A Smart MPPT Solar Charge Controller
The Bateria Power MPPT solar charge controller is a portable charge controller with SAE connectors.
These type of connectors are quick to connect and disconnect, making it a great charge controller for users with portable solar panels and not permanent setups.
One use for this type of product is for connecting solar panels to solar ready RVs. Since most solar ready RVs don’t come with charge controllers but with a port for a quick connection to the RV battery, this Bateria Power charge controller can be placed between the panel and the port. That will ensure a safe and quick charge.
It comes in a couple of different configurations. The one I am reviewing is the 20A model with Bluetooth. The Bluetooth functionality allows me to control and monitor the charge controller with an app on my phone.
How easy is it to get started? What solar panels and batteries is it compatible with? Let’s get right to it.
First Impressions, Setup & Test Results
My first impression is that it feels rigid and like a good quality product. The cables are thick and the connectors are high-quality.
The charge controller is ready to be connected to a battery and solar panel right out of the box.
I bought an SAE to alligator clips adapter (click to view on Amazon) to be able to quickly connect the charge controller to my battery.
As soon as I connect it to a 12V lithium battery, the screen lights up. I hold the “set & enter” button until one of the battery types next to the button flashes.
It supports AGM, Gel, Deep cycle, Sealed, Lead-acid, Flooded, and lithium batteries. It’s a 3-stage charger.
I push the button again to change it to LiFePO4, since I have connected it to a lithium battery.
This matters because different batteries use different charging profiles. A lithium battery is not charged the same way as a gel battery, for example.
I also make sure that it’s set to 12V, since I am using a 12V battery and not a 24V. It is also compatible with 24V batteries or configurations though.
From there, it’s ready to be connected to a solar panel. Since the solar panel I was doing tests with had MC4 connectors, I had to buy an MC4 to SAE adapter (click to view on Amazon).
It’s easy to see which side connect to what, since one says input and one output. The input is for the solar panel, and the output for the battery.
The only things included with the Bateria Power charge controller are two SAE to bare wire cables, an SAE reverse adapter, and four screws.
When connected to a battery and a solar panel, the display on the front shows the battery voltage and the amperage (current) being produced by the panel. The display also shows error codes if there is a problem.
The adapters I had to purchase and use are only rated for 10A, but the charge controller can handle up to 20A. That means 300W if using 12V or 600W if using 24V.
There are four battery indicators on the front. 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent.
Since I received the Bluetooth version, I was able to download and connect my phone to the charge controller.
In the app I get an overview of what’s going on with both the battery and the solar panel. How much it has generated, current status, error message, etc.
I am also able to configure the charging voltages. If your battery manufacturer has provided you with specific voltage recommendations, you should adjust them accordingly.
I tested the charge controller in the middle of the winter in Sweden, so I wasn’t able to fully test it. It was, however, performing good and my 100W produced 32W at most. I am going to come back with more test results as soon as the sun is a bit stronger.
My Thoughts & Conclusion
Even though I wasn’t able to fully put the charge controller to the test I was able to test the basic functions and make sure it works the way it should.
I didn’t have any problems with the charge controller, and I was surprised by how well the mobile app worked.
I like that you can change all the charging parameters in the app, since not all batteries are equal. I also like that the app shows not only current information but historical data as well.
As I mention above, I am going to do more tests when the sun is stronger. But so far I like this Bateria Power charge controller.
Please leave a comment if you have questions.
