending on the specific system and components being used. However, in general, the installation process for a renewable energy controller will involve connecting the controller to the solar panels, batteries, and other components of the system, and then programming the controller to operate the system in the desired manner.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best renewable energy controllers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best renewable energy controllers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.