| Lithium Battery Compatibility | 15% | Dedicated lithium charging profile with configurable bulk, absorption, float, low-temperature and restart parameters. | Battery compatibility list, charging-profile manual, parameter screenshots and communication protocol documentation. | Lithium iron phosphate and other lithium chemistries require charging limits and protection logic that differ from lead-acid batteries. |
| Electrical Compatibility | 12% | Correct match among PV input voltage, battery voltage and load current; confirm continuous current rating under the intended ambient temperature. | Product datasheet, derating curve, wiring diagram and completed system sizing sheet. | Correct electrical matching reduces overheating, nuisance shutdowns and battery charging problems. |
| MPPT Performance | 10% | MPPT topology for variable solar conditions; published tracking efficiency target of approximately 98% or higher should be independently verified. | Efficiency curves, test conditions, laboratory report and MPPT operating-voltage range. | MPPT controllers generally harvest more energy than PWM controllers when PV voltage is properly matched to the battery system. |
| Protection Functions | 12% | Over-current, short-circuit, over-temperature, reverse-polarity and PV over-voltage protection; low-temperature charging control where required. | Protection-function list, fault-code table, test records and installation instructions. | Protection features help prevent equipment damage and unsafe charging conditions during abnormal operation. |
| Safety and Compliance | 12% | Relevant conformity documentation for the destination market and applicable safety and EMC requirements. | Declarations of conformity, test reports, certificate scope, factory quality records and applicable standard references such as IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2. | Certificates should apply to the exact model and revision being supplied, not merely to a similar product family. |
| Environmental Durability | 8% | Enclosure rating suitable for the installation location, operating-temperature range, humidity limits and corrosion considerations clearly stated. | IP test report, environmental specifications, thermal design information and installation limitations. | Outdoor solar installations may face dust, moisture, condensation, heat and temperature cycling. |
| Communication and Monitoring | 8% | Clear support for the required display, remote monitoring, RS-485, CAN or other communication interface; protocol must be documented. | Communication protocol, register map, API or software guide, compatibility statement and sample monitoring data. | Reliable communication enables battery status monitoring, alarms, remote diagnostics and system commissioning. |
| Quality Management | 8% | Traceable incoming inspection, process control, final testing and serial-number management; an ISO 9001-certified quality system is a useful screening indicator. | Quality certificate, inspection plan, production test record, corrective-action procedure and sample serial-number traceability. | Documented processes reduce variation between production batches and improve after-sales investigation. |
| Warranty and Technical Support | 7% | Written warranty terms, defined exclusions, spare-parts policy, response-time commitment and support in the project language. | Warranty document, service-level agreement, troubleshooting guide and escalation contacts. | Warranty value depends on enforceable terms, response capability and access to replacement parts. |
| Supply Capability | 5% | Capacity and lead time demonstrated for the required model, quantity, packaging, labeling and delivery schedule. | Production capacity statement, current lead-time quotation, sample-to-mass-production plan and shipment records with confidential details removed. | A technically suitable controller is not a practical choice if supply continuity cannot support the project timeline. |
| Total Cost of Ownership | 3% | Compare purchase price together with freight, duties, installation, monitoring accessories, failure risk and warranty support. | Itemized quotation, Incoterms, packaging specification, spare-parts pricing and estimated service costs. | The lowest purchase price may not deliver the lowest lifetime cost or lowest operational risk. |