OutBack FLEXmax 80
#29 in MPPT solarFull review
For off-grid homes and cabins on 24 or 48 V, especially those built around OutBack inverters. A proven 80 A controller at a fair price.
NAZ Solar Electric $527.99$527.99
The OutBack FLEXmax 80 is the better charge controller overall, rated 3.6 to 3.1. The OutBack FLEXmax 80 leads on value. The MidNite Classic 200 wins on features. The OutBack FLEXmax 80 costs $152.01 less ($527.99 vs $680).
MidNite Classic 200
#40 in MPPT solarFull review
For off-grid homes and cabins that want a rugged, made-in-USA controller with network monitoring and longer strings than a 150 V unit. Also handles wind and hydro.
Amazon $709 NAZ Solar Electric $680$680
Prices were last checked October 24, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the OutBack FLEXmax 80 for value ($6.60 per amp of charge current vs $8.61 per amp of charge current).
- Choose the MidNite Classic 200 for features (temperature sensor, 200 V PV input; no Bluetooth vs temperature sensor, 150 V PV input; no Bluetooth).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every MPPT solar charge controller; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | OutBack FLEXmax 80 | MidNite Classic 200 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 35% | 45 $6.60 per amp of charge current | 19 $8.61 per amp of charge current |
| Features 25% | 30 temperature sensor, 150 V PV input; no Bluetooth | 40 temperature sensor, 200 V PV input; no Bluetooth |
| Efficiency 20% | 86 98.4% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 50 efficiency not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 100 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| OutBack FLEXmax 80 | MidNite Classic 200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Charging | ||
| Type | MPPT solar charge controller | MPPT solar charge controller |
| Charge current | 80 A | 79 A |
| Battery voltage | 12/24/36/48/60 V | 12/24/36/48/60/72 V |
| Lithium profile | - | No |
| Custom profile | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature sensor | Optional extra | Included |
| Peak efficiency | 98.4% | - |
| Standby draw | 83 mA | - |
| Inputs | ||
| Max PV voltage (Voc) | 150 V | 200 V |
| Max PV power (12 V) | 1,000 W | 1,137 W |
| Max PV power (48 V) | 4,000 W | 4,550 W |
| Monitoring and build | ||
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Display | Yes | Yes |
| Load output | No | No |
| Parallel units | - | Yes |
| Cooling | fan (active cooling) | fan |
| Water resistance | Indoor Type 1 | Type 1 (indoor) |
| Dimensions | 41.3 x 14.6 x 11.4 cm (16.25 x 5.75 x 4.5 in) | 378 x 151 x 102 mm (14.87 x 5.95 x 4.00 in) |
| Weight | 12.2 lb | - |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Released | 2008-07 | 2011-11 |