A solar charge controller controls the variation in power that the solar panel generates after absorbing sunlight and then charging the battery and operating the DC load. This controller prevents the battery from overcharging and causing any damage to the solar system. The current being generated by the battery is regulated with a solar charge controller.
The demand and availability for solar charge controllers in India have catapulted over the years as they provide system protection. It can be a confusing task to choose the best solar charge controllers in India, and hence, we have provided you with a list of some of the best products. Along with this, we have also prepared a list of some important factors to consider before buying solar charge controllers.
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Top 7 Best Solar Charge Controllers In India 2023
1. amiciSmart Solar Charge Controller
Highlights
- Suitable for all battery types
- LCD screen
- Easy to install
- Compact and lightweight
One of our top picks, the amiciSmart Solar Charge Controller is suitable for multiple types of batteries – it works perfectly with lithium, lithium-ion, and lead acid batteries. In addition, it’s easy to set up, making it a good choice for inexperienced people too.
This solar charge controller can detect the battery type accurately and display the battery status on the LCD screen. The best thing about this device is that it comes with overload protection, short-circuit protection, open-circuit, and reverse protection. This ensures your battery is protected against fluctuations, increasing its lifespan.
The only drawback of this solar charge controller is the absence of a backlight on the display, which makes it difficult to view in dim light. But apart from that, this product doesn’t disappoint, making it a worthy purchase any day.
CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON!2. Luminous Plastic Solar Charge Controller 10Amp
Highlights
- Luminous 10Amp plastic solar charge controller available in blue
- Prevents reverse current flow during the night
- 96% electronic shock protection and an in-built load controller provided
- Features can be monitored and controlled through the LCD screen
Luminous is a popular brand for its range of solar system products starting from solar panels and batteries to solar charge controllers. Here we shall review the Luminous 10Amp plastic solar charge controller, which is available in blue. This controller prevents the battery from getting overcharged while the solar panel is charging it. Along with this, it also prevents reverse current flow at night.
An in-built USB port is provided in the solar charge controller that can be used to charge mobile phones without an adapter. This controller is made of supreme-quality plastic that can withstand harsh conditions and still lasts for a very long time without any damage. It can charge batteries of 12V and 24V with utmost efficiency using PWM technology.
It comes with 96% electronic shock protection and an in-built load controller. This is provided with an lvd feature option for lead-acid or other types of batteries. Up to 400 watts of solar panels are supported by the Luminous solar charge controller. You might wonder what purpose the 2 jumpers behind the controller serve.
The two jumpers are required to connect the solar charge controller to an SMF battery. You do not need these two points if you are using a different battery. You can keep a watch on the status of the battery and control all other features of the controller through the LCD screen on it. The product measures 7.2*14.5*13.7 cm and weighs only 300 grams. This compact and lightweight nature of the Luminous solar charge controller makes it highly portable and beneficial to keep in areas with limited space.
The brand provides a 12-month warranty and you can seek help from the company, free of cost, for any damage caused to the solar charge controller during this period.
CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON!3. UTL Solar Charge Controller + Hybrid SMU
Highlights
- Easy to set up
- LCD screen
- 1-year warranty
- Compact and durable
The UTL Solar Charge Controller cum Hybrid SMU is a reliable and heavy-duty device that comes with overcharge, under voltage, and deep-discharge protection to ensure the battery’s longevity. And with its temperature protection feature, you can say goodbye to overheating issues.
Converting your existing inverter into a solar inverter is totally hassle-free with this device, thanks to its easy installation process. You can even view the operating status and data on the digital LCD screen to analyze the units you have saved. And the best part – the screen is backlit, which allows you to see the status even in the dark.
This device has a metal body which adds to its sturdiness and durability. It is quite compact and can even be mounted on a wall for better space utilization. However, this device doesn’t come with an operation manual, which can make it slightly challenging for first-time users.
CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON!4. UTL MPPT SMU Automatic Solar Charge Controller
Highlights
- Equipped with a high-speed microcontroller
- Undercharge and overcharge protection
- Wide operating temperature range
- Compact and lightweight
The UTL MPPT SMU Automatic Solar Charge Controller is a highly efficient device that is equipped with a high-speed microcontroller to improve functionality. It is compact and lightweight, and its wall-mounted design makes it suitable for use even in smaller spaces.
This heavy-duty device comes with protection against overcharge, undercharge, and voltage fluctuations, which ensure the longevity of solar batteries. It supports both 12V and 24V solar panels and is compatible with tubular and SMF batteries. And that’s not all, this reliable charge controller can be operated even in harsh temperature conditions, thanks to its wide operating temperature range of 0°C to 50°C.
All these features come at a price, literally – this solar charge controller is slightly more expensive, although the price is justified considering its efficiency. However, it may not be the best choice for people on a tight budget.
CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON!5. SSUCA Solar Charge Controller
Highlights
- Small and lightweight
- Dual USB outputs
- LCD display screen
- 1-year warranty
If you are looking for a small, lightweight, and highly convenient solar charge controller that would fit within a small budget, the SSUCA Solar Charge Controller is perhaps the best you can get. This compact device supports 12V and 24V solar panels and is equipped with all the necessary safety features to protect your battery from charge and voltage fluctuations.
It comes with dual USB outputs that allow you to charge your phone, tablet, laptop, and other devices as required. This charge controller is also equipped with a digital LCD screen to help you view the operating status and data at all times. It even comes with a 12-month warranty.
However, this device isn’t compatible with all types of batteries – it only supports lead-acid batteries. Therefore, make sure to check your battery type before purchase.
CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON!6. Luminous SCC 1220NM Solar Charge Controller
Highlights
- Short circuit protection
- Compact body
- Built-in USB port
- 1-year warranty
The Luminous SCC 1220NM Solar Charge Controller is a highly-reliable device that increases the longevity of any battery thanks to its smooth and stable output. This small, lightweight, and affordable device is easy to install and is designed to be durable.
This low-maintenance solar charge controller comes with reverse current and overcharge protection to safeguard your battery at all times. You also get a built-in USB port that allows you to charge your phone or other USB devices without the need for an adapter.
This PWM solar charge controller is compatible with lead-acid and SMF battery types and can support both 12V and 24V solar panels. On the downside, the charging speed is slightly slow, which may be an issue for some people.
CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON!7. Smarten Prime+ 12/24V 50A MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Highlights
- Easy to install
- High efficiency
- Enhanced protection features
- Supports multiple battery types
The Smarten Prime+ 12/24V 50A MPPT Solar Charge Controller is designed to extract up to 100% of power from solar panels to boost your savings. This reliable device is easy to install and supports both 12V & 24V panels.
It is highly efficient and offers complete protection against issues like voltage fluctuations, overcharge, reverse current, over-temperature, etc., that may otherwise lower battery life. The product is equipped with a backlit digital LCD screen that allows you to view the status and also check the units you have saved. In addition, you also get a 12-month warranty against all manufacturing defects.
The main drawback of this product is that the quality of some specific parts such as the power cords is less than satisfactory. However, when it comes to efficiency, there isn’t much to complain about this heavy-duty device.
CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON!Factors To Be Considered Before Buying The Best Solar Charge Controllers In India
1. Types Of Solar Charge Controllers:
The first and most important factor that you must have some knowledge about before buying the best solar charge controller in India is the types of controllers available.
- PWM Solar Charge Controller- This type of solar charge controller aims at matching the solar panel voltage to the voltage of the battery. In doing so, it reduces the panel’s output voltage.
- MPPT Solar Charge Controller- This is an electronic DC-to-DC converter that optimizes the matching voltage between the solar panels and the battery. The higher voltage DC is converted to low voltage to power the battery bank. The excess voltage from the panel is converted to electricity for the house or office.
2. Maximum Current:
You must check the maximum current rating of the solar charge controller before making a purchase. It tells a lot about the performance of the controller as well as its capability of handling high-load appliances. It indicates the maximum current that the device can deal with. Basic budget models can usually handle 10 or 20 amps of current, whereas the more high-end ones can handle 30 to 40 amps.
3. Voltage Rating:
This is another crucial factor that you need to consider. The voltage rating does not affect the performance of the controller in any way but it ensures the versatility and compatibility levels of the device. Almost all the solar charge controllers mentioned in this article are compatible with both 12-volt and 24-volt solar panel systems.
4. Warranty:
Once installed, solar panels tend to last for decades. However, this is beneficial only when the other parts of the solar panel are just as reliable. To ensure that the solar system functions for a long time, check for the warranty offered by the solar charge controller company. Most of these devices come with a 1-year warranty but a few better ones have a 2-year warranty on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better MPPT or PWM?
MPPT solar charge controllers have a higher power output compared to PWM solar charge controllers. It can harvest an additional 11.1% of energy. Thus, MPPT is better than PWM.
2. What capacity solar charge controller do I need?
This depends on the amount of energy that your solar panels produce. You require a solar charge controller that can handle this load efficiently. Thus, if the panels produce 480 watts of energy then you require a 20 amps solar charge controller. Typically, the amperage rating of controllers ranges from 1 to 60 amps.
3. How many watts can a 20-amp solar charge controller handle?
A 20 amps solar charge controller can handle approximately 480 watts.
4. What is the function of a solar charge controller?
A solar charge controller is essentially a protective guard that limits electrical energy flow from the solar panels to the battery. It prevents overcharging as well as undercharging. It also protects against excessive voltage flow.
Conclusion
Solar charge controllers are a boon for all solar panel users because of the crucial protection to the solar battery. A lot of damage is possible without the controller regulating the flow of energy from the solar panels. Through this article, we have tried to provide you with adequate knowledge about the workings of a solar charge controller along with a list of the best solar charge controllers in India. We hope it benefits you in making the right decision.
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