Workhorse MPPT controller?

[forestcreature]

Solar nerds! Can anybody recommend a workhorse MPPT controller for a <100W installation? PWM might be best in my case but it would be good to consider all the options. The choice is bewildering!

Do need reliability and cost-effectiveness. Don't need bluetooth, IoT silliness, or flashy displays!

 

[PaulRainbow]

For quality and reliability i would recommend Victron. Not the cheapest, but work well, last well and have a 5yr warranty.

 

[forestcreature]

Thank you! My bluetooth comment was just a joke, but they do have a bluetooth and non-bluetooth offering with a credible price difference between them!

 

[forestcreature]

Hm but also this: https://hackaday.com/2018/07/31/high-efficiency-open-sourced-mppt-solar-charger/

 

[wizard]

For quality and reliability i would recommend Victron. Not the cheapest, but work well, last well and have a 5yr warranty.

+1 and with regular updates you can do via your phone its a no brainer.

 

[vyv_cox]

Not mppt but pwm. We have a Sunworks controller with dual battery bank charging, 125 watts solar. We have owned it for years, totally reliable except once, when it was repaired for £30. Excellent kit and service.

 

[Turnnidge]

I have just fitted a Victron with a 55w panel, being able to Bluetooth both live and historical data off it is a great feature. Well worth the money IMO.

 

[forestcreature]

Okay these are some good recommendations, thank you all. I think I will try the open-source solution on principle first.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Victron certainly seem to have the market buttoned up. Google search seems to bring up nothing else, feedback is good as well. I've only used cheap £10 ones from Banggood on my small panels. Must say that they've never gone wrong but one with data logging and Bluetooth is attractive.