Review of the PolyEnergy 150w 10a MPPT flex-chemistry solar controller:
I purchased this solar controller to use with medium to large size solar wallets of up to 100 watts, where I
needed to be able to support different battery chemistries. Small size and light weight were also some big
considerations, as this would be replacing two different controllers in the solar wallet's accessory pouch.
Lately it's been difficult to know what to trust with solar listings, since sellers (and manufacturers) often
provide inflated or even outlandish values when describing features and performance, so I tested it shortly
after delivery. I intended to test the ease of changing between battery types, its ability to quickly adjust
to the panel's MPP voltage, and the efficiency with which it charged the battery
Today I only tested with a partly discharged LIFE (Lithium Iron Phosphate, aka LiFePO4) battery. After plugging
the controller into the battery, check the color of the LED to see if it's set to the correct chemistry. The
colors and their chemistries listed right above the LED. To change it, hold down the (only) button a few seconds
until the LED starts flashing, then release the button. Quickly press and release the button to change to another
type. When you have the correct battery type selected, press and hold the button until the LED stops flashing.
This setting will be remembered for next time.
I initially connected the controller to five (18 volt, 60 watt) wallets with their panels in parallel to test
its max power delivery. The controller delivered about 140 watts at close to 10 amps. It didn't quite hit its
rated max, but I think it was close enough to call a pass. (it may have performed better on a lower battery)
The second test was to only connect one single wallet to see how it handled solar that was below its maximum
supported power, and to verify its maximum power point tracking. The controller quickly settled on 17.6 volts,
where this panel is rated for a Vmpp of about 18 volts so that's a pass. 40 watts in was giving 38 watts out
to the battery, so this reading agrees with the earliler one at max power, the controller is very efficient.
I'll also comment on the features. The case is aluminum, with plastic end-caps. The strain-reliefs on the two
leads are unpleasantly stiff, and I think that slightly more flexible strain-reliefs would provide improved
protection for the leads. I don't personally care for their use of SAE connectors, but they're probably the
best choice for the average user. One just has to pay careful attention to polarity (positive and negative)
when connecting them or you may cause immediate damage to your gear. It does come with one "gender changer",
which may not be enough, depending on your battery and solar setup. It also comes with an adapter to MC4 solar
connectors, which is a nice touch. The wire on the leads is thick and feels like pure (stranded) copper, which
is good to see. The thick plastics, aluminum case, waterproof button, and lack of a digital display make this
unit pretty rugged. It's not waterproof, so don't let it get rained on, but it should survive anything else.
For performance, I'm giving this controller a full five stars. It's simple, flexible, easy to use, rugged, and
performs well and close to its rated specifications. I think the price is very reasonable for what you get.
A. max solar collection
B LIFE selected, charging
C. max charging power
D. MPP tracking at work
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last updated 05/25/2025 at 23:00:30 by make_www_index.command version 2025.05.20.B
