Looking for the best RV solar charge controller? But not sure which charge controller fits your budget? The right solar charge controller will make sure your batteries stay charged, protected, and running efficiently.
Here we’ll take a look at the best RV solar charge controllers for different setups, as well as sizing and installation tips.
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🏆 Best Overall
Choice #2
Top 5 RV Solar Charge Controllers
- Victron SmartSolar (MPPT) – Best Overall
- Renogy Rover 40A (MPPT) – Choice #2
- BougeRV 100A MPPT (MPPT) – Choice #3
- Morningstar SunSaver 15A (MPPT) – Choice #4
- Renogy Wanderer 30A (PWM) – Best Budget
MPPT vs. PWM Solar Controllers
Before we look at some of the RV solar controllers available, here’s a brief explanation of the different types.
There are two different types of controller: MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controllers.
MPPT Controllers
MPPT controllers are the most efficient. This is because they automatically adjust to your solar panels voltage (no wasted voltage).
This is great for larger solar setups, variable weather and long cable runs.
A good option if you plan on maybe expanding your solar system at a later date.
PWM Controllers
PWM controllers are simpler and cheaper than MPPT controllers. They only reduce your solar panel voltage to match the battery’s charging voltage.
So as an example, if your solar panel outputs 18V and your battery charges at 13.5V, a PWM controller would waste that extra voltage because it doesn’t convert it into usable current like an MPPT controller would. If your panel is designed to output close to the battery voltage you’ll be ok.
Best suited to lower voltage panels and basic solar setups.
Victron SmartSolar (MPPT)
⭐️Best Overall
This Victron SmartSolar unit is my top choice for an RV solar charge controller.
Victron is a gold standard in solar tech and is a trusted brand in this field.
The build quality is very good, and it has built in bluetooth via the VictronConnect app.
This is an ultra efficient unit, capable of converting up to 98% of your solar panel energy.
It doesn’t have a display on the unit but there is an optional LCD display.
The Victron has an auto sensor to detect your battery bank 12, 24 and 48V systems.
Max Input Capacity: 700W at 12V or 1400W at 24V.
Pros
Ultra Efficient
Built In Bluetooth
Excellent Support
Cons
No Display
Higher Price Point
Overall Rating
Performance / Efficiency
Build Quality
Features / Functions
Reviews
Value For Money
Renogy Rover 40A (MPPT)
⭐️Choice #2
The Renogy Rover 40A is my second choice solar charge controller.
The price to performance ratio on this unit is very good.
It supports all types of battery, lead acid through to lithium, with preset charging profiles for each.
The casing is made of tough aluminum and there is a built in LCD display to monitor charging. A remote temperature sensor is also included.
There’s an optional bluetooth dongle that you can link with the unit to monitor everything remotely via the Renogy DC Home App.
Overall, a very good mid range controller.
Max Input Capacity: 520W at 12V or 1040W at 24V.
Pros
Preset Charging Profiles
Optional Bluetooth
3 Year Warranty
Cons
Basic Instructions
Minor Build Quality Issues
Overall Rating
Performance / Efficiency
Build Quality
Features / Functions
Reviews
Value For Money
BougeRV 100A (MPPT)
⭐️Choice #3
The BougeRV solar controller comes a very close third behind the Renogy Rover.
The unit has a massive current rating for the price – 100A.
A very efficient unit, with performance similar to Victron and Renogy. It supports all battery types.
There’s a clear backlit display, and the unit also has built in bluetooth so you can view charging data via the ChargePro phone app.
Although BougeRV is a relatively new brand, and doesn’t have the track record history of Victron or Renogy, this unit does the job as well as higher end units.
Max Capacity: Up to 1500W at 12V 3000W at 24V.
Pros
High Amp Rating
Built In Bluetooth
Great Performance
Cons
Noisy Fan (Under Heavy Charging)
Basic Instructions
Overall Rating
Performance / Efficiency
Build Quality
Features / Functions
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Value For Money
Morningstar SunSaver 15A (MPPT)
⭐️Choice #4
The Morningstar SunSaver is a high price premium unit.
A top quality unit with passive cooling (no fan). This controller (and the others in the range) is known for rock solid reliability and excellent industrial build quality.
Will support all battery types, and programming is via DIP switches on the front of the unit.
There is no bluetooth on this unit, but there is an optional remote display for monitoring.
It’s pretty costly for a 15A solar controller, but if you are after top quality and a lifetime warranty, then this unit is for you.
Max Capacity: 180W at 12V or 360W at 24V
Pros
Ultra Reliable
Lifetime Warranty
Top Quality
Cons
Higher Price
No Bluetooth
Overall Rating
Performance / Efficiency
Build Quality
Features / Functions
Reviews
Value For Money
Renogy Wanderer 30A (PWM)
⭐️Best Budget
The Renogy Wanderer is my budget choice RV solar charge controller.
This is a very simple, low cost unit, but pretty reliable for light loads.
It has some presets for lead acid and AGM batteries but doesn’t support lithium batteries. (There is a “Li” version of this unit dedicated solely to lithium batteries).
There is no bluetooth and you will only get very basic info on the display.
This unit would be a good choice for trickle charging from one panel basic setups.
Max Capacity: 360W at 12V or 720W at 24 V
Pros
Low Cost
Easy Plug and Play
Reliable
Cons
Not MPPT
No Bluetooth
Overall Rating
Performance / Efficiency
Build Quality
Features / Functions
Reviews
Value For Money
Sizing an RV Solar Controller
When choosing your charge controller, you’ll have to size it to your solar setup.
This is the how you do it: Volts x Amps = Max Solar Wattage Input
Volts = Battery Voltage
This is the voltage of your battery bank (usually 12V or 24V in most campers). The controller is set to charge at this voltage.
Amps = Controller Amp Rating
This is the maximum current the charge controller can send to your batteries.
Max Solar Wattage Input = Total Solar Panel Output the Controller Can Handle
Examples:
40A controller on a 12V system = 12V × 40A = 480W max solar charging power.
30A controller on a 24V system = 24V × 30A = 720W max solar charging power.
It’s always a good idea to oversize when working all this out. A charge controller that’s maxed out from the start means you won’t be able to add more solar panels to your setup.
N.B. It’s important to make sure your controller is set to your battery voltage. Some controllers need to be manually set, some will auto detect this. (Some MPPT controllers allow oversizing, check your controller details).
Installation Tips
Installing your controller and solar panels correctly will make sure you’ll get the most from your setup.
Site your controller in a cool area with plenty of ventilation, and away from moisture.
Wiring your solar panels in series vs parallel will affect the voltage and current. Connecting your panels in series will increase the voltage (ideal for MPPT controllers). Installing in parallel will keep the voltage the same and will increase the current (better for PWM).
When you’re fitting fuses, breakers and wire runs, make sure you use the correct rating for everything, and follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagram.
Battery Compatibility
Your charge controller has to be compatible with your battery type, especially if you have lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries have different charging requirements than AGM or traditional flooded acid batteries. Controllers with temperature sensors (low temp cut off) are best for lithium batteries.
Most newer controllers will support multiple battery types and you’ll be able to input your own charge settings.
Monitoring and Smart Features
Many of the new solar charge controllers have bluetooth apps so you can easily monitor your solar charging in real time.
Some models either come with remote displays or there will be one available as an optional extra.
These displays are very helpful for larger setups and boondocking.
Cost vs. Performance
So now we’re down to the cost vs performance debate.
Controllers vary a lot in price.
$30 for a very basic PWM controller, and then going north of $400 for high end MPPT models.
A small solar setup could get away with a PWM controller, but if you’re serious about getting the most from your system, an MPPT controller is a must.
Victron and Renogy are well known brands in this field, and can save you the system gremlins that come with lower quality units.
Weigh up capacity, build quality and tech support against your setup requirements.
No matter what your budget is or your RV solar setup, getting the right solar charge controller is the key to getting the most out of your solar panels.
With the right controller, you’ll get more efficient charging, longer battery life, and a better setup overall.
My choice would be the Victron SmartSolar 50A charge controller.
Please check out my other equipment reviews.
See how I rate products in my reviews here.
