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Bobbo's avatar
Bobbo
Explorer II
Jul 28, 2021

Best weatherproof MPPT solar charge controller

I am about to buy 200 watts of portable solar panels in a suitcase configuration. I was about to get a Renogy 200 watt unit that comes with a weatherproof 20 amp PWM controller, but I really want an MPPT controller so I can hook those panels up in series rather than parallel. That way I can reduce voltage drop by carrying half of the amps at twice the voltage, and putting the controller beside the batteries instead of beside the panels. Then I had a brainstorm. Instead of buying the 200 watt unit with a PWM controller that I don't need, and wires I have to cut and reconfigure to get series panels, I will buy two of their 100 watt suitcases without a controller. That will make it easy-peasy to put them in series configuration. However, I still need a weatherproof MPPT controller.

Question, can someone point me to a decent weatherproof MPPT controller, preferably negative ground? (Victron doesn't list any of theirs as weatherproof.)

Thank you in advance
  • A controller positioned outside? Not the best plan in my opinion. My go to company is WindyNation and I don’t see a weatherproof MPPT option. They do have a weatherproof PWM. The tests I’ve seen, including RV Tito, show little if any difference series vs. parallel. The setup, takedown, setup, takedown turn me off from a suitcase.
  • You can also make your own suitcase with non suitcase panels. Ideally the controller shouldn't be exposed to vented flooded batteries. AGMs should be OK. Vent a container if necesssary to keep the controller from overheating.
  • Not clear why you need it weatherproof when you intend to put it near your battery bank. You can put it inside near the battery bank and run the array-controller wiring to, eg, Anderson connectors going to the controller array terminals.

    It doesn't matter for RV use if the controller is pos or neg "grounded". You don't chassis ground the controller or the panels.