When you rely on portable solar power, every bit of efficiency matters. Whether you’re running a fridge at camp, topping up your battery between drives, or keeping essential gear alive off-grid, managing your solar energy can make a big difference.
That’s exactly why the KickAss Smart 20A 12V/24V MPPT In-Line Solar Charge Controller + Integrated Bluetooth earned such glowing praise from this customer:
Let’s take a closer look at this clever piece of gear, and why it worked so well for Greg’s setup.
What Is an MPPT Solar Charge Controller?
Before we dive into the product itself, it helps to understand what a solar charge controller actually does.
When solar panels generate power, that energy needs to be regulated before it reaches your battery. Without a controller, your battery could overcharge, overheat, or suffer damage.
But not all charge controllers are created equal.
Many small portable solar setups use PWM controllers. These are simple and affordable, but they don’t extract the maximum possible energy from your panels.
MPPT controllers are different.
MPPT stands for Maximum Power Point Tracking, and it’s a more advanced charging method that constantly adjusts to capture the most efficient power output from your solar panels. In real-world terms, that means:
- Faster charging
- Better performance in changing light conditions
- More usable energy from the same panel
Traditionally, MPPT controllers have been larger, fixed installations – not something you could easily take with you. This product, however, is small, compact, and eminently portable, but still delivers the superior technology of MPPT.
Portable MPPT – Power Optimisation Anywhere
The KickAss 20A 12V/24V MPPT In-Line Solar Charge Controller is designed to sit directly between your portable solar panel and your battery or power system. Simply plug it in-line and it instantly manages the charging process – no complicated installation required.
This makes it perfect for:
- Portable solar blankets and panels
- Battery boxes and power stations
- Camping and touring setups
- Temporary off-grid charging
In Greg’s case, that meant running a fridge while maintaining charge on a 120Ah lithium battery using a modest 40W solar panel – and doing it reliably under load. That’s efficient solar management in action.
One Controller for AGM and Lithium
Another reason customers – including Greg – are loving this unit is the compatibility.
Many portable solar controllers are limited to one battery type. If you run lithium, AGM, or switch between systems, that can be frustrating.
This controller supports both AGM and lithium batteries, giving you flexibility across different setups. Whether you’re upgrading your system or using multiple battery types, you don’t need separate controllers.
That versatility alone makes it a standout in the portable solar space.
Small, Smart and Easy to Use
Despite its advanced charging technology, the controller itself is compact and simple to operate. It’s designed for true plug-and-play use – connect your panel, connect your battery, and let it do the work.
For those who like data and control, the built-in Bluetooth capability connects to a mobile app where you can monitor charging performance in real time. Prefer to keep things simple? You can also view key information directly on the unit itself, no app required.
A Smarter Way to Charge Anywhere
If you use portable solar power and want maximum efficiency without bulky fixed gear, the KickAss 20A 12V/24V MPPT In-Line Solar Charge Controller offers a simple upgrade that can make a noticeable difference.
Got extra questions? Drop into one of our retail stores, or give us a call on (07) 3123 4715. Our team of 12V experts will be happy to help.