Viewstar VS1024BN PWM Solar Charge Controller 10A 12/24V with LCD Display for Solar Battery Charging

It's relatively inexpensive, it has decent adjustability (unlike most other inexpensive charge controllers,) and it works as advertised. I have a few quibbles with it, such as the built-in temp sensor reacts VERY slowly to temperature changes, and I wish the display would stay as I last left it, rather than reverting to a goofy default display without much value. I also wish that the absorb stage duration could be controlled with a current threshold, rather than by time, but it still works pretty well. [EDIT: I removed my doubts about it's current-handling capability- it barely gets warm at 10A.]It makes a great car battery charger, BTW. I hooked it up to a 190W laptop power supply instead of a solar panel and periodically use it to fully charge the Optima yellow-top battery in my van, which never gets fully charged by the van's charging system. I have tried charging the battery with my Sears car battery charger, and then hooking the Viewstar afterwards, and the Viewstar keeps packing charge into the battery long after the Sears charger thinks it's done. This is a big advantage of having adjustable charging voltages.I recently used the equalization feature on a car starter battery that was only charging to about 90% in 5 cells and to 75% in one cell (based on hydrometer reading.) After two days a 15.8V (with current < 1A,) 5 cells are at full charge, and the "bad" cell is at 90%. So, the equalization function works well.Conclusion: it's a good charge controller at a good price.

The first one I received had a problem. I called them and they sent a replacement immediately. This time it worked fine. I'm happy!

If the user is knowledgable enough to want to adjust the precise voltage for absorption charging and wants the ability to use remote temperature compensation (the temperature sensor must be purchased separately) this controller is an excellent option and great value. I've been using this on my RV since 2016. Being able to set the absorption voltage to the manufacturer's (Trojan) specified optimum voltage of 14.9 volts (for a pair of 6 volt T-105's, with temperature compensation) results in significantly quicker charging during daily use. It also results in less plate sulfation (user must check electrolyte levels weekly during the summer to charge at this level.) If you understood this review and are looking for an excellent value this controller is a good option.