The 8 Best Waterproof Solar Charge Controllers
Editor's Notes
January 29, 2021:
As is often the case in these solar-technology categories, it was a fairly busy round of updates. While the Suner Power CC-12 and Voyager 20A were both removed due to recent discontinuations, we were quick to replace them with two like-branded options: the Suner Power Regulator, and the latest version of the Renogy Voyager.
Other new additions this time around include the Sun Energise Dusk to Dawn — which uses a three-stage charging process and is intended for small arrays of less than 180 watts; and the HQST Voyager — an IP67 weather-sealed model that can handle temperatures as cold as -31 Fahrenheit.
If weather sealing isn’t an absolute must for you, then you might want to hop on over to our generalized list of solar charge controllers. And since you found your way here, there’s a good chance that you’ll be interested in perusing our rankings for portable solar generators and solar power intertors.
March 28, 2019:
All the models featured on our list make use of pulse width modulation technology, which is an effective way of making sure a solar battery charges efficiently. The current from the panels tapers according to the recharging needs of the battery. These types of controllers tend to be both compact and affordable.
The Renogy Voyager 20A made the top spot on our list since it has a lot to offer, including a backlit LCD (which most waterproof selections do not incorporate), and it features an external sensor that allows for accurate temperature compensation. The Suner Power model also receives high marks for reliability, and it’s CE safety certified, with a wide array of built-in protections. The rugged WindyNation is designed for mounting directly on the back of your solar panel, and it’s prewired and conveniently includes the necessary MC4 connectors.
No matter which you go with, make sure it’s compatible with your solar array and the other equipment in your system. In addition, this type of device should always be set up by a licensed installer.