Victron vs. Growatt solar MPPT charge controller efficiency test

We all know Victron makes very efficient equipment, but how much more efficient is it compared with the Growatt? Let's find out.

Victron vs. Growatt solar MPPT charge controller efficiency test

I'm testing the Growatt SPF 5000ES inverter which has a built-in charge controller. The Victron is model 250/100. The Growatt inverter is an all-in-one unit with both a charge controller and inverter. These all-in-one units really do well when you use the power as it's being created.

I'm taking all measurements using my multi-meter so the results will be consistent between the two products.

Note: The Victron MPPT charge controller has a maximum input of 250V and the Growatt MPPT charge controller has a maximum input of 450V. This means you can (usually) save money with the higher voltage by not needing a combiner box and circuit breakers.

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Disclaimer:
My videos are in no way intended to be instructional "how-to" lessons. I am simply documenting my project for informational purposes. Property damage, personal injury, or death may result, even when following manufacturer's instructions. I cannot be held liable for such damage or injury. It is YOUR OBLIGATION to ensure that you are complying with any local and federal laws as well as code and permit requirements.

David Poz, LLC

[Ghergyjubles]

Should be able to run your whole setup off the epic beard.

[fisherus]

David, I still can't get adjusted to your new look but, I like it. I always use my Sol-Ark 12K system and my welder, large compressor and other 220V tools and equipment during high sun hours. I put in a 2500gal water storage tank and hooked up my deep well pump to the excessive load capability of my Sol-Ark 12K so I can take advantage of all of the extra power that I am getting from my solar panels. I also put a timer on another pump that I have hooked up to my sprinkler system that will water my lawn and garden the same way. All it has really taken is a little rescheduling of the time you do things to make for an efficient off-grid lifestyle.

[fredflintstone]

That's a great test to do David and well worth knowing that the efficient of the all-in-one units increases when you invert as the solar is coming in. Many thanks.

[BradCagle]

I have a growatt sc4880 stand alone MPPT, I've measured it around 95% efficient, so your numbers are inline with what I'm seeing. The Victron is impressive though.

[TheMultiDouche]

It’s been a while since I popped by the channel and the bears is immense!

[wasifsyed]

Great video David, Higher voltage probably has to do some with efficiency too. I almost did not recognize you with your new hair style

[P_RO_]

Good to see the math. These aren't the cheapest solution nor is electrical efficiency the only consideration, but the best way to achieve overall efficiency is reducing unnecessary losses where possible, which makes electrical efficiency one of the most important aspects.

[wallywood]

And there's an extra benefit with doing it in the day. The electricity you use in the daytime can be replaced in the daytime, leaving your batteries full when the sun goes down. Using the batteries at night leaves your batteries partly drained with no way to fill them back up till the next day when the sun rises. This can be bad if something comes up and you need that extra power at night.

[coachwilson]

Holy crap David. No shave year? That thing is a beast!!!
So long to the cool solar nerd next door. Hello retired Spec Ops Door kicker.

[BrianLeeWho]

I saw this video in my feed and for a minute thought, "Who's this guy doing solar videos?"
Then I realized it's David Poz with his new look. ;)

[DeekJohnson]

Very good point!!! To bad Growatt marketing department hasn’t figured this out yet.

[loucinci]

Nicely do, as always. The numbers kinda whizzed over my head but the numbers make sense. I don't have a solar system so I lean on your expertise and knowledge. Thanks for sharing

[NedKLee]

We're right in the middle of winter here in Australia, short days, long nights.
One of the most important uses for me is boosting the Solar hot water system, I've got a timer switch set for 10.00 am to 3.00 pm so that, at what is usually peak production time, input is utilized now, rather than depleting the battery banks later on.
Very much enjoying your videos David, lots of good old common sense there.

[FreekHoekstra]

Oh wow. I had not seen your channel in a while, and you’ve gone full abraham! Kinda digging the look!

[hoocli]

I know you weren't having the greatest luck with the solarc but I picked up a 15K super excited to turn it on and test it out

[unionseen]

Also: Batteries last longer when one uses the solar directly/immediately.

[retrozmachine]

More or less what I expected. What Victron says in the spec sheet is seen in real world experience. Obviously this is a fairly basic efficiency test, no comparison across different voltage points etc, and that's fair enough all things considered. One thing that I will comment on though is the Victron chargers have an extremely good MPPT algo and will reassess the situation with clouding in a sensible way. On the other hand the Growatt and ilk are known for having slightly crook MPPT algo that can do odd things with some people reporting complete cessation of solar for short intervals etc. Firmware updates in the Growatt et al can address this to some degree.

Great Test !!
You consider using energy when producing it but you are using Lithium and turnaround efficiency usually %99 percent on lithium. So nothing different for you when you are using lithium. We can consider gain of energy, saving energy when using lead acid or gel batteries .

Also this test doesnt mean external chargers is worst because even you are using external charger when there is load in the house you will get the same efficiency from inverter. BEcause energy produced from external charger will split without going in to the battery, home usage will go directly to inverter and excess power will be stored in battery, if any. The correct logic is like you said, washing the dishes in sunlight =) But for lithium it will just save u %1 turnaround, and a little from cycle life of battery.

I dont know at the time this video released they have it or not bu currently victron has 450 V chargers. (SmartSolar MPPT RS) Pricey but they have.

[ACEBTRAVEL-AZ-ADVANTUR]

Wow it been awhile since I watch your video 👍

[HotRockCentral]

David, I've gone thru 4 victron chargers that lasted about a year each. I switched over to Growatts & not having any failures with them yet, well over a year now. Victrons are more feature rich but aren't worth a crap to me, especially since Growatts are more than half the cost of victrons.