Best Bluetooth-Connected Solar Charge Controller: SmartSolar MPPT 100V 30A Charge Controller If you’d like to check your battery or power flow status without having to look at the display on the charge controller or a connected meter, we recommend the SmartSolar Bluetooth-connected MPPT charge controller.
To get the best performance from your LiFePO4 battery, it’s recommended to use an MPPT solar charge controller with a “user” or “custom configuration” mode. These controllers are designed to regulate voltage from a high panel to a low voltage, which is obviously ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Not everyone using solar panels needs a charge controller. Generally, a charge controller is essential in situations involving a significant amount of current, which could overcharge or damage the battery. But if you are using small solar panels that output a limited amount of current and voltage, you likely don’t need a solar charge controller.
The solar charge controller is compatible with batteries ranging between 12V and 48V, another reason why it’s the best for large systems with large batteries. It can charge four types of batteries: Gel, Flooded, Sealed, and User-defined (you can set your battery parameters. Ideal if you have a lithium-ion battery). 4. Easy to Use LCD display
Solar charge controllers play an integral role in solar power systems, making them safe and effective. You can’t simply connect your solar panels to a battery directly and expect it to work. Solar panels output more than their nominal voltage. For example, a 12v solar panel might put out up to 19 volts.
Charge controllers are rated according to amperage. Charge controllers are sized to cope with the input voltage and current from the solar panels and how this power is most efficiently transferred to the battery bank. A safety factor of 25% is added to the solar array amperage to compensate for environmental factors.