Renogy Elite 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller

I just received this and thought I would do a quick bench test before installing it.

I was looking for a small footprint 30-40A MPPT controller for my caravan and this Renogy fitted the bill as it was a similar size to my Epever PWM controller. Most high current MPPT controllers are physically a lot longer than this one and more difficult to install in confined spaces. I am replacing the Epever as part of a solar and Lithium DC system upgrade.

[lawrencedavidson]

I will be getting the Rich Solar 20 or40 amp charge controller early next year, have not decided which one yet. They are nearly identical to the Renogy except the Rich Solar have better/stronger wire connections. Thanks for the bench test video and greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[stbdtack]

Great video! My Rover Elite 40A worked for about 3 weeks and then started shutting down while charging around 20amps (4- 100w panels). I did get through to RENOGY and the CS agent had me try a hard reset. Still was not functioning properly so they said they would replace it. Problem was they were listed as backordered on the sight. I bought on Amazon but the return window had passed while I was waiting to install it. Finally a second CS agent told me they had suspended selling the Elite 40A due to a large number of customer complaints. They said they could refund me or send a Rover 40A to replace it so I accepted the Rover. They also sent a replacement Bluetooth 1 module since the Elite uses the BT2, different module. The Rover is bigger and seems to stay noticeably cooler with a larger heatsink. The Elite was much warmer and I wonder if it is part of the problem. Like you, I was happy with the smaller size of the Elite and I didnt need load terminals but I do like the cooler running Rover. We will see how it holds up. Renogy customer service seemed a little unorganized but they did promptly send me a replacement even before I returned the faulty one.

[rayberger]

I have this unit and I have a problem with it, I am charging a AGM battery bank and The Boost voltage is to high, The charger takes my batteries to 14.9 volts and holds it there for 2 hours, then when it switches to float mode the float mode voltage is 13.9 volts. I am charger VMAXTANK AGM 12 volt 125 amp hour batteries four of them in my battery bank. I am not sure what to do. Right now after the boost mode I just unplug the solar panels from it. Any ideas ????

[scottstewart]

Hi Tim, great review and just in time as I am looking at buying a caravan Kind Regards Scott Stewart (VK3CSS)

[robertlivingston]

One reason for staying off-grid was not only the cost of power poles to the house but also the quiet RF noise lever to my amatuur radio station. The present PWM controller is completely RF quiet. Switching power supplies often introduce Radio Hash Noise Interference (RFI). Any comments on this device? Is it EU certified?
VA7WN

[Nora]

I just received and installed this charger, but it came without the instructions manual. Luckily there is youtube, and I was able to set some parameters, but I need to know more if something goes wrong. There is no link on the Renogy website to download any instructions. I want to make sure is operating right. I have it hooked to a 200 amp Li, 2500 inverter with 2/100 ea panels in series. (I will add 2 more soon) Numbers move too quickly, but it seems to be fine. I will switch to parallel tomorrow to see if it is better. If anybody knows more please let me know. Thanks for the video.

[canamman]

Any idea if I can charge a 12v lifepo battery bank with 24v of solar panels connected? Or does 12v bank have to be charged with 12v panels with the rover elite?

[easydiy]

New subbie. This video was very helpful. Thank you. Great video 👍 yeah, customer service not the best with Renogy.

[angusrobinson]

Hi, I have this controller and 260w across two panels in series. on an overcast day i'm pulling 30v from the panels, but 0amps to the battery, Lifepo4 battery is only at 13v so not full, and should be charging. Any ideas why? I've not changed anything in the system since summer when it seemed to be working fine. cheers

[TheMarcwithc]

Why your panels are connect in parallel ? Whould you not got more in A in series ?

[scottstewart]

Hi Tim, just wondering if you have done any basic EMI/EMC testing with the controller. Having EMI issues is a major headache for me as I operate HF mobile/portable communications equipment both on my boat and whilst caravanning/camping.

[toastieup]

I thought you had a problem with the dc 2 dc / mppt ... I got one 6 months ago, no problem at all .

[JK-pfum]

Great video, just wondering I bought the 40 amp version but not sure whether you have to activate equalization manually or it comes on automatically.
Thanks for your time.

[morphshag]

Has this thing stood the test of time? Does it still work?

[fratermus]

The Elite is the only Renogy charge controller I actively dislike (lack of configurability).