If you want to get the most out of your solar installation you need to have the best solar controller. You still don’t know which one best suits your needs? Don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this post you will surely have solved all your doubts. So, without further ado, let’s find out together which is the best solar controller for your camper.
Comparison of the best Amazon solar controllers of 2022
| PWM Best seller | Best selling MPPT | Our favorite | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Renogy Rover Solar Controller | Thlevel Solar Charge Controller 2 USB | EPEVER Solar Charge Controller | Victron Energy MPPT Solar Charge Controller 100|20 | Solar MPPT Controller EPEVER 30A 12|24V |
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |
| Type | MPPT | PWM | MPPT | MPPT | MPPT |
| Voltage | 12|24V | 12|24V | – 10A: 12|24V- 20A: 12|24V- 30A: 12|24V- 40A: 12|24V- 50A: 12|24|36|48V | 12|24|48V | 12|24V |
| Rated load current* | 20A or 40A | 10A, 20A or 30A | 10A, 20A, 30A, 40A or 50A | 20A | 30A |
| Maximum input voltage | 100VDC | – | – From 10A to 40A: 100VDC- 50A: 150VDC | 100VDC | 100VDC |
| Maximum photovoltaic power | – 12V: 260W- 24V: 520W | – 10A: 130W/12V and 260W/24V- 20A: 260W/12V and 520W/24V- 30A: 390/12V and 780W/24V | – 10A: 130W/12V and 260W/24V- 20A: 260W/12V and 520W/24V- 30A: 390W/12V and 780W/24V- 40A: 520W/12V and 1040W/24V- 50A: 625W/12V, 1250W/24V, 1875W/36V and 2500W/48V | – 12V: 290W- 24V: 580W- 48V: 1160W | – 12V: 390W- 24V: 780W |
| Tracking Efficiency | 99% | – | 99,5% | – | 99,5% |
| Maximum conversion efficiency | 98% | – | 98% | 98% | 98% |
| Working temp | -35°C to +45°C | -35℃ a +60℃ | -25℃ a +45℃ | -30°C to +60°C | -25℃ a +45℃ |
| Battery type | AGM, gel, open lead-acid and lithium batteries | AGM, gel and open lead-acid batteries | AGM, gel, open lead-acid and lithium batteries | AGM, gel, open lead-acid and lithium-acid | AGM, gel, open lead-acid and lithium AGM, gel, open lead-acid and lithium |
| Charging stages | Bulk, Absorption, Float and Equalization | Bulk, Absorption and Float | Bulk, Constant charging (Boost and Equalization) and Flotation | Initial, Absorption, Flotation or storage and Equalization | Bulk, Constant charging (Boost and Equalization) and Floating |
| With DC output | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Visual indicators | LCD display and LED lights | LCD Display | LCD Display | LED lights | LCD Display |
| Protection against | – Excessive load – Reverse current – Short circuit – Reverse polarity – Circuit overload – Over load – Over discharge | – Overload – Short Circuit – Open Circuit – Reverse Polarity – Circuit Overload – Over Voltage – Under Voltage | – Excessive load – Reverse current – Short circuit – Reverse polarity – Overheating – Circuit overload – Overvoltage – Reverse charging at night – Low temperature with lithium battery | – Output short-circuit – Over temperature | – Over current / photovoltaic power- Photovoltaic short circuit- Re verse polarity- Reverse charging at night- Battery overvoltage- Overdischarge- Overheating- Low temperature with lithium battery |
| Water resistant | No | No | No | No | No |
| Max. cable cross section | 10mm2 | – | – 10A: 4mm2- 20A: 6mm2- 30A: 10mm2- 40A: 16mm2- 50A: 16mm2 | 6mm2 | 10mm2 |
| Extras | – | 2 USB outputs | – | – | – |
| Accessories (not included) | BT-1 Bluetooth module | – | – Remote temperature sensor- USB to RS485 cable- MT50 remote display – WIFI adapter eBox-WIFI-01 – RS485 to Bluetooth adapter eBox-BLE-01- Logger eLOG01 | – MPPT Control Display | – MT50 remote display |
| Weight | – 20A: 1,38kg- 40A: 1,98kg | – | – 10A: 0.72kg- 20A: 1.11kg- 30A: 1.43kg- 40A: 1.9kg- 50A: 3.5kg | 0,65kg | 1,26kg |
| Dimensions | – 20A: 151 x 210 x 59,5 mm- 40A: 173 x 238 x 72,5 mm | 70 x 133 x 26 mm | – 10A: 139 x 172 x 44 mm- 20A: 154 x 220 x 52 mm- 30A: 164 x 228 x 55 mm- 40A: 180 x 252 x 63 mm- 50A: 216 x 261 x 119 mm | 100 x 113 x 60 mm | 164 x 228 x 55 mm |
| Buy | See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon |
| Model | Renogy Rover solar controller |
| Image | |
| Type | MPPT |
| Voltage | 12|24V |
| Rated charging current* | 20A or 40A |
| Maximum input voltage | 100VDC |
| Maximum photovoltaic power | – 12V: 260W- 24V: 520W |
| Tracking efficiency | 99% |
| Maximum conversion efficiency | 98% |
| Working temp | -35°C to +45°C |
| Battery types | AGM, gel, open lead-acid and lithium batteries |
| Charging stages | Bulk, Absorption, Float and Equalization |
| Visual indicators | LCD display and LED lights |
| Protection against | – Over charging – Reverse current – Short circuit – Reverse polarity – Circuit overloading – Over discharge |
| Water resistant | No |
| Max. cable cross-section | 10mm2 |
| Extras | – |
| Accessories (not included) | Bluetooth module BT-1 |
| Weight | – 20A: 1,38kg- 40A: 1,98kg |
| Dimensions | – 20A: 151 x 210 x 59,5 mm- 40A: 173 x 238 x 72,5 mm |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
| PWM Best Seller | |
|---|---|
| Model | Thlevel Solar charge controller 2 USB |
| Image | |
| Type | PWM |
| Voltage | 12|24V |
| Rated load current* | 10A, 20A or 30A |
| Maximum input voltage | – |
| Maximum photovoltaic power | – 10A: 130W/12V and 260W/24V- 20A: 260W/12V and 520W/24V- 30A: 390/12V and 780W/24V |
| Tracking efficiency | – |
| Maximum conversion efficiency | – |
| Working temp | -35℃ a +60℃ |
| Battery type | AGM, open gel and lead-acid |
| Charging stages | Bulk, Absorption and Float |
| Visual indicators | LCD display |
| Protection against | – Overload- Short circuit- Open circuit- Reverse polarity- Circuit overload- Over voltage- Low voltage |
| Water Resistant | No |
| Max. cable section | – |
| Extras | 2 USB outputs |
| Accessories (not included) | – |
| Weight | – |
| Dimensions | 70 x 133 x 26 mm |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
| MPPT Best Sellers | |
|---|---|
| Model | EPEVER solar controller |
| Image | |
| Type | MPPT |
| Voltage | – 10A: 12|24V- 20A: 12|24V- 30A: 12|24V- 40A: 12|24V- 50A: 12|24|36|48V |
| Rated load current* | 10A, 20A, 30A, 40A, 40A or 50A |
| Maximum input voltage | – 10A to 40A: 100VDC- 50A: 150VDC |
| Maximum photovoltaic power | – 10A: 130W/12V and 260W/24V- 20A: 260W/12V and 520W/24V- 30A: 390W/12V and 780W/24V- 40A: 520W/12V and 1040W/24V- 50A: 625W/12V, 1250W/24V, 1875W/36V and 2500W/48V |
| Tracking efficiency | 99,5% |
| Maximum conversion efficiency | 98% |
| Working temp | -25℃ a +45℃ |
| Battery types | AGM, gel, open lead-acid and lithium batteries |
| Charging stages | Bulk, Constant charging (Boost and Equalization) and Float |
| Visual indicators | LCD display |
| Protection against | – Overcharging – Reverse current – Short circuit – Reverse polarity – Overheating – Circuit overloads – Overvoltage – Overnight reverse charging – Low temperature with lithium battery |
| Water resistant | No |
| Max. cable cross-section | – 10A: 4mm2- 20A: 6mm2- 30A: 10mm2- 40A: 16mm2- 50A: 16mm2 |
| Extras | – |
| Accessories (not included) | – Remote temperature sensor- USB to RS485 cable- Remote display MT50- WIFI adapter eBox-WIFI-01- RS485 to Bluetooth adapter eBox-BLE-01- Logger eLOG01 |
| Weight | – 10A: 0,72kg- 20A: 1,11kg- 30A: 1,43kg- 40A: 1,9kg- 50A: 3,5kg |
| Dimensions | – 10A: 139 x 172 x 44 mm- 20A: 154 x 220 x 52 mm- 30A: 164 x 228 x 55 mm- 40A: 180 x 252 x 63 mm- 50A: 216 x 261 x 119 mm |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
| Our favorite | |
|---|---|
| Model | Solar MPPT controller Victron Energy 100|20 |
| Image | |
| Type | MPPT |
| Voltage | 12|24|48V |
| Rated load current* | 20A |
| Maximum input voltage | 100VDC |
| Maximum photovoltaic power | – 12V: 290W- 24V: 580W- 48V: 1160W |
| Tracking efficiency | – |
| Maximum conversion efficiency | 98% |
| Working temp | -30°C to +60°C |
| Battery types | AGM, gel, open lead-acid and lithium batteries |
| Charging stages | Initial, Absorption, Float or storage and Equalization |
| Visual indicators | LED lights |
| Protection against | – Output short-circuit – Over temperature |
| Water resistant | No |
| Max. cable cross section | 6mm2 |
| Extras | – |
| Accessories (not included) | – MPPT Control Display |
| Weight | 0,65kg |
| Dimensions | 100 x 113 x 60 mm |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
| Model | MPPT solar controller EPEVER 30A 12|24V |
| Image | |
| Type | MPPT |
| Voltage | 12|24V |
| Rated charging current* | 30A |
| Maximum input voltage | 100VDC |
| Maximum photovoltaic power | – 12V: 390W- 24V: 780W |
| Tracking efficiency | 99,5% |
| Maximum conversion efficiency | 98% |
| Working temp | -25℃ a +45℃ |
| Battery types | AGM, gel, open lead-acid and lithium batteries |
| Charging stages | Bulk, Constant charging (Boost and Equalization) and Float |
| Visual indicators | LCD display |
| Protection against | – Over current / photovoltaic power- Photovoltaic short circuit- Re verse polarity- Reverse charging at night- Battery over voltage- Over discharge- Overheating- Low temperature with lithium battery |
| Water resistant | No |
| Max. cable cross section | 10mm2 |
| Extras | – |
| Accessories (not included) | – Remote display MT50 |
| Weight | 1.26kg |
| Dimensions | 164 x 228 x 55 mm |
| Buy | See price on Amazon |
*If there are several values it means that there are several models available on the link
What is a solar controller and what types are there? Advantages and disadvantages
First of all, do you know what a solar charge controller is for? A solar charge regulator is an electronic device that controls the state of charge of the battery to ensure that an optimal charge is produced to extend its life. If you want to have a solar installation on your van, it is essential. There are several types of solar regulators depending on the features they offer: MPPT, PWN, smart, step-charge, with or without DC output, etc.
Advantages of solar regulators
- They help to extend battery life.
- Regulators with battery type selection and charging stages perform more optimized charging.
- MPPT regulators get the most out of solar panels.
- MPPT regulators allow the use of photovoltaic panels with a higher voltage than that of the battery.
Disadvantages of solar regulators
- It is one more device that has a cost and takes up space.
MPPT vs PWM regulator How do they differ, which one is better? 🤔
Solar regulators are mainly divided into these two groups: MPPT and PWM Do you know which one is better for you? To help you with the decision we have prepared this table with the most important characteristics of each one.
| Our choice | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of regulator | PWM | MPPT |
| Voltages | The output voltage of the solar panel must be equal to that of the battery | The output voltage of the solar panel can be equal to or higher than that of the battery |
| Performance | Panel operates at the same voltage as the battery, not at maximum solar output | Utilize the maximum solar output |
| Sized according to | The maximum intensity of the panel and the voltage of the battery | Solar panel output and battery voltage |
| Most frequent failure | Exceeding its rated current | Exceeding its maximum input voltage |
| Price | They are cheaper | Their price is higher |
| Extra panel connection | Parallel | Serial (without exceeding its maximum input voltage) |
| Controller type | PWM |
| Voltages | The output voltage of the solar panel must be equal to that of the battery |
| Performance | Panel operates at the same voltage as the battery, not at the maximum solar output voltage |
| It is sized according to | Panel peak current and battery voltage |
| Most frequent failure | Exceeding its rated current |
| Price | They are cheaper |
| Extra panel connection | Parallel |
| Our choice | |
|---|---|
| Controller type | MPPT |
| Voltages | The output voltage of the solar panel can be equal to or higher than that of the battery |
| Efficiency | Maximize solar production |
| Sized according to | Solar panel output and battery voltage |
| Most frequent failure | Exceeding its maximum input voltage |
| Price | Higher price |
| Extra panel connection | Serial (without exceeding its maximum input voltage) |
Need to buy a MPPT regulator for your motorhome or camper?
or do you prefer a PWM charge controller? The cheapest ones are on Amazon
![[Upgraded] 30A Solar Charge Controller 12V/ 24V Solar Panel Charge Controller Intelligent Regulator with Dual USB Port Auto Parameter LCD Display and...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JgWwBypLL._SL160_.jpg)
![[Upgraded] 30A Solar Charge Controller, Black Solar Panel Battery Intelligent Regulator with Dual USB Port 12V/24V PWM Auto Paremeter Adjustable LCD...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41M0gMi3O2L._SL160_.jpg)
Do you know how to install a solar controller? You can do it yourself
In case you did not know, a 12V electrical installation does not need an electrical bulletin, so, with a little interest, care, time and our help you can assemble a great solar installation that includes solar panels, solar controller and battery, with all its safety components! Here is the wiring diagram of our solar installation, but if you want to know more, be sure to read our guide to do-it-yourself solar installation.
Final opinions of the solar regulators and their price
Finally, we want to give you our personal opinion. We have heard of people who have connected solar panels directly to batteries, we do not know very well what experiences they have had in the long run, but for the price that has a PWM regulator does not seem to us, at all, an option… If you are going to put a solar panel ALWAYS install a regulator, even if it is a cheap one.
While it is true that the MPPT regulators get more performance from the solar panels, there are those who think that in a camper the difference is not really so significant as to be worth the extra cost. We personally decided to install an MPPT regulator and we have never tried a PWM one, so we can’t say if this is the case or not, but as it is a device that we expect to last for quite some time, the price difference seemed quite affordable.
So, take your time and analyze what your energy needs and budget are and always decide what best suits your requirements.