Best MPPT Solar Charge Controllers Review up to 40A - EPever Vs Outback Vs Renogy Vs Victron

[kevinbreaux]

I have found the Outback Power/ Epever tracerbn to be my favorite controller thus far. Great presentation. Thank you.

[nlo]

I run the EpEver 4210A (40A) controller into a 24V battery, with 1140W of mono panels in parallel. This has worked well for the last 3 years, and provides 50% of my domestic power, using an EpEver STI 1000-230-24 pure sine low frequency conversion 230VAC inverter.
It took a lot of reading specs to arrive at this choice before committing to buy.
I like this review, it is neat and well set-out, but does not take into account the specifications of the individual units running at their intended power levels: There seems to be a fixation with maximum voltage, rather than conversion efficiency. The statement of maximum panel-voltage is like your car's speedo or tacho - it shows what it can instantaneously do, not what you should stick to all day long.
From the performance graphs in the manual of the 'tracer', it can be seen that maximum efficiency happens when the panel/battery voltage differential is lowest, as long as it fits within the spec.
My panel's MPP is at 36.6V, which is 8V above the battery voltage; the efficiency of the system tests at between 96.5% with high input voltage, and 98% at the lower input voltage. Higher efficiency = lower losses = less heat = better reliability.
1.5% of 1000W is 15W, enough to raise the temperature of the system significantly in a hot environment.
The only reason for high I/P volts is if there is a long run from panels to MPPT unit. My system can run at 70% continuously, with allowance for cloud-edge peaks and temperature drops.
For the purpose of the exercise, I'd like to see this review done again, after study of the manufacturer's data is taken into the equation.

[davidpotter]

Those massive input terminals sold me. Thats my idea of how to do something right...well Ive been looking for which one to buy...Ive got 390 watts now but getting another 300 watts of panels so Ill give it a good testing...thanks for the great video...

[terryhuybens]

Nice works Jase & Marty. We can always trust you guys for an accurate, non bias, researched review.

[pjwlk]

I recently ran into a situation where the SOC shown on my Trimetric 2020 became inaccurate due to repeated deficit charging which we were not aware of. Lessons learned: 1) Don't rely solely on the calculated SOC. 2) Regularly check the Specific Gravity of the battery bank and correct the readings for temperature.

[TxRiverElf]

This is the BEST straightforward and comprehensive video on mppt controller comparison!!

[cleanenergyreviews]

* Use these timestamps links to skip to the relevant sections:
@7:56 - Start real-world performance testing
@11:45 - Test results
@13:11 - Overall comparison and rankings
@13:58 - Measuring battery SOC using a DC shunt - Victron BMV programming and Peukerts constant explained

[wakhp-]

EXCELLENT review, testing setup and charts for showing all of the results. I have the Victron 150/35 that U tested and the Victron BMV-712. Both of these items are going into my DIY Solar Generator. Hope to have a video on this project up in the next 6 months. It will use external Battle Born 100A 12v batteries. This project is being designed for my Amateur radio. Looking forward to more of UR great videos.

[rossawood]

I've been using Outback FM 60 and FM 80's for many years now on several differing systems, they are excellent controllers and give the user vast control over many parameters.
Interestingly Outback have a fixed price repair or refurbishment service if one does inadvertently disconnect battery bank from system with 65 amps coming in from the solar side.
They even paid the return freight from the West Coast USA to East Coast Australia, Far Northern NSW.
Very good quality and very reliable units IMO, and worth the higher price, buy well buy once!

[chronobot]

Excellent review.

It is obvious you put a lot of effort into making a very clear and thoughtful presentation.

100%

Thank you for doing this.

[wesleyofficer]

I am AMAZED that Outback Power rebranded a Chinese MPPT unit.
*That said, I install Outback/Midnite/Schneider equipment, but I use EPEVER equipment myself.
I just works, and the price is good.

[stuartdavies]

Epever Tracer AN is by far the best of this bunch, especially when used in conjunction with the PC Monitoring Software. Cost, features and build quality are great and the reason I use 3 of them myself..

[NclsVer]

Victron all the way. Have two thin film panels on the roof of my Land Cruiser with a Victron charge controller, lithium battery and inverter (Victron as well). The MPPT is fast. I observe the output while driving and see how quickly it adjusts going below bridges or in shaded areas of trees etc.
Tested in Mozambique with 45 deg C outside and in Lesotho at 2500 m or in winter at -3, also had one day water coming in the box, everything was wet: still working like a charm!

[richardsandwell]

One really BIG TURN OFF for me is when they are starting to link these units via APPs to smartphones. I am happy with my two old Tracer units which merely display information and can be programmed manually.

[cjoth]

As a solar charge controller newbie, this helped a bunch! Thanks, going with Victron for quality and accuracy, along with the very advanced app and minimalism (don't need load control or a display so I don't see it as a con for me).

[raystone]

The lower indicated Renogy voltage reading is concerning, especially with only current to power it flowing. Because all your wiring is not visible, putting the voltmeter up on the regulators terminal screws instead of on the battery, would be undeniable proof of a problem. That eliminates any installation suspicions, since you did mention it was hard to get wires in and holes were small.

[Kosmonooit]

The Victron is a top quality product - also that VE Bus means it can talk to a Venus ... and now we are talking!

[dennisclark]

I have watched so many videos and I must say this is the best I've seen. Good camera work, good focus and you sir are a good teacher. Thanks for sharing with us.

[VirtualPapercuts]

Good video. Also, the Renogy has 12 months data logging built in. The Victron SmartSolar only has 30 days; and you need a separate logger (eLog01) if you have the EPEver Tracer AN/BN or Triron. Makes a difference if you want to see how much power you are producing over the year.

[timburge]

A few points to note with the Rover MPPT controller:
1. With all loads going out of the devices load terminals the SOC feature could theoretically be somewhat accurate for this MPPT if it calculated the data it has access to, as it could be calculating all incoming and all outgoing power, the output load terminals are rated 20 amps he states, so if you were wanting a decent size inverter or other load/s you could not have it on those terminals.
2. when the Rover had a reading of 12.5volts (0.2 volts below the others) it would have been correct to measure the voltage to the MPPT at the terminals of the device itself to rule out voltage drop in the cable and or cable terminations, not measure at the battery.

Another helpful test would be to calculate the MPPTs running power consumptions.

I personally recommend the Victron battery monitors, especially when you have invested a lot in your battery bank.


My background: I live off-grid, I design and install small solar systems, and I am a Registered Electrician.

Thank you for taking the time to make this video.