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Solar charge controllers

Solar charge controllers sit between your solar panels and your battery, and control the charging so the battery is charged properly and isn't damaged. MPPT controllers turn more of the panel's power into charge than PWM controllers, especially in cold weather or with higher-voltage panels. PWM controllers are cheaper and work fine for small, simple setups. To pick a size, divide your total panel watts by your battery voltage and leave some room to spare (for example, 400W ÷ 12V ≈ 33A, so choose 40A). Also make sure your panels' open-circuit voltage (Voc) stays below the controller's maximum PV input voltage, because Voc goes up in the cold. For lithium batteries, look for a LiFePO4 charging profile and low-temperature charge cut-off. Be careful with very cheap controllers that claim high ratings like "100A MPPT": their real performance is often far lower. Popular brands include Victron, Renogy, EPEver, BougeRV and LiTime. You don't need a separate controller for a portable power station, which has one built in.
Units: Both
Solar charge controllers compared
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Save View Product Compare Price Brand Model Description Manufacturer page User manual USB-A ports count Weight
(lbs)
Weight
(kg)
Length
(in.)
Length
(mm)
Width
(in.)
Width
(mm)
Depth/Height
(in.)
Depth/Height
(mm)
Warranty Certifications summary IP rating Operating temp min
(℉)
Operating temp max
(℉)
Operating temp min
(℃)
Operating temp max
(℃)
App connectivity FCC Part 15 compliant Housing material CE marked Overheat protection Low-voltage protection Display type Controller type Rated charge current
(A)
Battery system voltages Auto voltage detection Max PV input voltage (Voc)
(V)
Max solar input (12V battery)
(W)
Max solar input (24V battery)
(W)
Max solar input (48V battery)
(W)
Peak conversion efficiency
(%)
MPPT tracking efficiency
(%)
Self-consumption
(mA)
Battery types supported LiFePO4 charging profile User-defined charge voltages Lithium reactivation Low-temp charge cut-off Battery temp sensor included Charging stages Load output current
(A)
Load control modes Built-in Bluetooth Communication port Parallel operation Cooling Grounding type Max terminal wire size
(AWG)
Max terminal wire size (mm²)
(mm²)
Reverse polarity protection UL 1741 listed CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 IEC 62109-1 certified RoHS compliant
$149.99
GUIGOOD
–
This 120 A MPPT supports battery systems from 12V to 96V, the widest range listed, and up to 230 V of PV input, handling 1440 W at 12V or 5760 W at 48V. It offers an LCD, user-adjustable charge settings and RS485 through an RJ12 port. At 8.7 lbs (3.9 kg) it is the heaviest controller with a stated weight, aimed at large off-grid systems more than van installs.
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–
–
8.69
3.94
12.40
315
3.60
91
8.40
213
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
LCD
MPPT
120
12/24/36/48/60/72/84/96V
Yes
230
1,440
2,880
5,760
–
–
–
LiFePO4, lithium-ion, lead-acid, GEL
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
RS485 (RJ12)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
$185.00
AMPINVT
AP-80
An 80 A MPPT controller that auto-detects 12, 24, 36 or 48V systems and accepts up to 150 V of PV input, handling as much as 4540 W on a 48V bank. It shows daily generation curves on an LCD and offers RS485 for an optional Wi-Fi module. Among the highest-current units listed, it fits large RV or off-grid arrays more than small van setups.
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–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
LCD
MPPT
80
12/24/36/48V
Yes
150
1,140
2,260
4,540
99.0
99.0
–
Gel, SLA, AGM, flooded, lithium (LiFePO4)
–
Yes
–
–
–
Constant current (MPPT), equalizing, floating
–
–
–
RS485
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
$8.98
Anern
US-SC30A
The lowest-priced controller listed, this 30 A PWM unit handles 12/24V systems with an LCD, adjustable cut-off voltages, timer and load modes, and two 5V/2A USB ports. It uses 3-stage charging and supports only open, AGM and gel lead-acid batteries, not lithium, fitting simple setups where cost matters more than efficiency. Its listed 1.2 in. (30 mm) length looks like the unit's depth.
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2
–
–
1.18
30
2.76
70
5.24
133
–
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–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
LCD
PWM
30
12/24V
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Open, AGM, GEL lead-acid
No
–
–
–
–
Direct, boost, float (3-stage)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$29.99
BougeRV
ISE136
A low-cost 30 A PWM controller for 12/24V systems with a backlit color LCD and support for lead-acid, LiFePO4, ternary lithium and LTO batteries, a broader list than most. It can reactivate over-discharged lithium batteries and handles 450 W at 12V. Its 55 V PV input limit and PWM design make it better for small single-panel setups than larger arrays.
–
0.80
0.36
5.92
150
3.95
100
1.92
49
18 Months
–
IP32
-31
113
-35
45
–
–
–
–
–
–
Backlit color LCD
PWM
30
12/24V
Yes
55
450
900
–
–
–
–
SLD, FLD, GEL, AGM, SLA, LiFePO4, ternary lithium, LTO
Yes
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Negative ground
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–
–
–
–
–
–
$139.99
BougeRV
ISE218
This 40 A MPPT controller pairs built-in Bluetooth with a backlit LCD, a low-temperature charging cut-off with included battery sensor, and reactivation of dormant LiFePO4 batteries. Its 10 mA self-consumption is the lowest listed, and its -31 ℉ to 149 ℉ (-35 to 65 ℃) operating range is wider than most, suiting lithium van builds in cold climates. The listing gives the maximum PV input as both 100 V and 95 V.
–
3.95
1.79
8.94
227
6.26
159
2.95
75
18 Months
CE, RoHS
IP34
-31
149
-35
65
Bluetooth
–
–
Yes
Yes
–
Backlit LCD
MPPT
40
12/24V
Yes
100
600
1,200
–
99.0
99.5
10.0
LiFePO4, SLD, GEL, FLD, AGM, User Defined
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
20
–
Yes
–
–
–
Common negative
8
–
Yes
–
–
–
Yes
$19.99
Depvko
30A MPPT
Budget 30 A controller sold as MPPT for 12/24V systems, with an LCD for live data and settings, two 5V/2.5A USB ports and memory that keeps settings if the battery runs flat. It protects against overcharge, short circuit, reverse polarity and low voltage. Among the lowest-priced MPPT controllers listed, it fits small, low-cost setups rather than systems where efficiency matters.
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2
–
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–
–
–
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–
1 Year
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
LCD
–
30
12/24V
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
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–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$27.99
Depvko
100A MPPT
Budget 12/24V controller sold as a 100 A MPPT unit, with automatic system voltage detection, an LCD for live readings and settings, and 99.0% tracking efficiency claimed. It protects against overcharging, short circuits and reverse polarity, and comes with a 1-year warranty. A true 100 A MPPT rating is unusual at this price, since the other 100 A MPPT units listed cost several times more and weigh over 6.6 lbs (3 kg).
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–
1 Year
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
LCD
MPPT
100
12/24V
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
99.0
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
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–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$77.00
EARNMee
–
A 60 A MPPT controller with 150 V PV input and manual selection of 12, 24, 36 or 48V output, one of the few here without auto voltage detection. It uses temperature-controlled fan cooling, an LCD display and protections for overload, voltage and short circuit. Its IP21 rating is the lowest listed and the warranty is 12 months, but it is a budget route to 60 A for large RV arrays.
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–
–
3.50
1.59
8.27
210
3.54
90
6.50
165
12 Months
–
IP21
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
Yes
LCD
MPPT
60
12/24/36/48V
No
150
–
–
–
98.0
–
–
Lead-acid, Gel, Lithium
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Fan (temperature-controlled air cooling)
–
–
–
–
–
–
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–
$59.99
ECO-WORTHY
L03PWM30A2.1BW-1
Budget 30 A PWM controller for 12/24V systems with an LCD, two 5V/2A USB ports and 30 days of built-in generation records. It offers LiFePO4, flooded, sealed, gel and custom charging profiles, and its 50 V maximum PV input is among the lowest listed, suiting small 12V panel setups in vans and boats. The listing says Bluetooth is built in, but also that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi need the separate BW0F data unit.
–
2
0.53
0.24
5.91
150
3.70
94
1.30
33
–
–
–
-4
140
-20
60
–
–
–
–
Yes
Yes
LCD
PWM
30
12/24V
Yes
50
–
–
–
–
–
–
LFP, FLD, SLD, GEL, custom (CUS)
Yes
Yes
–
–
–
Bulk, absorption, float
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$38.99
ELUSH
100A
A low-cost controller rated at 100 A for 12 to 48V batteries with 100 V PV input, two USB ports and a backlit LCD showing charge and load data. It supports sealed, gel, flooded and LiFePO4 batteries and works from -13 ℉ to 131 ℉ (-25 to 55 ℃), with the maker describing a mix of MPPT and PWM methods. A 100 A rating at 1.8 lbs (810 g) is unlikely, since true 100 A MPPT units listed weigh over 6.6 lbs (3 kg).
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2
1.79
0.81
–
–
–
–
–
–
1 Year
–
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-13
131
-25
55
–
–
–
–
Yes
Yes
–
–
100
–
Yes
100
–
–
–
–
99.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
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–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$42.99
ELUSH
SA10048
Upgraded version of a budget 12 to 48V controller rated at 100 A with 100 V PV input, adding precise timer control and a live solar panel voltage readout to its backlit LCD. It has two USB ports, several load modes and a -13 ℉ to 131 ℉ (-25 to 55 ℃) operating range, and the maker describes it as a hybrid MPPT/PWM design. A 100 A rating at 2.1 lbs (950 g) is unlikely, since true 100 A MPPT units listed weigh over 6.6 lbs (3 kg).
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–
2
2.09
0.95
7.60
–
7.30
–
2.60
–
1 Year
–
–
-13
131
-25
55
–
–
–
–
Yes
Yes
–
–
100
–
Yes
100
–
–
–
–
99.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
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–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$10.99
EtnalSolar
–
Compact 10 A PWM controller for 12/24V systems handling 120 W or 240 W of panels, with a backlit LCD, adjustable timer and two 5V/2A USB ports. Unlike some budget PWM units it supports Li-ion and LiFePO4 (set manually) as well as lead-acid, and keeps settings through power loss. Tied for the lowest current listed, it suits single small panels on trailers, boats or battery maintainers.
–
–
2
0.31
0.14
5.31
135
2.76
70
1.18
30
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
Backlit LCD
PWM
10
12/24V
Yes
–
120
240
–
–
–
–
Open, AGM, GEL lead-acid; Li-ion; LiFePO4
Yes
–
–
–
–
Bulk, absorption, float
–
Adjustable timer
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$23.99
HilapriSol
20APWMSAE01
Small 20 A PWM controller for 12V systems up to 300 W, with an LCD, LED indicators, 4-stage charging and an extra SAE cable for portable panels. A blocking diode prevents reverse current at night, and it carries FCC, CE and UKCA marks. At 5 oz (140 g) it is among the lightest listed, a fit for simple portable panel setups rather than larger roof arrays.
–
–
–
0.31
0.14
7.08
180
4.13
105
1.18
30
–
FCC-SDOC, CE, UKCA
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
Yes
–
LCD with LED indicators
PWM
20
12V
–
–
300
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
4-stage
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$159.99
ipandee
ESF48H100
This 100 A MPPT takes up to 250 V of PV input, tied for the highest listed, and up to 5200 W on a 48V bank, with 99.9% tracking efficiency claimed. It adds five load modes, RJ45 and RS485 ports, fan cooling, lithium reactivation and optional Bluetooth through a separate module. At 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) it is heavy, and with a 1-year warranty it suits large off-grid systems on a tighter budget than Victron's 250/100.
–
–
–
7.50
3.40
12.00
305
7.90
201
3.30
84
1 Year
–
–
–
–
–
–
Bluetooth (optional module)
–
–
–
Yes
–
Backlit LCD
MPPT
100
12/24/36/48V
Yes
250
1,300
2,600
5,200
–
99.9
–
LiFePO4, Lithium-Ion, AGM, Gel, Flooded, Sealed Lead-Acid, User-Defined
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
–
CC Fast Charge, CV Constant Voltage, CF Float Charge
–
Normal, Always-On, Light Control, Light+Timer, Dual-Period Timer
No
RJ45, RS485 (Modbus)
–
Fan
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$144.99
Litime
30A 12V/24V MPPT Smart
Die-cast aluminum 30 A MPPT controller with built-in Bluetooth, an LCD with LED status lights, and a 20 A load output. It takes 100 V of PV input, 450 W at 12V or 900 W at 24V, and offers a LiFePO4 mode along with sealed and gel lead-acid. Its 3-year warranty is longer than most, though at 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) it is heavy for a 30 A unit, fitting small van systems that want app monitoring.
–
4.41
2.00
9.65
245
7.09
180
3.25
83
3 Years
–
–
–
–
–
–
Bluetooth
–
Metal
–
Yes
–
LCD with LED indicators
MPPT
30
12/24V
Yes
100
450
900
–
98.0
99.0
–
LiFePO4, Sealed, Gel lead-acid
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
20
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$27.99
OOYCYOO
MPPT 100A
Note: This has "MPPT" in the title and listing, but that may not be accurate based on the price point and weight; please verify before purchase. Low-cost 12/24V controller listed at 100 A, with an LCD, two USB ports, manual load switching and 99.0% tracking efficiency. Its 13 mA self-consumption is among the lowest listed, and the warranty is 360 days, suiting buyers wanting a basic budget controller for a small 12V setup. A 100 A rating at 10 oz (280 g) is unlikely, since other 100 A MPPT units listed weigh over 6.6 lbs (3 kg).
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–
2
0.62
0.28
6.69
170
3.74
95
1.57
40
360 days
–
–
14
140
-10
60
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
100
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
99.0
13.0
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$162.99
POWLAND
PL-SY-GY120A-P-5-US
A 120 A MPPT controller that auto-detects battery systems from 12V to 96V, tied for the widest range listed, with up to 230 V of PV input and 98.0% peak efficiency. It uses 3-stage charging for LiFePO4, AGM, gel and flooded batteries and shows PV and charging data on an LCD. Among the highest-current units, it suits large off-grid or high-voltage arrays.
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–
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–
–
–
–
–
–
–
LCD
MPPT
120
12/24/36/48/60/72/84/96V
Yes
230
–
–
–
98.0
–
–
LiFePO4, AGM, GEL, flooded lead-acid
–
–
–
–
–
Bulk, Absorption, Float
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$105.44
PowMr
POW-M80-PRO
An 80 A MPPT controller that auto-detects 12 to 48V systems and accepts up to 160 V of PV input, more than the 150 V of most high-current units. Up to 12 units can run in parallel, and it supports LiFePO4, NMC, lead-acid and user-defined profiles with lithium reactivation and fan cooling. Its 97.0% peak conversion efficiency is the lowest listed, but it is a budget route to 80 A. The listing gives the 24V maximum solar input as both 2400 W and 1920 W.
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–
5.38
2.44
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
Yes
LCD
MPPT
80
12/24/36/48V
Yes
160
960
2,400
3,840
97.0
99.9
–
Lithium, LiFePO4, Li(NiCoMn)O2, Flooded, Sealed, Gel, User-Defined
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
–
Bulk, Boost, Float
–
–
–
–
Yes
Fan
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$55.00
Qigreesol
SA
Listed at 150 A, the highest rating in the category, this controller auto-detects 12 to 48V systems and has a backlit LCD, timer modes and two USB ports. The maker describes it as a hybrid MPPT/PWM design where PV voltage follows battery voltage during bulk charging, suiting budget experiments rather than a primary van system. A 150 A rating at 7 oz (190 g) is unlikely, since 100–120 A MPPT units listed weigh 6.6–8.7 lbs (3–4 kg).
–
–
2
0.42
0.19
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
Backlit LCD
Hybrid MPPT/PWM
150
12/24/36/48V
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
99.5
–
Lead-Acid, Lithium
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
$79.99
Renogy
RNG-CTRL-RVR20
This 20 A MPPT controller in a die-cast aluminum case has an LCD with LED indicators, an included battery temperature sensor and lithium reactivation. It handles 260 W at 12V or 520 W at 24V and adds a 20 A load output with timer and light-control modes plus RS485, though its 100 mA self-consumption is among the highest listed. The title claims Bluetooth and 95 V input, while the specifications show no built-in Bluetooth and 100 V.
–
3.10
1.40
8.27
210
5.95
151
2.69
68
2 Years
FCC Part 15 Class B, CE, RoHS, RCM
IP32
-31
113
-35
45
–
Yes
Metal
Yes
–
Yes
LCD with 4 buttons and LED indicators
MPPT
20
12/24V
Yes
100
260
520
–
98.0
99.0
100.0
AGM, Gel, Flooded, Lithium, User-defined
–
Yes
Yes
–
Yes
Lead-acid: bulk, boost, float (+ equalization); lithium: bulk, boost
20
Automatic (light control), timer (14 settings), manual (default), no delay, 24-hour
–
RS485 (Modbus)
–
–
Common negative
8
–
Yes
–
–
–
Yes
$159.99
Renogy
RNG-CTRL-RVR40
A 40 A MPPT controller for 12/24V systems with a 4-button LCD, low-temperature charging cut-off with included battery sensor, lithium reactivation and a 20 A load output with timer and light-control modes. Bluetooth needs the separate BT-2 module, and its 100 mA self-consumption is among the highest, but it fits van owners who want a proven wired controller. The listing gives a maximum operating temperature of 113 ℉ (45 ℃) in its specifications but 149 ℉ in its features.
–
4.40
2.00
9.38
238
6.78
172
3.05
77
3 Years
FCC Part 15 Class B, CE, RoHS, RCM
IP32
-31
113
-35
45
–
Yes
–
Yes
–
Yes
LCD with 4 buttons
MPPT
40
12/24V
Yes
100
520
1,040
–
98.0
99.0
100.0
AGM, Gel, Flooded, Lithium, User-defined
–
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Lead-acid: bulk, boost, float (+ equalization); lithium: bulk, boost
20
Automatic (light control), timer (14 settings), manual (default), no delay, 24-hour
No
RS485 (Modbus)
–
–
Common negative
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
Yes
$8.99
Rolokit
WG-YE17-B8B6
A very low-cost 30 A PWM controller for 12/24V systems with an LCD, adjustable voltage settings and two 5V/3A USB ports. It supports only open, AGM and gel lead-acid batteries, with no lithium profile, unlike most controllers here. At 5 oz (140 g) it suits basic lead-acid setups on sheds or small trailers more than lithium-based van builds.
–
–
2
0.31
0.14
–
–
–
–
–
–
1 Year
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
LCD
PWM
30
12/24V
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Open, AGM, GEL lead-acid
No
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
$37.99
SOGTICPS
SY10048
Budget controller sold as 100 A for 12 to 48V systems with 100 V PV input, two USB ports, and a backlit LCD with clock and several load-control modes. The maker notes that it combines MPPT and PWM charging rather than offering full MPPT, so it fits small, cost-focused setups more than large arrays. A 100 A rating at 1.9 lbs (840 g) is unlikely, since true 100 A MPPT units listed weigh over 6.6 lbs (3 kg).
–
–
2
1.85
0.84
7.67
195
2.59
66
7.24
184
1 Year
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
Yes
–
–
100
–
Yes
100
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
Victron Energy
SCC115045212
Victron's 45 A SmartSolar MPPT works with 12, 24, 36 or 48V banks and up to 150 V of PV input, taking 650 W at 12V and 2600 W at 48V. Built-in Bluetooth links to the VictronConnect app, and VE.Direct allows wired monitoring. Its UL 1741, CSA and IEC 62109-1 certifications are ones most rivals lack, fitting mid-size van and RV systems. Its listed width and depth appear swapped compared with similar Victron models.
–
2.76
1.25
7.32
186
2.76
70
5.12
130
–
EN/IEC 62109-1, UL 1741, CSA C22.2
IP43
-22
140
-30
60
Bluetooth
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
MPPT
45
12/24/36/48V
Yes
150
650
1,300
2,600
98.0
–
20.0
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
VE.Direct
–
–
–
6
16
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
–
Victron Energy
SCC115060211
Heavy-duty 60 A MPPT controller with 150 V PV input, built-in Bluetooth and Tr screw terminals that accept up to 2 AWG wire, larger than most. It handles 860 W at 12V up to 3440 W at 48V, supports parallel operation, and carries UL 1741, CSA and IEC certifications. At 6.6 lbs (3.0 kg) it is among the heavier units, suited to large RV or bus conversions.
–
6.61
3.00
9.84
250
3.74
95
7.28
185
–
EN/IEC 62109-1, UL 1741, CSA C22.2
IP43
-22
140
-30
60
Bluetooth
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
MPPT
60
12/24/36/48V
Yes
150
860
1,720
3,440
98.0
–
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
VE.Direct
Yes
–
–
2
35
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
32 products

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