Frugal Energy Renewable power and aquaponics, built frugally

Renewable energy

MPPT charge controllers

Pick a controller that matches your panel string and battery voltage, wire it up, and let it do its job.

Epever MPPT

I like the basic Epever MPPT chargers. They come in different sizes depending on your panel input and battery output, and the ratings are generous enough that you do not need to sweat every watt.

Epever units handle both 12V and 24V battery banks. Decide your system voltage first, then match the controller, panels and batteries to that.

Epever MPPT solar charge controller wired to a salvaged battery pack on a workbench
Epever MPPT charge controller on the bench with a salvaged battery pack. Pick the controller size to match your panels and bank, then wire it once and leave it to run.

Small projects: ATEM POWER MPPT

For smaller setups I also like the little ATEM POWER MPPT chargers. They are handy when you are not running a full bank and just want a panel, a battery and something sensible on the load side. The built-in USB port is the useful bit: easy to plug in a camera, a Raspberry Pi, or other 5V gear without extra adapters.

ATEM POWER MPPT solar charge controller with 12V LiFePO4 battery and weatherproof enclosure
ATEM POWER MPPT on the bench with a 12V LiFePO4 pack and an enclosure. Panel in, battery charged, USB out for the small stuff.