GVB-8 (BOOST)

8A Voltage-Boosting MPPT Solar Charge Controller

Starting at $125

  • Made in USA
  • Voltage-boosting (Step-up)
  • Options for 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V lead-acid, LiFePO₄, and lithium-ion
  • 99% Peak efficiency
  • High-speed MPPT
  • Advanced electronic protections
  • Tiny self-consumption (5-7mA)
  • IP40 (waterproof IP68 version available)
  • 5-Year Warranty
  • ETL, C1D2, CE, FCC, and RoHS
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Voltage-Boost: A True Problem-Solver

Most solar charge controllers move power from a higher-voltage panel to a lower-voltage battery bank. The GVB-series controllers, in contrast, pump electricity up hill. These controllers will take a lower-voltage panel and boost the voltage to charge a 24V, 36V or 48V battery pack. In fact, the GVB’s will work with almost any panel that’s below your battery voltage. Because these controllers feature true MPPT, no configuration is necessary; the controller will automatically adapt to your panel. Want to charge a 24V battery with a 60-cell (18V) solar panel? No problem. A 48V battery from a 12V panel? We’ve got you covered. And our 12V boost controller will charge 12V batteries from specialty low-voltage panels.

Boost Panel Voltage to Save Money and Simplify Installation

Larger panels are cheaper per Watt than smaller panels, so using one large panel and a GVB-8 results in a lower system cost than using smaller panels in series and also allows simpler wiring and installation.  So stop stringing small 12V panels in series to charge at 24V or 48V, and reap the rewards of the GVB-8’s boost technology.  

Boost System Reliability with the GVB-8

Genasun controllers are deployed to the most remote locations on earth. They endure years at sea, harsh Antarctic winters, freezing conditions in the upper atmosphere on solar powered airplanes, and in a few off-the-map locations. Made in the USA, each controller is put through complete electrical testing to ensure reliability. In addition, Genasun’s GVB-8 boosts system reliability by allowing the use of lower-voltage solar panels.  Compared to a higher-voltage panel, these have fewer cells, fewer interconnections to go bad, and larger cell area to defend against partial shading, all resulting in a more robust system.

Tailored Lithium Charging Profiles Available

Our Lithium charging algorithms draw from a decade of experience building lithium battery packs for harsh environments. We’ve worked with every chemistry and have tailored charge profiles to help you get more capacity and cycle life from your battery pack.

Custom Voltages Available

Genasun stocks the GVB-8 for lead-acid batteries and for a variety of Lithium chemistries and cell configurations. If these standard configurations don’t work for your application, a custom charge profile can be programmed at the factory to match the specs of your lead-acid or Li battery. To order a Custom Voltage controller, hit the “Choose Options” button next to the GVB-8-Pb-CV or GVB-8-Li-CV SKU below, and select the custom voltages from the drop-down menu. Further options and bulk discounts are available by special order.

Waterproof Versions Available

The GVB series of controllers is great for use on golf carts and other small EVs up to 48V.  With a panel on the roof, your first 10 miles per day could be free.  Because these applications may have the controller more exposed to the elements, we recommend our waterproof version, the GVB-8-WP .

High-Speed MPPT: Always on Target

Not all Maximum Power Point Tracking controllers were created equal. Most use a “sweep and sleep” method that scans every 30-60 seconds. That’s okay for a clear day, but traditional controllers are constantly off target when used on vehicles or in changing cloud conditions – exactly when power is scarce and is needed the most. Genasun controllers adapt to changing light conditions 15 times every second. They are always on target, capturing every bit of available sunshine. Simply put, other controllers can’t keep up.

Wide Power Band

Efficiency matters.  Many controllers are designed simply to not burn up at high power levels, sacrificing efficiency in low light.  At Genasun, we understand that a watt-hour collected during bad weather is worth even more than a watt-hour collected on a sunny day.  We tuned our power conversion circuitry to maintain high efficiency over the full range of power levels.  Whereas other controllers may charge with efficiencies as low as 80% or worse in low light, the GVB-8 maintains greater than 95% efficiency while operating at only 10% of its rated input (94% for 12V models).  When other controllers have given up and are draining your battery, the GVB-8 will still be charging.

LED Indicator

The built-in LED will quickly tell you that you’ve installed the controller correctly. Simple to read, it will also let you know when the battery is charging from solar power, and when the battery has reached full charge.

Partial Shade Punch

Genasun controllers shine in partial shade. The 50% power increase from Genasun’s advanced MPPT is often enough to prevent system downtime from partial shade. From antennas and sailboat rigging, to street signs and tree branches, to coffee cups and stickers placed on panels by pedestrians, Genasun MPPT keeps partially shaded solar panels generating more power than any other controller.

Marine Grade: Reliable Power After Years at Sea

With all stainless steel and plated brass hardware, Genasun boost controllers provide reliable power in the harshest environments on earth. GVB’s have been powering boats on round-the-world sailing races for years.

No Fans. No Relays.

Fans get clogged with dust and dirt. Relays eventually stop switching. Genasun controllers use advanced electrical design that obsoletes these parts. With no moving parts to wear out, Genasun controllers outlast the competition.

Available in Bulk for OEM Applications

While the GVB-8 ships in individual packaging by default, we can also ship in bulk packs of 50 for OEM volume applications.  Bulk packs minimize packaging waste, labor, and shelf space requirements. Please contact us for more information.

All SKUs
GVB-8-Pb-12V
GVB-8-Pb-24V
GVB-8-Pb-36V
GVB-8-Pb-48V

1: Panel ratings have increased since we designed the GVB-8. Although we don't believe in changing specifications without a corresponding engineering change, based on both our customers' experiences over the years as well as the headroom we designed into the GVB-8, we feel comfortable recommending the GVB-8 for panels with Imp up to 9 A.
2: Panel Isc. Max input power and maximum input voltage requirements must also be respected.
3: Max current that the controller could draw from an unlimited source. This specification is not intended for determining PV input.
4: Max ambient temperature for full operating power.
5: If the battery voltage drops below this point, the controller will attempt to run an absorption cycle. Otherwise, it will charge to the float voltage.

All SKUs
GVB-8-Li-14.2V
GVB-8-Li-25.0V
GVB-8-Li-28.4V
GVB-8-Li-41.7V
GVB-8-Li-56.8V

1: Panel ratings have increased since we designed the GVB-8. Although we don't believe in changing specifications without a corresponding engineering change, based on both our customers' experiences over the years as well as the headroom we designed into the GVB-8, we feel comfortable recommending the GVB-8 for panels with Imp up to 9 A.
2: Panel Isc. Max input power and maximum input voltage requirements must also be respected.
3: Max current that the controller could draw from an unlimited source. This specification is not intended for determining PV input.
4: Max ambient temperature for full operating power

GVB-8/GVB-8-WP Overview

Lead-Acid
SKU Description Price Quantity
GVB-8-Pb-12V-RETAIL

For 12V lead-acid batteries

 $130
GVB-8-Pb-24V-RETAIL

For 24V lead-acid batteries

 $160
GVB-8-Pb-36V-RETAIL

For 36V lead-acid batteries

 $160
GVB-8-Pb-48V-RETAIL

For 48V lead-acid batteries

 $160
GVB-8-Pb-CV-RETAIL

For lead-acid batteries with custom charge profile

 $220
Lithium
SKU Description Price Quantity
GVB-8-Li-14.2V-RETAIL

For 12V (4S) LiFePO4 batteries

 $140
GVB-8-Li-25.0V-RETAIL

For 22.2V (6S) Li-ion LiPo/LiCoO2 batteries

 $190
GVB-8-Li-28.4V-RETAIL

For 24V (8S) LiFePO4 batteries

 $190
GVB-8-Li-41.7V-RETAIL

For 37.0V (10S) Li-ion LiPo/LiCoO2 batteries

 $190
GVB-8-Li-56.8V-RETAIL

For 48V (16S) LiFePO4 batteries

 $190
GVB-8-Li-CV-RETAIL

For lithium batteries with custom charge profile

 $250

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