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
- Battery Voltage: 12/24/48V Auto Select (software tool needed to select 36V) –– Rated Charge Current: 100A –– Nominal PV Power: 12V-1450W, 24V-2900W, 36V-4350W, 48V-5800W –– Max PV short circuit current: 70A –– Max PV open circuit voltage: 250V absolute maximum coldest conditions, 245V start-up and operating at maximum –– Peak Efficiency: 99%
- Bluetooth Smart Built-In: The wireless solution to set-up, monitor, update and synchronise SmartSolar Charge Controllers (Optional Acessory: Pluggable Display purchased separately)
- Solar Charge Controller – 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, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time. SmartSolar maintains battery health, extending its life.
- MPPT: Ultra Fast Maximum Power Point Tracking – 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. The advantage of this is most noticeable when the sky is partially clouded, and light intensity is constantly changing.
- All Victron products now come with a 5 year limited warranty, with the exception of batteries which are 2 years limited warranty.
- 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
- Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Tr VE Can 150-Volt 100 amp, 12/24/48V Auto Select (software tool needed to select 36V): A solar charger gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries, Using the latest, fastest technology, Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT maximises this energy-harvest, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time
- Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 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
- By constantly monitoring the voltage and current output of your solar (PV) panels, Victron Energy 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 Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT charge controller with built-in Bluetooth by pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect
- The intelligent Load output function prevents damage caused by running batteries 'flat'. You can configure the voltage at which SmartSolar disconnects a load - thereby preventing excessive drain on your batteries
- Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Tr 150-Volt 60 amp, 12/24/48V Auto Select (software tool needed to select 36V): A solar charger gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries, Using the latest, fastest technology, Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT maximises this energy-harvest, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time
- Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 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
- By constantly monitoring the voltage and current output of your solar (PV) panels, Victron Energy 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 Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT charge controller with built-in Bluetooth by pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect
- The intelligent Load output function prevents damage caused by running batteries 'flat'. You can configure the voltage at which SmartSolar disconnects a load - thereby preventing excessive drain on your batteries
- Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 150-Volt 35 amp, 12/24/48V Auto Select (software tool needed to select 36V): A solar charger gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries, Using the latest, fastest technology, Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT maximises this energy-harvest, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time
- Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 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
- By constantly monitoring the voltage and current output of your solar (PV) panels, Victron Energy 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 Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT charge controller with built-in Bluetooth by pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect
- The intelligent Load output function prevents damage caused by running batteries 'flat'. You can configure the voltage at which SmartSolar disconnects a load - thereby preventing excessive drain on your batteries
- Battery Voltage: 12/24/48V Auto Select (software tool needed to select 36V) –– Rated Charge Current: 60A –– Nominal PV Power: 12V-860W, 24V-1720W, 36V-2580W, 48V-3440W –– Max PV short circuit current: 35A –– Max PV open circuit voltage: 250V absolute maximum coldest conditions, 245V start-up and operating at maximum –– Peak Efficiency: 99%
- Bluetooth Smart Built-In: The wireless solution to set-up, monitor, update and synchronise SmartSolar Charge Controllers (Optional Acessory: Pluggable Display purchased separately)
- Solar Charge Controller – 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, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time. SmartSolar maintains battery health, extending its life.
- MPPT: Ultra Fast Maximum Power Point Tracking – 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. The advantage of this is most noticeable when the sky is partially clouded, and light intensity is constantly changing.
- All Victron products now come with a 5 year limited warranty, with the exception of batteries which are 2 years limited warranty.
- Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 75-Volt 15 amp Solar Charge Controller maintains battery health, extending its life
- A solar charger gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries. Using the latest, fastest technology, Victron Energy BlueSolar maximises this energy-harvest, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time
- Victron Energy 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
- Remotely control and monitor the extensive features of Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT solar charge controller by attaching a Bluetooth dongle (sold separately) and pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect
- Incorrect installation can be hazardous, Please consult a licensed professional and follow all applicable electrical codes during installation
- Victron Energy MPPT Control lets you see the status and setup all Victron Energy MPPTs that use a VE.Direct communications port
- This is mounted in the familiar Victron Energy BMV-700 series housing
- Maintaining a consistent and professional look to your panels and systems monitoring equipment
- Dimensions: 8 x 2 x 6 inches Weight: 0.44 lb
- This comes with 5 year Warranty
- [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.
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.