GV-4

4A MPPT Solar Charge Controller

Starting at $65

  • Made in USA
  • 12V, 50W (see specs)
  • For lead-acid batteries (for lithium, see our GV-5)
  • 99.85% peak electrical efficiency
  • High-speed MPPT
  • Advanced electronic protections
  • Tiny self-consumption when charging (0.125mA)
  • IP40
  • Compact and lightweight
  • 5-Year Warranty
  • CE, FCC, and RoHS compliant
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Compact Power

With a rated input power of 50W, Genasun’s GV-4 solar charge controller is perfect for coupling a small panel to a battery to provide power for many applications, including powering lights, radios, and charging mobile devices in a sailboat or RV, maintaining a battery while a vehicle is in storage, or powering unattended devices where grid power is not available.  Where panel size is limited, the GV-4’s advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) delivers 10-30% more power than a PWM controller, and the GV-4’s near-perfect tracking efficiency, excellent electrical efficiency over the whole power range, and tiny self-consumption allow it to easily outperform other MPPT controllers.  The GV-4’s small size and light weight make mounting and installation a snap.

Widest Power Band

Efficiency matters.  Many controllers are designed simply to not burn up at high power levels, with no attention to 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 GV-4 maintains greater than 95% efficiency down to a few watts.  At even lower levels, the GV-4 engages a special mode that boosts electrical efficiency to an astounding peak of 99.85%, consuming less than 0.2 milliamps and charging down to milliwatts of solar input.   When other controllers have given up and are draining your battery, the GV-4 will still be charging. 

Mission-Critical Reliability

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 operation in a few off-the-map locations. Made in the USA, each controller is put through complete electrical testing to ensure reliability. If you need mission-critical power, this is your controller.

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.

Custom Voltages Available

A custom charge voltage profile can be programmed at the factory to match the specs of your lead-acid battery (for lithium batteries, please see our GV-5 solar charge controller). To order a Custom Voltage controller, hit the “Choose Options” button next to the GV-4-Pb-CV SKU below, and select the voltages from the drop-down menu.  Further options and bulk discounts are available by special order.

Surviving the Storm with Low Power Burn

Every controller uses power. While a typical charge controller burns 5-25mA, the Genasun GV-4 burns a scant 0.09mA in standby, and only 0.125mA when charging in low light. That slow burn is perfect for waiting out a snow-covered panel, or a few bad weeks of clouds.

Partial Shade – In-City Applications

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 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.

Steady Power Source

Life is unpredictable. PWM controllers amplify that unpredictability. A small amount of shade can drop PWM power output to 2/3’s of what a Genasun MPPT controller can draw from the same panel. By constantly adapting to changing light conditions, Genasun’s advanced MPPT controllers provide a steadier source of power, keeping your system running in uncertain weather.

Radio Silence

Most MPPT solar charge controllers broadcast radio frequency (RF) noise from the DC/DC conversion circuit. Unfiltered inputs and outputs waste energy and interfere with nearby or attached electronics. Genasun worked to eliminate RF emissions from our line of charge controllers. During third-party testing for FCC compliance, the test engineer asked us, “Is it on?” Mission accomplished.

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.

Fault Tolerance

The Genasun GV-4 is protected against all the common faults that may occur in off-grid systems.  Unlike other controllers, which may blow a fuse to protect themselves, requiring a site visit and diagnostics to correct, the GV-4’s protections are all-electronic: as soon as the fault is cleared, the GV-4 will begin charging again, with no user-intervention or reset required.  For instance, a solar panel shorted while charging can cause a large reverse current flow from the battery, blowing a fuse, burning wiring, and possibly destroying a lesser controller.  The GV-4 detects a shorted array and isolates the input in microseconds, thousands of times faster than a fuse would blow, protecting itself, the wiring, and the system as a whole.

Available in Bulk for OEM Applications

While the GV-4 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.  We also have a version of the GV-4, the GV-4P, available with a pluggable terminal block connector, available by special order in volume.  Please contact us for more information on any of these options.

1: Panel Isc. Max input power and maximum input voltage requirements must also be respected.
2: Max current that the controller could draw from an unlimited source. This specification is not intended for determining PV input.
3: 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.
4: Max ambient temperature for full operating power. Test conditions: 16V input, 13V output, GV-4 vertically (wall) mounted.
Lead-Acid
SKU Description Price Quantity
GV-4-Pb-12V-RETAIL

For 12V lead-acid batteries

$70
GV-4-Pb-CV-RETAIL

For lead-acid batteries with custom charge profile

$95

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