Ever since becoming a full-time RVer nine years ago, the allure of Solar power has been ever-present. Sometimes, working for RV LIFE has its perks. BougeRV reached out to our marketing team, offering a chance to test their RV solar system. Eager to contribute, I jumped at the opportunity to upgrade my rig with this system provided by them.

I’ve decided to divide my review into two parts. In this first article, I’ll cover the brains of the operation: the solar charge Controller. I’ll start by explaining what a solar charge controller is, the two main types, and how to determine the right size for your solar setup. Then I’ll get into my hands-on experience with the BougeRV Sunflow 60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller.

Understanding Solar Charge Controllers

A solar charge controller regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels to the batteries, ensuring efficient charging and preventing overcharging. It is vital for maintaining battery health and optimizing the efficiency of your solar setup.

Types of Solar Charge Controllers

1. PWM Controllers: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controllers are a basic type suitable for smaller or less complex systems. They are cost-effective and work well in systems where high efficiency is not a priority.
2. MPPT Controllers: Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers adjust the input from the solar panels to deliver the maximum possible current for charging the battery. MPPT controllers are ideal for larger, more sophisticated systems and can significantly improve the efficiency of solar power systems.

Selecting the Right Controller for Your RV

1. Assess Your Solar Array: Figure out how much solar you have or plan to add to your rig.
2. Battery Compatibility: Choose a controller compatible with your RV’s battery type, whether it’s LiFePO4, AGM, or others.
3. Additional Features You May Like: Look for features like remote monitoring, safety protections (such as over-temperature and short-circuit protection), and ease of installation.

Calculating the Required Size

To determine the right solar charge controller size, consider the total wattage of your solar panels and the voltage of your battery system. For example, if you have two 100W solar panels (totaling 200W) and a 12V battery system, the current (in amps) would be calculated as:

Current (A) = Total Watts / Battery Voltage

In our example above, we have 200 watts of solar divided by a 12V battery system which equals A little over 16 amps. So, a controller with at least a 17A capacity would work. So a BougeRV Li 20A PWM Solar Charge Controller or even a BougeRV Li 30A PWM Solar Charge Controller would be the minimum sized and type charge controller you would need.

Planning for Future Expansion

When selecting a solar charge controller, ask yourself if you plan on adding more solar in the future. Opting for a controller with a higher amperage than your current needs gives you the flexibility to add more panels later without the need for an immediate upgrade. Additionally, opting for the more expensive MPPT charge controllers rather than the less efficient PWM will allow you to get the most out of your upgraded solar array, as the efficiency of MPPT is most notable when you have larger array setups.

In-Depth Review: BougeRV Sunflow 60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller

Detailed Features

The BougeRV Sunflow 60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller boasts many great features designed for optimizing RV solar systems:

• Versatile Battery Compatibility: It supports a range of battery types, including Sealed, Gel, Flooded, and Lithium, catering to diverse power storage needs.
• High Efficiency: The controller boasts over 99% MPPT tracking efficiency and over 95% charging conversion efficiency, maximizing the solar power captured.
• Comprehensive Protection Functions: It includes overvoltage, over-discharge, and over-temperature protections, ensuring the safety and longevity of your solar setup.
• Intelligent Charging Stages: Offering various charging stages, it’s well-suited for both lead-acid and lithium batteries.
• Temperature Compensation: This feature ensures optimal charging performance under different environmental conditions, maintaining efficiency throughout.

Initial Impressions and Setup

My first impression of the Sunflow 60A Solar Charge Controller was positive. It felt rugged and durable with its metal casing and heat sink. The clearly labeled inputs eased my apprehension about self-installation.

My initial plan was to install the solar charge controller myself. However, an unexpected turn of events led to us saying goodbye to our RV of nine years and upgrading to a brand new 2023 Thor Hurricane. Given this major change and the intricacies of working on a brand-new RV, I opted for a professional installation by the techs at Camping World. I didn’t want to void any warranties by drilling around and rerouting wires in a brand new RV.

Real-World Testing and Results

With the solar system up and running in my new Thor Hurricane, I was eager to test the BougeRV Sunflow 60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller under real-world conditions. One standout feature was the Bluetooth app. Tucked away under my bed, the controller wasn’t directly visible, so having remote access to all the stats like panel voltage, watts, amps, and battery temperature was incredibly convenient. The ease of connection and configuration, including setting the battery type, made the experience seamless.

I often find myself in the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its cool, rainy climate rather than sunny skies. To put the controller to the test, I chose a typical November day in Northern Oregon – partly cloudy, slightly hazy, around 3 PM. Conditions were far from ideal, but they represented the reality many RVers face when relying on solar power. I even positioned the panels away from the south to mimic the unpredictability of camping spots.

The two 200W bifacial solar panels gathered energy, but the real question was how well the controller would manage in such suboptimal conditions. Remarkably, parked in a Walmart lot, the controller efficiently used the available power. It allowed my wife and me to work on our laptops and kept our 110V fridge running off the inverter, all without draining the battery. In fact, my battery monitor showed a surplus of a few amps.

In these less-than-ideal conditions, the BougeRV Sunflow 60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller not only performed but exceeded expectations, showcasing its ability to manage power efficiently even on the cloudiest days.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Robust build and efficient design.
• User-friendly app for remote monitoring.
• Excellent performance in diverse weather conditions.
• Capacity to add more panels in the future.

Cons:

• I like to try and find something, even a small thing, not to like about products I test. While the product was given to me by the company, thus making these types of posts sponsored, it’s important to review these products as objectively as possible. I unfortunately, or fortunately could not find anything to gripe about on this product. It did the job it was supposed to do.

Conclusion: Wrapping Up My Experience with BougeRV’s Solar Charge Controller

As I wrap up this review, I’m left thoroughly impressed with the BougeRV Sunflow 60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller. It’s sturdy, efficient, and remarkably user-friendly, especially with the intuitive app. I’m thoroughly happy to have it as part of the energy solution on my RV.

Discount For Camper Smarts Readers

BougeRV has agreed to give Camper Smarts readers an exclusive discount. Use code campersmarts16 for a 16% discount on the Bifacial 200W Solar Panel and 60A MPPT Solar Charge Controller. This offer is valid from 11/17/2023 to 04/30/2024.

Also, don’t miss BougeRV’s Black Friday Sale, offering up to 60% off and free gifts! Learn more about these deals here.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you might have. Don’t forget to take a look at my review of BougeRV’s 200W Bifacial Solar panels here.

The post Understanding Solar Charge Controllers: Types, Sizing, and Review of BougeRV Sunflow 60A MPPT appeared first on Camper Smarts.