Collection: Solar charge controllers

Solar charge controllers: managing panel output onboard

A solar charge controller converts the energy produced by photovoltaic panels into usable charge for batteries. It protects the bank from overcharging, adjusts voltage to battery chemistry, and minimizes losses when light or shading varies while moored or underway.

MPPT or PWM

An MPPT controller tracks the panel's maximum power point and recovers more energy than a PWM, especially when PV voltage exceeds battery voltage. The BlueSolar MPPT 150/45 suits mid-sized installations, while the SmartSolar MPPT 75/10, SmartSolar MPPT 100/15 and SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 cover smaller banks. A BlueSolar PWM 12/24V-20A controller remains useful for simple, well-dimensioned setups.

PV voltage and charge current

Sizing is based on panel open-circuit voltage, maximum charge current, and battery bank voltage. Models such as the SmartSolar MPPT 150/35, SmartSolar MPPT 150/45 and SmartSolar MPPT 150/60-MC4 target 150V solar arrays with varying output ratings. For larger arrays, the SmartSolar MPPT 250/60-MC4 and SmartSolar MPPT 250/70-Tr accept higher PV voltages.

Communication and integration

Charge tracking can be done via Bluetooth, VE.Direct, VE.Can, or a monitoring network. VE.Can controllers such as the SmartSolar MPPT VE.Can 150/85 simplify integration into a larger onboard system. For Mastervolt systems, the Mastervolt MPPT SCM25 solar charge controller and the SCM60 MPPT-MB cater to MasterBus-oriented installations.

Before choosing

Verify the panel's cold open-circuit voltage, maximum allowable current, battery voltage, battery type, cable cross-section, MC4 or terminal block connectors, and monitoring needs. To build a complete installation, also consult the power production, electrical, batteries, storage and battery monitors collections.