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
- Dependable performance--- This solar controller has excellent performance, large LCD display and all adjustable parameters. Auto-focus MPPT tracking charging, high charging efficiency, uninterrupted detection during charging, two-way focus tracking. for mppt 100a for solarregler mppt
- Dependable performance--- This solar controller has excellent performance, large LCD display and all adjustable parameters. Auto-focus MPPT tracking charging, high charging efficiency, uninterrupted detection during charging, two-way focus tracking. for mppt 100a for solarregler mppt
- Dependable performance--- This solar controller has excellent performance, large LCD display and all adjustable parameters. Auto-focus MPPT tracking charging, high charging efficiency, uninterrupted detection during charging, two-way focus tracking. for mppt 100a for solarregler mppt
- Dependable performance--- This solar controller has excellent performance, large LCD display and all adjustable parameters. Auto-focus MPPT tracking charging, high charging efficiency, uninterrupted detection during charging, two-way focus tracking. for mppt 100a for solarregler mppt
- Dependable performance--- This solar controller has excellent performance, large LCD display and all adjustable parameters. Auto-focus MPPT tracking charging, high charging efficiency, uninterrupted detection during charging, two-way focus tracking. for mppt 100a for solarregler mppt
- 12V / 24V Battery Compatibility with Auto Recognition
- Smart 4 Stage PWM charge controller: Bulk, Absorption. Float, and Equalization
- 4 Battery Type Compatibility– Sealed/AGM, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium batteries (with Lithium Awakening feature)
- Watertight design with Backlit LCD display for system information and error codes
- Multiple protection features for battery, controller, and solar panels (including reverse polarity and more).Power Source Type: Solar Powered
- [Specifications] This photovoltaic system controller is for renewable energy system with 12v/24v/36v/48v output.
- [High Quality] The controller is made of engineering plastic, it is sturdy for long service time. It is IP30 water proof, this charge controller can work steadily even in humid environment.
- [Balance Charger] This charge controller has effective voltage balance function. It helps you to organize your batteries for a better charge distribution. It provides maximum protection for batteries.
- [Good Practicality] The controller fits sealed valve-regulated lead-acid, gel, liquid lead-acid, lithium iron phosphate and ternary lithium batteries. It also supports parameter customization to charging other types of batteries, please refer to the manual to set the battery type.
- [Quality Assurance] The products are produced in accordance with strict quality standards before they leave the factory, with excellent performance and can be used with confidence.
- 【12V/24V Automatically Detect】Automatically detects 12V or 24V DC system voltages (for non-lithium batteries only), and the LCD screen and multiple LED indicators display the solar charging and battery operation information, customizable parameters, and error codes
- 【Smart 4-Stage PWM Charging】Smart 4-Stage PWM charging (Bulk, Boost, Float, and Equalization) increases battery life and improves system performance. Intelligent protection against reverse polarity, overcharging, short-circuit, and reverse current.
- 【Compact in size】Which makes it easy to install virtually anywhere.
- 【Multiple battery adaptation】 Deep Cycle Sealed (AGM), Gel, Flooded and Lithium battery option ready.
- 【Wanderer10A|30A Installation Notes】 The default starting position of the Wanderer controller terminal hatches are closed (in the UP position) that could mistakenly look like an open wire hatch. Make sure to FIRST lower each terminal hatch by screwing the terminals counterclockwise (CCW) to expose the wire terminal hatch to the open position. THEN secure each cable by rotating the screws clockwise (CW) to the closed position.
- ✦With quick charge technology, coping the heavy demand of power.Protection:over charge, over discharge, over load, Low voltage, short circuit, reverse connect.With big white backlight screen,convenience for operate in dark condition.With fashion design and dual USB port.
- ✦Humanization backlight function LCD display and double button operation of man-machine interface, completed technical data for setup and modify, easy to operate the controller under the environment of insufficient light.
- ✦Reliable over voltage protection, short circuit protection, over load protection, over charge protection, over-discharge protection, roundly reverse connected protection.
- ✦The load control mode can be selected, the time function can be reset for street light at night. Accurate temperature compensation, correcting the charging and discharging voltage automatically, improving the battery lifetime.
- ✦More details please read product description and manual carefully .If you have more questions, please feel free to contact with us.
- SmartSolar MPPT 100-Volt 30 amp: A solar charger gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries, Using the latest, fastest technology, SmartSolar maximises this energy-harvest
- The Victron Energy SmartSolar charge controller will even recharge a severely depleted battery. It can operate with a battery voltage as low as 0 Volts, provided the cells are not permanently sulphated or otherwise damaged
- MPPT Solar charge controller: 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
- Anytime anywhere remotely control and monitor the extensive features of your SmartSolar MPPT solar charge controller with built-in Bluetooth by pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect
- [Specifications] The charging voltage is can be set at 12/24/36/48/60V. We offer solar charge controller in different operating current 40A and 80A for you to choose.
- [High Efficiency] The maximum power tracking algorithm is adopted to significantly improve energy efficiency of the system, and the charging efficiency is 15%‑20% higher than traditional PWM controllers.
- [Protection] Internal overcurrent, short circuit, open circuit, backconnection protection are self recovery, lossless controller, double MOS reverse current protection, low heat generation.
- [Easy to Use] The LCD displays status, all parameters can be adjusted according to your requirements.
- [Quality Service] If you have any questions about the product, please contact us at any time, we will offer you the best solution.
- SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 Charge Controller
- SmartSolar MPPT 75-Volt 15 amp: A solar charger gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries, Using the latest, fastest technology, SmartSolar maximises this energy-harvest
- The Victron Energy SmartSolar charge controller will even recharge a severely depleted battery. It can operate with a battery voltage as low as 0 Volts, provided the cells are not permanently sulphated or otherwise damaged
- MPPT Solar charge controller: 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
- Anytime anywhere remotely control and monitor the extensive features of your SmartSolar MPPT solar charge controller with built-in Bluetooth by pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect
- Built-in Bluetooth Smart: No dongle required
- Ultra-fast Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
- An overcharging of the battery can be prevented by all loads at the load output can be connected
- Battery life, Intelligent battery management
- Load output is short-circuit proof
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.