*Table of Contents* Names/Prices of Charge Controllers in the Video: 1:30 Features you need to look for: 2:03 2 Charge Controllers Myth Disproven: 11:38 Power Output Test: 12:06 PWM vs. MPPT: 15:18 Conclusions: 17:33 Part 2 of this video, a quick overview of what you need to know! Check it out: ruclips.net/video/PB6zojol9o0/видео.html Whenever I post products, they seem to go out of stock, but here are the links: Victron Controller: amzn.to/2Ihvh03 BN series (one I love): rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_id=114&ipn=icep&toolid=20004&campid=5338408166&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FEpever-MPPT-Solar-Charge-Controller-12V-24V-Solar-Regulator-150V-40A-30A-20A-10A%2F351875294014%3F_trkparms%3Daid%253D555018%2526algo%253DPL.SIM%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D57159%2526meid%253D10140d7adbd846779494a7270786e9b0%2526pid%253D100005%2526rk%253D1%2526rkt%253D12%2526mehot%253Dpp%2526sd%253D372165427987%2526itm%253D351875294014%26_trksid%3Dp2047675.c100005.m1851 Tracer EPEver: amzn.to/2Dnb3Ov Triron EPEver: amzn.to/2D9uzO6 Rich Solar 20a: amzn.to/2URuRDj Renogy 20a: amzn.to/2Ihvqk7 Renogy PWM: amzn.to/2UQtiFT Super Cheap PWM, 40a version! great price: amzn.to/2UWPWfC Solar Charge Controllers I recommend for most people: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-charge-controllers.html Other things I did not mention in the video: -night time, or stand by consumption, was .4-.6 watts for all the charge controllers, so I didn't mention it. The results were non conclusive and consistent for all of them. -the ability to overpanel is a huge feature! I wish I talked about this in the video. What it means is that if you exceed the power input rating, current wise, you will not destroy your controller. It will just produce whatever amperage its rated for. So lets say it has enough power to create 60 amps but its rated for only 40 amps, well it will only output 40 amps, and it will not be destroyed. I really like this feature and its in my BN series "favorite charge controller" listed above. Corrections: 16:14 I switched the two numbers. I said the right numbers, but I didn't list them properly. *Does off-grid solar confuse you?* Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com *Join our DIY solar community* #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com *Check out my Book* Best-selling and beginner-friendly guide to 12V off-grid solar! amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Energy! They will price out a system and get your house offgrid: ts.la/william57509 *My DIY Solar Equipment Recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):* 12V/48V Lithium Solar Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Complete Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html Plug-N-Play System Recommendations: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete "Add to Cart" 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html *My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar Products:* *Signature Solar* Offgrid One-Stop-Shop. Best Value 48V LiFePO4, Victron and Offgrid Specific Heat Pumps: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek *Current Connected* SOK, Victron, Mr.Cool Heatpumps and High Quality Components. Fantastic customer support: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp *Litime* My favorite 12V budget battery!: www.litime.com/?ref=XBIA62RFcalHns *Epoch Batteries* My favorite high-quality 12V battery: www.epochbatteries.com/products/12v-460ah-lifepo4-battery-ip67-heated-bluetooth-victron-comms?rfsn=7352625.50494d *Renogy* A classic 12V solar store that has been around for ages! DC to DC Chargers and more! renogy.sjv.io/n1VjXx *Rich Solar* Renogy's biggest competitor! Similar products, but at a better price: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek *Battery Hookup* Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 5% off code: diysolar *Contact Information:* I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar *FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:* Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
will you consider making one for larger units? mighty tempted to get an outback flexmax (not sure on 60 or 80 yet) and would like to see what you think about them
Biggest difference for mppt vs pwm is going to be mismatched solar voltage vs battery voltage. With higher solar voltage input, mppt will be more efficient.
DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse Noticed you have been using Victron in your more recent videos, do you still prefer the metal Epever over the Victron or has your preference changed?
I am a 60 plus old woman trying to learn how to do solar. Your videos are giving me the confidence to start assembling and using a small system. I so appreciate your thorough explanations. You don't use a lot of hype and you don't give just a high level overview. I don't totally understand everything yet but I am so very grateful to your channel. I am hoping that soon I will be traveling around the country using my solar panels to power up where ever I end up camping.
My Aspergers enjoys how you always get right to the point. No words are wasted. Articulate. Knowledgeable. Such incredible efficienct message delivery. A true gift.
@@louc6635 Asperger’s is no longer a clinical term as the condition is now considered part of Autism Spectrum Disorder, since all it ever meant was high-functioning autism. Having said that, it’s really goofy to snarkily say “I thought Asperger’s didn’t exist anymore” when someone uses the “outdated” term for self-ID, equivalent to saying to someone who calls themselves Hispanic, “you mean Latinx??? Haha”
I'm 67 years old embarking on my first van conversion. I'm a retired funeral director with no knowledge in solar energy. I'm learning everything I can on RUclips. You provide the most informative videos of all RUclipsrs. Thank you for making it easy to understand and having the integrity to provide information that I strongly feel can be trusted.
Hey --Why show the junk charge controllers? I use 9 Morning star /Tri-Star 45amp and Tri-Star 60amp charge controllers. These almost never fail-They are top of the line.
@@bobbailey7235 - Curiously, or not, I had "junk" controllers working flawlessly for years! From those I can say the failure rate was EXACTLY ZERO! In fact they have been replaced because of upgrades, or should I say new systems! Trust me on this. As I like to call it, "credit card engineering" is not always better! But it's surely more expensive! LOL 😂
@@bobbailey7235 I think it is because comparing involves comparing. To Not include or test the 'junk', as you call it, is like the school systems that try to 'lose' the scholastic testing of their 'not as smart' students. It would just be trying to play an All-Star game! Ya'll Take Care and be safe, John
Henry C Cheesy openings cheesy smiles I called that the RUclips smile 😬 and I did 👍🏾 your comment. He does good work and is very clean with his presentation I’m sure his acquaintances are proud of him. 🙏🏻🙏🏽🙏🏿
I don't know what your background is, Will, But you are by far the best reviewer I've seen for these products so far. Great job! I work in the power industry and like what you are doing. Honest reviews like yours will eventually force manufacturers to up their game and produce quality products instead some of the trash I see out there.
Finding Will Prowse was truly great. Being a complete novice with no prior knowledge of anything electric related, Will's videos are so very understandable. Thank you Will for taking your time, effort to educate we who are interested in living off grid.
I love your comment about how the suppliers didn't want to sponsor you because they wanted to be the only ones in the video. It's really impossible to compare unless you have more than one .... LOL!! You make me laugh, and I learned so much I have seen this video before but now I understand more of it. It's been a year that I have been watching you thank you so much for all your hard work!!!
Thank you for your "out of pocket" review. Glad you didn't cave to the single unit comparison. Honesty & Integrity are hard to find these days. Kudos to ya :)
Yo yo yo what up guys it's ya boi Mr. Solar Review Man. [shitty music and graphics] Today's video is brought to you by NordVPN. You know, when I'm shopping for shitty Chinese solar panels, I want to make sure the CIA doesn't know what I'm buying and that's why I love NordVPN. Let me tell you more about it for 5 minutes. OK now to the presentation. I was sent this shit for free for a 5-star review on Amazon. Here's how great it is. Don't forget to like and subscribe and SMASH that bell icon. Just smash the absolute shit out of it because I am deathly afraid you will not see my videos because they're crap and won't be promoted by The Algorithm (tm). [shitty outro music and graphics]
Thank you, sir. I love the multiple product review. Don't let them change you. I feel like it shows that they don't have enough confidence in their product to be able to have it compared to others. Regardless, you can tell that you really know your stuff. Conveyed by the fact that you're not having to read off of notes, while still being able to relay the information concisely. So much knowledge in one video. Thanks!
Wow Will, you are a diamond in the YT world! EXACTLY what I needed to fill in the gaps of my base. You're a natural teacher, very enthusiastic, and thanks for no crappy music! 5 stars! Buying from your website for all my solar stuff!
Amazing! You stated and displayed your test Lab. You test and compared all charge controllers to each other. You stated which charge controllers should be used based on battery chemistry. You mentioned how to achieve optimal value for your dollar. Excellent, Will. Thank you. And you did all that in twenty minutes!
Your speaking Greek to me now. But watching your videos I'm sure will learn me. Thank you. You have earned my trust and respect in a short period of time
Thanks for reaffirming my decision to purchase your "favorite". Have been using mine at an off grid cabin for a couple of years now with no complaints.
In a world filled with so much fraud that people shy away from the truth and even get angry at those who speak the truth, you are a beacon of authenticity. Thank you for what you have contributed to many DIY'ers projects and lives. Many of us have gone from being afraid of going anywhere near these sorts of projects, to building solar + battery systems with attached inverters that we use to power our homes during peak hours, or an emergency or for the best reason of them all.. BECAUSE WE CAN! (Thx to you!)
Bobcat...Everyone should challenge their own assumptions on a daily basis. To do otherwise is to give rise to stagnation and complacency. Do you really believe you can discern who is unbiased based upon the content of a RUclips video? If only deciphering the human condition were that easy. Shake that cloak of denial once in awhile just to be on the safe side.
Very fair comparative review. Shame on the manufacturers for not having enough confidence in their equipment to sponsor your analysis. Thank you for the information. This is an excellent channel.
True. Will explains things in a way that is clear, concise for someone such as I who has had absolutely no idea of how to contemplate a beginning to solar power. I am ready to jump in now, get off grid with my "new" used motorhome, and see this beautiful country....
Will! I have loved everything you do for years now, but I was a bit shocked at 19:29 “a lady that does need to program it ever in her life” - of all the vanlife couples I know, the ladies are all the ones who have planned and designed and programmed their electrical system!!
My gawd dude, this video is absolutely amazing! From the moment I clicked and started watching, listening to you talk and explain the setup and everything, I could just tell that we were gearing up for a really great, really honest, and very thorough review. I'm now 6 minutes in, and just couldn't resist pausing for a second and giving you some praise man! I wish all guides on youtube could be this educated and well put together. I've been building some 18650 battery packs lately and I'm starting to dive into the realm of solar charging; I'm definitely going to subscribe and will be looking your way for any future Solar needs :) Thanks so much!!
You are providing a wonderful service, at the appropriate technical level. I love how you are up front, and very transparent when it comes to equipment! I also like the fact that you don’t do any goofy things, no cheesy music, lab coat or fast talk. Young man, you will go far in this world!!! I am new to the Airstream world and looking at adding solar to it. Keep up the great work! I am slowly watching your videos, and already have the book! Thanks... Rob C.
One comment, one request, and one suggestion. Comment: Great job on all of your videos! No wasting time with intros, fast paced, edited, info packed, pleasant delivery, and more, as per all the other comments. Request: Compare real world performance of 4 x 100 watt panels in series versus parallel. Series connections good for producing power early and late in the day when voltage would otherwise be insufficient to begin charging versus the performance drawback of not being in parallel. Good to know best solution on sunny day, on an overcast day, and a day with intermittent clouds. Suggestion: You use the word "cheap" to mean both poor quality and low cost. Although not necessarily confusing if the listener pauses to weigh context, there is no other word but "cheap" to represent poor quality, so that is the proper term. The word "inexpensive" is best for low cost.
THIS IS WHAT SOCIETY NEEDS!!......how many times do you start asking questions in shops about their products and they usually don't have a clue!!......and after a while you just stop going too the shops........just go online.......yeah.......this person is making life fairer for the masses.....some times 10 minutes of specialist knowledge that just works well!!.....is more powerful than 7 years of UNIVERSITY......unrelated training....
Ok I'm that old lady that never needs to program anything. Lol thank you so much for the info, I'm completely lost on all this and you have cleared up a few things for me. New sub.again ty
U really have it together !!! I love the way you explain all the details, you are a great teacher, I'm glad I found your channel. Thanks William Orange county, ca.
Outstanding Presentation. Lighting=Excellent. Sound=Excellent. Camera angles=Exclellent. Scripting=Excellent. Pacing=Excellent. Content=Excellent. Also 5 stars for avoiding graphic/video effects that only demonstrate an inflated ego and add nothing to the content. Many video presenters could [should] learn a lot from your work. Well Done, Sir!
Anal? Stop commenting about sound, scripting and content etc. no one cares and it just introduces a psychological anxiety and paranoia of being scrutinised. You’re not the only one that does this and I hope it doesn’t catch on. It’s cringe, You are not a judge or a critic, stop pretending to be.
you are the boss man! I used to sweat out of frustration trying to learn these type of things in school. You make me learn, without the sweat and the frustration. Thanks alot man! Really appreciate it!
I love how you're just 100% honest and direct to the point. It sounds like these manufacturers are just scummy people who only want to sell a product, and not provide a good experience for the end user.
This is a great comparison video. It makes things clearer by having the other brands on hand while reviewing them. I'm a noob to solar so this was very helpful, thanks
Thanks Will, i lover your videos. I am currently in school to be an Electrician at Los Angeles Trade Tech College and our professor uses your video for us to learn about charge controllers. Thank you
NO, NO and no! Nothing was "disproven". For goodness sake people separate your myth's from reality! THESE particular charge controller's results are. To and from, these particular models, under this particular conditions! DO NOT extrapolate information based on air &wind!
GREAT JOB! It's easy to see that you are professional and very knowledgeable with a great style and energy. Also appreciated that you don't have a cheesy intro and are not into self-promotion just for ego sake. Nice job, I subbed right away. Great information that's well laid out and different testing methods are explained. A shame the manufacturers won't support your efforts but you tell of all their cheating and point out their shortcomings - not hard to see why they don't like you. But I sure do!! YOU ROCK!! Please keep them coming - I'm just learning!
I love the way you teach. You know your stuff and confident enough to not have to confuse people with to much technical jargon to show how smart you are well done !!!!!!!!!
Great video! One other very important test is the amount of RFI they put out. RF Hash that ruins emergency communication and Amateur radio reception. As well as Shortwave and standard broadcast AM. A simple test is to bring a portable AM radio into proximity with the equipment and note the amount of static that is generated from the device to the radio. An important factor when choosing a controller for communication setups. Thanks!
As always, your channel is by far more helpful than any other website, channel, or ChatGPT inquiry. Keep up the good work. You're helping a lot of people.
Man I'm sure glad I stumbled across your channel because you explain this electrical stuff in a way I can understand better than anyone I've ever seen. Not saying that others aren't good but you would be a great teacher. I'm going to install some panels this summer after my roof has been reroofed as soon as my roofers get to doing my roof. Soon anyway. I'm encouraged. I can start off doing this with the good stuff and still not break the bank. I'm happy.👍 I'll get your book as soon as I'm through posting this. I'll be in touch. Thanks man.
Thank you very much ! 💖 I'm from SriLanka. Your video helped me a lot to understand that the power output difference between a PWM and an MPPT is around 3 % . I'm on a low budget so your channel is the only place in the entire youtube where I could find the solutions with realtime experimets 💖
Damn - I just ordered a Renogy Rover (not delivered yet) and, like you, I believe in using the largest gauge wires possible which means 10 GA to the panels (10A max current) and 8 GA to the battery bank (40A max). I was a bit concerned about the wire terminals and now that I've seen your video I realize the Rich Solar controller is a much better choice. I'm happy Amazon has such a good return policy... Thanks for the review - you've just saved me some grief!
As handybob stated, thinner wires are a bad place to save money. Im gonna use #4 wiring for everything. Im considering using #2 wires from controller to battery bank. The shorter the wires are, the less resistance you will have, and you will want to keep your batteries as fully charged as possible at all times. Also, its important to keep positive and negative wires all the exact same length, or one wire will carry a higher load, especially when hooking the batteries together. I'm going to do this for my whole system., shortest wires possible, all the same length. I'm not sure if thats completely necessary but it makes sense to me so...
@@nicksimon4536 I'm running a pretty simple system - two SLA batteries with probably a max 5A working load though possibly a 40A charging current. The battery interconnects are 4 gauge while the system wiring is #8 to the controller and #10 to the distribution panel. I ended up using the EPEVER Tracer 60A MPPT controller which had no issues with the larger wiring.
I've been using Victron products for many years, they never let me down. Never had a problem with the connections. Over sizing wires is not necessary if you are careful about your connections. I have used some of the cheaper products you mentioned and found that they will fail after a year or two, I then moved to Victron and been happy with that choice for 10 years now. I am sure there are many great products for solar systems but it is always true that you get what you pay for! I do enjoy your videos, keep 'em coming. Thank you.
@Jon Phillips Over sizing wiring at 12V still provides advantage over ‘the right sized’ wire for panel cables. The quality of crimp doesn’t make up for that advantage all else being equal. More importantly to me is battery-to-inverter cabling. 2/0 VS 1/0, or 3/0 VS 1/0 at “full” inverter load adds a level of efficiency you can often feel with your hand by the temperature of the cable. A warm - or worse: hot - cable is clearly not at 100% of its potential efficiency. For example, a 1200W inverter running a shop vac: the advertised peak on the inverter I’m referring to is 2400W, or 200+ Amps at nominal 12V. The ‘correct’ sized cable would become warm to the touch after a period of running the shop vac. I replaced it with two gages larger and that doesn’t get warm ever. I suppose I could look up the tables but I’m sure the correct wire was safe enough. However, safe isn’t enough; on a small system that lack of temperature rise in the cable spells “more efficient.”
I have 8 12v 100w panels 4 in series to a $15 controller to a Led acid bank and 4 in series to a $15 controller to a 100Ah LiFePO4 battery. 5 Months now without any problems. :)
I have had 10 75watt 12v panels daisychained to make 5 - 24volt output panel disharge for over 20 years, and used a cheap 12v/24v PWM controller for most of its life, till I got gifted a 50 Amp RV Power mppt controller and could finally clock amp output on cloudless sunny days at mid day and found my system was making 22 amps so may have been exceeding its capacity (prolly 20 amps). The 50 amp fragged itself so I am considering pushing the panels thru 2 cheap PWMs to lessen the load on each.
WELL DONE! Your videos are absolutely fantastic! I have been wanting solar since I was 14. I am 68 now. We bought a system for our home in Sydney ten years. We are now in Tasmania on a small property. The Tas' house already had solar when we moved in. I am building solar systems for sheds around the place and your videos have been a HUGE help! THANK YOU!
My head is swirling right now with all the info. But I'll sort it all out. I'm doing a van build and will be putting about 300-400 watts on the roof. And probably 2 100ah agm batteries to start. Your videos are a wealth of info, thanks.
I got the victron one because its small and it works in harmony with my victron shunt. also it doesnt get hot. mine is inside my tongue box right next to my 200Ah lithium battery with a 200w solar panel going to it and its just chilling out at ambient temps throughout the day. Also the small was very important because i have teardrop and space is very valuable so anywhere i can cut down on size is pretty great. i also like to be able to see the charge stats while driving down the road via Bluetooth.
Rich Solar owes you a commission. Because of this test video i bought a Rich Solar 20 am controller. It's been three days and im very happy with it. Thanks again, and greetings from sunny Jamaica. Update: 20 amp Rich Solar charge controller is doing very well. I am up grading with more panels so i need a bigger charge controller and i have decided to buy a 40amp Rich Solar this time and connect both together. Update: I got the 40 amp Rich Solar controller and running both the 20 and the 40 charging the same Power Queen LiFeP04 battery. I am very pleased with their performance.
Thank you for your integrity and not just going with one brand but buying them all to test for us! :D That alone is reason to sub! Thanks for the vid! :D
Your channel is great! I’m building an off-grid workshop that I was going to “do something simple”… a fridge + a few lights. You’ve given me the confidence to do something much better and I know I’m buying quality components.
Quick summary, then "...and yeah, I'll talk to you guys later, bye." Perfect outro, thanks for that. Any updates within the past year to any of these? I'd be curious to know. Also, I know it's only 1 compared to your current amount, but you've earned a sub with this and a couple past videos, thank you for the content and for satisfying my curious mind. I'm an electrician currently planning a setup for random things, not quite to live off-grid or anything but for other experiments/hobbies, but your content's much appreciated.
This is the type of comparison videos i need to see. With you explaining the differences in the PWM and MPPT controllers and their advantages and disadvantages help the less informed person such as myself make good choices. Im learning tho! Thank you Will for these type videos 👍
The EP ever 4210, it's a affordable controller and very good quality I had mine for 5 years and never had trouble, works like a clock I never go for expensive staff, there is no need to pay for a brand and it's cheaper to replace.
Ive got the "small crappy one" on my boat. Works perfect on the 120watt panel charging the 130amp Carbon Lead house battery. You can even programme the output to run for different times from 1hr up to 24 hrs. I use my one to run a fuel polishing pump 4 hours per day while i'm away from the boat. Keeps the diesel nice and clean as well as keeping the house battery at optimal float voltage.
Thanks, great video. I purchased the EPever 40A Charge controller by clicking throught the link on your website. The price was $30 cheaper than I had previously found.
Thank you, I've been trying to figure out what type of charge controller I need for my lead acid battery bank. You've answered my questions. I have 4 deep cycle RV batteries and 4 AGM batteries [which were given to me from a friend]. So my plan was to charge each pair individually and then move to the next. With the purpose of being able to re-charge my phone, portable radios and various batteries around the shop, plus being able to have DC lighting around the house. I have some cheap and inefficient panels hooked up. I have a portable generator hooked up to my panel - but if I ever run out of gas, I want to have some means of charging. But in the end I plan to get a EcoFlow Delta and portable solar panels - I'm going with the KISS method. Maybe I'll give my battery system to someone on a limited budget and let them follow your recommendations. You do a good job explaining some very complicated concepts [for my knowledge background] thank you for the work you put into this subject.
Absolutely great freaking job, Thanks for taking your time for sharing your expertise and teaching us tubers with your knowledge. And Holly crap I just watched a few more of you videos(hits) and you got it going on. 👍Thanks again, Sigs~Michigander✌🏻
Hi from Aus Will, great video as always! Those Epever Tracer's are a great little MPPT, Adam Welch got me onto them with his videos about a year ago and they work really well. Recently got myself some second hand cheap 2 year old 200w panels so going to need an upgrade and it looks like the Tracer BN series will fit perfectly, thanks for the recommendation.
Went camping last week with a couple of yellow top optima car batteries I hade laying around and a cheep mppt from Amazon and 200 watts of solar and it ran my 12v refrigerator /freezer all week, no problem, it was a fun project to put together and no running out of ice.
Great info. Very good review. Just got my EPEVER 40a controller w/ MT 50 remote from Amazon. Going to hook it up this weekend at my cabin. Replacing a Renogy 20A PWM
Hey can I ask you something??? How’s that new epever working out for you???I’ve been looking at them,,,,I bought a 60 amp Renorgy commander a couple years ago and it only last about a year and then it went out on me and Renorgy wouldn’t make it right,,,they really didn’t care,,,I paid over $500 for it,,,,big rip off,,, I’m thinking about buying a new charge controller but I don’t want to buy a piece a junk,,,would you say your new 40 amp here is worth it?????
I'mpleased that I found this video, really helpfull for me. I very much like the 'no-nonsense-stick to the essentials' style of presentation. Thank you.
I did indeed learn a lot from this vid! I only wish that I’d watched it before my most recent pwm charge controller purchase. Live and learn as they say!
I've watched a number of your videos and overall, I think you're doing a very good job of keeping it interesting and bringing a lot of basic/mid level knowledge to the masses IRT solar panels, controllers, different types of batteries, inverters, BMSs, etc. As a former advanced electronics instructor, I'd like to help you out with a little advice, if you don't mind. In several of your video reviews, the equipment didn't work 100% - BMS with low temp cutoff not cutting off, etc. Your conclusion was that the mfr didn't get it implemented. But there are other possibilities. Perhaps you got a defective unit, or perhaps the temp probe was defective. I've learned over the yrs to never take anything for granted. I keep an open mind, because I've seen it all - from bad test eq. to dirty power in the outlet. In this video specifically, you left out quite a few other brands of affordable MPPT controllers, one of which I consider to be better performing than most. The Eco-worthy 40A BT controller is well constructed, big input connectors, external BT antenna and extremely fast MPPT tracking. Solar input can vary rapidly, even on sunny days. How slowly a controller tracks MPP can severely impact solar harvest. My experience with all of the Epever/Epsolar/Tracer series of controllers was extremely slow tracking, often off by 10v or more while the Eco-worthy connected to an identical solar panel was almost instantaneous in tracking. Tracking speed is an important aspect of MPPT controllers, ignoring it is like reviewing cars and ignoring acceleration and focusing only on trunk space. Sure, it's nice if a controller has larger connectors on it, but it can be worked around, it's a minor detail compared to efficiency, output, adjustability, etc. You could have used an assistant with a piece of cardboard outside to simulate varying solar input. In your cable crimper video, you showed a 3 point crimper with a cordless impact. For $50, it's a piece of junk and doesn't really give you a great crimp. A proper crimp should crush the copper strands into a virtually solid state. You can buy an 8 ton hydraulic crimper with 9 sizes of hexagonal dies off ebay for $25, or a 16 ton with 11 dies for $38. Far superior crimp, which should be done with tinned copper lugs and sealed with adhesive lined heat shrink, not electrical tape. Keep in mind, you have a lot of viewers who turn to you for expert advice and you're doing them a disservice if you don't show them the best practices, or MPPT controller, or crimper, etc. Just a little bit more research would really cement your expertise. In summary, overall, you're doing a very good job, keep up the good work!!
@@bellakairos3655 Mr Frakes is offering constructive criticism which I suspect Will is taking in the spirit it's intended, I appreciate both their contributions.
@@bellakairos3655 Typical groupie knee jerk reaction... I don't think that will is going to give you any personal information - I know that I wouldn't.
Thanks Steve. Very respectfully submitted advice from you to Will. I will be checking out the items that you mention as I am in the market for the best controller vs price that I can find for my 1st system. I am looking at a cheap kit to get started but it comes with a a lead acid charger only so that will need to be replaced right away to get the most benefit for my Li-on battery packs. :) For sealing your crimps I suggest the shrink tube butt connectors which include a ring of solder. These can be modified for lugs and other terminals. Have a great day to you and Will both. :)
I too was looking at the Ecoworthy BUT a HUGE Number of 1star reviews - especially about overheating lead me to think that the product is not Will Prowse worthy
I really appreciate your videos. They are very educational. You're the only channel I've ever subscribed to because I hate when other channels tell you to subscribe some of them just sounds like they're begging and spend like 5 min telling you to sub or like the video.
AWESOME VIDEO...Came in knowing NOTHING...left with a rock solid decision on the right charge controller for my project. Will, I really appreciate your hard work and dedication to solar testing and education. You make it look so easy and it gives me a lot of confidence. THANK YOU!
I used the little/cheap charge controller to on a portable system with one panel and one battery and a timer to water a small, remote orchard in Idaho. It worked very well for that purpose.
*Table of Contents*
Names/Prices of Charge Controllers in the Video: 1:30
Features you need to look for: 2:03
2 Charge Controllers Myth Disproven: 11:38
Power Output Test: 12:06
PWM vs. MPPT: 15:18
Conclusions: 17:33
Part 2 of this video, a quick overview of what you need to know! Check it out: ruclips.net/video/PB6zojol9o0/видео.html
Whenever I post products, they seem to go out of stock, but here are the links:
Victron Controller: amzn.to/2Ihvh03
BN series (one I love): rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_id=114&ipn=icep&toolid=20004&campid=5338408166&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FEpever-MPPT-Solar-Charge-Controller-12V-24V-Solar-Regulator-150V-40A-30A-20A-10A%2F351875294014%3F_trkparms%3Daid%253D555018%2526algo%253DPL.SIM%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D57159%2526meid%253D10140d7adbd846779494a7270786e9b0%2526pid%253D100005%2526rk%253D1%2526rkt%253D12%2526mehot%253Dpp%2526sd%253D372165427987%2526itm%253D351875294014%26_trksid%3Dp2047675.c100005.m1851
Tracer EPEver: amzn.to/2Dnb3Ov
Triron EPEver: amzn.to/2D9uzO6
Rich Solar 20a: amzn.to/2URuRDj
Renogy 20a: amzn.to/2Ihvqk7
Renogy PWM: amzn.to/2UQtiFT
Super Cheap PWM, 40a version! great price: amzn.to/2UWPWfC
Solar Charge Controllers I recommend for most people: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-charge-controllers.html
Other things I did not mention in the video:
-night time, or stand by consumption, was .4-.6 watts for all the charge controllers, so I didn't mention it. The results were non conclusive and consistent for all of them.
-the ability to overpanel is a huge feature! I wish I talked about this in the video. What it means is that if you exceed the power input rating, current wise, you will not destroy your controller. It will just produce whatever amperage its rated for. So lets say it has enough power to create 60 amps but its rated for only 40 amps, well it will only output 40 amps, and it will not be destroyed. I really like this feature and its in my BN series "favorite charge controller" listed above.
Corrections:
16:14 I switched the two numbers. I said the right numbers, but I didn't list them properly.
*Does off-grid solar confuse you?*
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www.mobile-solarpower.com
*Join our DIY solar community*
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*My DIY Solar Equipment Recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):*
12V/48V Lithium Solar Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html
Complete Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html
Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html
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Complete "Add to Cart" 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html
DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html
*My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar Products:*
*Signature Solar*
Offgrid One-Stop-Shop. Best Value 48V LiFePO4, Victron and Offgrid Specific Heat Pumps:
www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
*Current Connected*
SOK, Victron, Mr.Cool Heatpumps and High Quality Components. Fantastic customer support:
currentconnected.com/?ref=wp
*Litime*
My favorite 12V budget battery!:
www.litime.com/?ref=XBIA62RFcalHns
*Epoch Batteries*
My favorite high-quality 12V battery:
www.epochbatteries.com/products/12v-460ah-lifepo4-battery-ip67-heated-bluetooth-victron-comms?rfsn=7352625.50494d
*Renogy*
A classic 12V solar store that has been around for ages! DC to DC Chargers and more!
renogy.sjv.io/n1VjXx
*Rich Solar*
Renogy's biggest competitor! Similar products, but at a better price:
richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
*Battery Hookup*
Cheap cell deals
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*Contact Information:*
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*FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:*
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)
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will you consider making one for larger units? mighty tempted to get an outback flexmax (not sure on 60 or 80 yet) and would like to see what you think about them
Bro i want buy battery bro SECOND HAND NISSAN LEAF BATERY
Biggest difference for mppt vs pwm is going to be mismatched solar voltage vs battery voltage. With higher solar voltage input, mppt will be more efficient.
@@eZiggy100 agreed. Covered that in more detail in my other videos
DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse
Noticed you have been using Victron in your more recent videos, do you still prefer the metal Epever over the Victron or has your preference changed?
I am a 60 plus old woman trying to learn how to do solar. Your videos are giving me the confidence to start assembling and using a small system. I so appreciate your thorough explanations. You don't use a lot of hype and you don't give just a high level overview. I don't totally understand everything yet but I am so very grateful to your channel. I am hoping that soon I will be traveling around the country using my solar panels to power up where ever I end up camping.
Get it girl. Will is the best.
Me, too!!! Same age group as well! Thank you, Will!
I read this in a little old lady's voice lol
57 here, just bought a panel for a pool heating project, controller next...what to choose!!!??? First time doing this!
@@jahjoeka 😂
The companies don't like your videos because you give honest reviews. That's probably why you have nearly 900,000 subscribers.
My Aspergers enjoys how you always get right to the point. No words are wasted. Articulate. Knowledgeable. Such incredible efficienct message delivery. A true gift.
I thought Asperger’s doesn’t exist anymore?
Maybe do a little research @@antpoo
@@louc6635 what’s research mean
@@louc6635 Asperger’s is no longer a clinical term as the condition is now considered part of Autism Spectrum Disorder, since all it ever meant was high-functioning autism. Having said that, it’s really goofy to snarkily say “I thought Asperger’s didn’t exist anymore” when someone uses the “outdated” term for self-ID, equivalent to saying to someone who calls themselves Hispanic, “you mean Latinx??? Haha”
@@skoto8219 I know who asperger was and why the term isn't used anymore. But the condition still exists.
You are, young man, one of the most motivated and enthusiastic individuals in the realm. You will go far, pilgrim!
I'm 67 years old embarking on my first van conversion. I'm a retired funeral director with no knowledge in solar energy. I'm learning everything I can on RUclips. You provide the most informative videos of all RUclipsrs. Thank you for making it easy to understand and having the integrity to provide information that I strongly feel can be trusted.
Hey --Why show the junk charge controllers? I use 9 Morning star /Tri-Star 45amp and Tri-Star 60amp charge controllers. These almost never fail-They are top of the line.
@@bobbailey7235 - Curiously, or not, I had "junk" controllers working flawlessly for years! From those I can say the failure rate was EXACTLY ZERO!
In fact they have been replaced because of upgrades, or should I say new systems!
Trust me on this. As I like to call it, "credit card engineering" is not always better! But it's surely more expensive! LOL 😂
@@bobbailey7235 I think it is because comparing involves comparing. To Not include or test the 'junk', as you call it, is like the school systems that try to 'lose' the scholastic testing of their 'not as smart' students. It would just be trying to play an All-Star game!
Ya'll Take Care and be safe, John
Thanks for not having cheesy openings and closings to your videos. Right to the point. 👍🏻
I agree I get so tired of people begging for a like and subscribe and share and comment. I swear sometimes the begging is 1/3 of the video lol
Henry C Cheesy openings cheesy smiles I called that the RUclips smile 😬 and I did 👍🏾 your comment. He does good work and is very clean with his presentation I’m sure his acquaintances are proud of him. 🙏🏻🙏🏽🙏🏿
I agree...the whole like subscribe lets get started...who needs that
couldn't agree more...
Agreed. This dude gets right to it and doesn't edit like an asshole youtuber. Thanks for this stuff.
I don't know what your background is, Will, But you are by far the best reviewer I've seen for these products so far. Great job! I work in the power industry and like what you are doing. Honest reviews like yours will eventually force manufacturers to up their game and produce quality products instead some of the trash I see out there.
He's a mechanic like myself. He knows how to think since he has a mechanical mind. People like us think outside the box from the inside of a bag.
Finding Will Prowse was truly great. Being a complete novice with no prior knowledge of anything electric related, Will's videos are so very understandable. Thank you Will for taking your time, effort to educate we who are interested in living off grid.
Will, your content is absolutely top notch. Please keep doing this for as long as you can, you have helped so many people!
I love your comment about how the suppliers didn't want to sponsor you because they wanted to be the only ones in the video. It's really impossible to compare unless you have more than one .... LOL!!
You make me laugh, and I learned so much I have seen this video before but now I understand more of it. It's been a year that I have been watching you thank you so much for all your hard work!!!
Thank you for your "out of pocket" review. Glad you didn't cave to the single unit comparison. Honesty & Integrity are hard to find these days. Kudos to ya :)
Dude. You have just raised the bar by sticking your honest reviews. Thank you
The beginning got me hooked instantly. (No intro music. No BS.)
Yo yo yo what up guys it's ya boi Mr. Solar Review Man. [shitty music and graphics] Today's video is brought to you by NordVPN. You know, when I'm shopping for shitty Chinese solar panels, I want to make sure the CIA doesn't know what I'm buying and that's why I love NordVPN. Let me tell you more about it for 5 minutes. OK now to the presentation. I was sent this shit for free for a 5-star review on Amazon. Here's how great it is. Don't forget to like and subscribe and SMASH that bell icon. Just smash the absolute shit out of it because I am deathly afraid you will not see my videos because they're crap and won't be promoted by The Algorithm (tm). [shitty outro music and graphics]
Thank you, sir. I love the multiple product review. Don't let them change you. I feel like it shows that they don't have enough confidence in their product to be able to have it compared to others. Regardless, you can tell that you really know your stuff. Conveyed by the fact that you're not having to read off of notes, while still being able to relay the information concisely. So much knowledge in one video. Thanks!
Wow Will, you are a diamond in the YT world! EXACTLY what I needed to fill in the gaps of my base. You're a natural teacher, very enthusiastic, and thanks for no crappy music! 5 stars! Buying from your website for all my solar stuff!
Please, I want to know 40A solar controller and how mean 100w solar panel size it.
Nancy could please give me the name of the website...Thank you...highly agreed with you
Amazing! You stated and displayed your test Lab. You test and compared all charge controllers to each other. You stated which charge controllers should be used based on battery chemistry. You mentioned how to achieve optimal value for your dollar. Excellent, Will. Thank you. And you did all that in twenty minutes!
Probably needed to mention that the cheap mppt will last 2 weeks and not 20 years. Will you also didnt mention which unit causes the most RFI.
Your speaking Greek to me now. But watching your videos I'm sure will learn me. Thank you. You have earned my trust and respect in a short period of time
When you are in your Solar Groove there is no one who does it better. Great video!!!
Thanks for reaffirming my decision to purchase your "favorite". Have been using mine at an off grid cabin for a couple of years now with no complaints.
In a world filled with so much fraud that people shy away from the truth and even get angry at those who speak the truth, you are a beacon of authenticity. Thank you for what you have contributed to many DIY'ers projects and lives. Many of us have gone from being afraid of going anywhere near these sorts of projects, to building solar + battery systems with attached inverters that we use to power our homes during peak hours, or an emergency or for the best reason of them all.. BECAUSE WE CAN! (Thx to you!)
Simple: I see objective reviewing, I subscribe. and when they stay that way I stay subscribed.
Bobcat...Everyone should challenge their own assumptions on a daily basis. To do otherwise is to give rise to stagnation and complacency. Do you really believe you can discern who is unbiased based upon the content of a RUclips video? If only deciphering the human condition were that easy. Shake that cloak of denial once in awhile just to be on the safe side.
Very fair comparative review. Shame on the manufacturers for not having enough confidence in their equipment to sponsor your analysis. Thank you for the information. This is an excellent channel.
True. Will explains things in a way that is clear, concise for someone such as I who has had absolutely no idea of how to contemplate a beginning to solar power. I am ready to jump in now, get off grid with my "new" used motorhome, and see this beautiful country....
the whole point is Will is independent - no bias, no back handers and if YUOU want to help - go fund his patreon page (Like I did)
The manufacturers missed a real opportunity for product improvement advice.
One of the best solar energy components video I have ever seen. Clear pricing and objective data
Will! I have loved everything you do for years now, but I was a bit shocked at 19:29 “a lady that does need to program it ever in her life” - of all the vanlife couples I know, the ladies are all the ones who have planned and designed and programmed their electrical system!!
My gawd dude, this video is absolutely amazing! From the moment I clicked and started watching, listening to you talk and explain the setup and everything, I could just tell that we were gearing up for a really great, really honest, and very thorough review. I'm now 6 minutes in, and just couldn't resist pausing for a second and giving you some praise man! I wish all guides on youtube could be this educated and well put together. I've been building some 18650 battery packs lately and I'm starting to dive into the realm of solar charging; I'm definitely going to subscribe and will be looking your way for any future Solar needs :) Thanks so much!!
You are providing a wonderful service, at the appropriate technical level. I love how you are up front, and very transparent when it comes to equipment! I also like the fact that you don’t do any goofy things, no cheesy music, lab coat or fast talk. Young man, you will go far in this world!!! I am new to the Airstream world and looking at adding solar to it. Keep up the great work! I am slowly watching your videos, and already have the book! Thanks... Rob C.
One comment, one request, and one suggestion. Comment: Great job on all of your videos! No wasting time with intros, fast paced, edited, info packed, pleasant delivery, and more, as per all the other comments. Request: Compare real world performance of 4 x 100 watt panels in series versus parallel. Series connections good for producing power early and late in the day when voltage would otherwise be insufficient to begin charging versus the performance drawback of not being in parallel. Good to know best solution on sunny day, on an overcast day, and a day with intermittent clouds. Suggestion: You use the word "cheap" to mean both poor quality and low cost. Although not necessarily confusing if the listener pauses to weigh context, there is no other word but "cheap" to represent poor quality, so that is the proper term. The word "inexpensive" is best for low cost.
Good suggestions, thank you
I think you are the best youtuber that does solar power related videos. Every video of yours is so well spoken any newbie can understand! Thank you!
THIS IS WHAT SOCIETY NEEDS!!......how many times do you start asking questions in shops about their products and they usually don't have a clue!!......and after a while you just stop going too the shops........just go online.......yeah.......this person is making life fairer for the masses.....some times 10 minutes of specialist knowledge that just works well!!.....is more powerful than 7 years of UNIVERSITY......unrelated training....
You saved me from getting some ultra expensive charge controller that I don't need. Trying to put together my 1st solar system here. Thanks.
I just found your channel.. I'm an old technician, and I think you do a great job.. keep up the good work, brother..
You’re amazing. I learn so much in such a short time. Thanks for no BS and no music. Easy to listen.
Lll
L
Ridiculously brilliant. How many years have I looked for these answers!! Thank you! Just bought your book.
Bumped into your videos. Am a mechatronic Engineer Kenya. That is so generous of you. Your videos are educative. Keep it up.
Man, you have the most comprehensive channel on solar.
Ok I'm that old lady that never needs to program anything. Lol thank you so much for the info, I'm completely lost on all this and you have cleared up a few things for me. New sub.again ty
U really have it together !!!
I love the way you explain all the details, you are a great teacher, I'm glad I found your channel. Thanks William Orange county, ca.
Outstanding Presentation. Lighting=Excellent. Sound=Excellent. Camera angles=Exclellent. Scripting=Excellent. Pacing=Excellent. Content=Excellent. Also 5 stars for avoiding graphic/video effects that only demonstrate an inflated ego and add nothing to the content. Many video presenters could [should] learn a lot from your work. Well Done, Sir!
Anal? Stop commenting about sound, scripting and content etc. no one cares and it just introduces a psychological anxiety and paranoia of being scrutinised. You’re not the only one that does this and I hope it doesn’t catch on. It’s cringe, You are not a judge or a critic, stop pretending to be.
You alone sir are the sole reason i understand solar enough to not fear it.
Thank you, you give me everything i need to build my offgrid home
you are the boss man! I used to sweat out of frustration trying to learn these type of things in school. You make me learn, without the sweat and the frustration. Thanks alot man! Really appreciate it!
I love how you're just 100% honest and direct to the point. It sounds like these manufacturers are just scummy people who only want to sell a product, and not provide a good experience for the end user.
That's almost every manufacturer now sadly. Their goal is to sell you a product that lasts only a year or two and make you buy it again.
This is a great comparison video. It makes things clearer by having the other brands on hand while reviewing them. I'm a noob to solar so this was very helpful, thanks
Thanks Will, i lover your videos. I am currently in school to be an Electrician at Los Angeles Trade Tech College and our professor uses your video for us to learn about charge controllers. Thank you
Great explanation. I knew NOTHING about hooking up a solar system and now I'm doing my first setup on my caravan. Your videos have been very helpful.
You rock young brother, I actually learned a bunch from your videos, you give a very clear and simple instructions...
Thanks for including the "2 Charge Controllers Myth Disproven" @ 11:38.
NO, NO and no! Nothing was "disproven". For goodness sake people separate your myth's from reality!
THESE particular charge controller's results are. To and from, these particular models, under this particular conditions! DO NOT extrapolate information based on air &wind!
GREAT JOB! It's easy to see that you are professional and very knowledgeable with a great style and energy. Also appreciated that you don't have a cheesy intro and are not into self-promotion just for ego sake. Nice job, I subbed right away. Great information that's well laid out and different testing methods are explained. A shame the manufacturers won't support your efforts but you tell of all their cheating and point out their shortcomings - not hard to see why they don't like you. But I sure do!! YOU ROCK!! Please keep them coming - I'm just learning!
You care to do an update for 2022 ? Love your videos man !
Straight forward. Right to the point. No bla bla talk just to make long videos.
I love the way you teach. You know your stuff and confident enough to not have to confuse people with to much technical jargon to show how smart you are well done !!!!!!!!!
Great video! One other very important test is the amount of RFI they put out. RF Hash that ruins emergency communication and Amateur radio reception. As well as Shortwave and standard broadcast AM. A simple test is to bring a portable AM radio into proximity with the equipment and note the amount of static that is generated from the device to the radio. An important factor when choosing a controller for communication setups. Thanks!
you are an expert!
YOU HAVE THE BEST VIDEOS ON THESE SUBJECTS. THANK YOU!!
As always, your channel is by far more helpful than any other website, channel, or ChatGPT inquiry. Keep up the good work. You're helping a lot of people.
Man I'm sure glad I stumbled across your channel because you explain this electrical stuff in a way I can understand better than anyone I've ever seen. Not saying that others aren't good but you would be a great teacher. I'm going to install some panels this summer after my roof has been reroofed as soon as my roofers get to doing my roof. Soon anyway. I'm encouraged. I can start off doing this with the good stuff and still not break the bank. I'm happy.👍 I'll get your book as soon as I'm through posting this. I'll be in touch. Thanks man.
I’m from the UK and think your candidness is really great. As for the manufacturers wanting sole promotion tell them to get lost.
Thank you very much ! 💖
I'm from SriLanka.
Your video helped me a lot to understand that the power output difference between a PWM and an MPPT is around 3 % .
I'm on a low budget so your channel is the only place in the entire youtube where I could find the solutions with realtime experimets 💖
Damn - I just ordered a Renogy Rover (not delivered yet) and, like you, I believe in using the largest gauge wires possible which means 10 GA to the panels (10A max current) and 8 GA to the battery bank (40A max). I was a bit concerned about the wire terminals and now that I've seen your video I realize the Rich Solar controller is a much better choice. I'm happy Amazon has such a good return policy...
Thanks for the review - you've just saved me some grief!
As handybob stated, thinner wires are a bad place to save money. Im gonna use #4 wiring for everything. Im considering using #2 wires from controller to battery bank. The shorter the wires are, the less resistance you will have, and you will want to keep your batteries as fully charged as possible at all times. Also, its important to keep positive and negative wires all the exact same length, or one wire will carry a higher load, especially when hooking the batteries together. I'm going to do this for my whole system., shortest wires possible, all the same length. I'm not sure if thats completely necessary but it makes sense to me so...
@@nicksimon4536 I'm running a pretty simple system - two SLA batteries with probably a max 5A working load though possibly a 40A charging current. The battery interconnects are 4 gauge while the system wiring is #8 to the controller and #10 to the distribution panel. I ended up using the EPEVER Tracer 60A MPPT controller which had no issues with the larger wiring.
I've been using Victron products for many years, they never let me down. Never had a problem with the connections. Over sizing wires is not necessary if you are careful about your connections. I have used some of the cheaper products you mentioned and found that they will fail after a year or two, I then moved to Victron and been happy with that choice for 10 years now. I am sure there are many great products for solar systems but it is always true that you get what you pay for! I do enjoy your videos, keep 'em coming. Thank you.
@Jon Phillips
Over sizing wiring at 12V still provides advantage over ‘the right sized’ wire for panel cables. The quality of crimp doesn’t make up for that advantage all else being equal.
More importantly to me is battery-to-inverter cabling. 2/0 VS 1/0, or 3/0 VS 1/0 at “full” inverter load adds a level of efficiency you can often feel with your hand by the temperature of the cable. A warm - or worse: hot - cable is clearly not at 100% of its potential efficiency. For example, a 1200W inverter running a shop vac: the advertised peak on the inverter I’m referring to is 2400W, or 200+ Amps at nominal 12V. The ‘correct’ sized cable would become warm to the touch after a period of running the shop vac. I replaced it with two gages larger and that doesn’t get warm ever.
I suppose I could look up the tables but I’m sure the correct wire was safe enough. However, safe isn’t enough; on a small system that lack of temperature rise in the cable spells “more efficient.”
I have 8 12v 100w panels 4 in series to a $15 controller to a Led acid bank and 4 in series to a $15 controller to a 100Ah LiFePO4 battery. 5 Months now without any problems. :)
I have had 10 75watt 12v panels daisychained to make 5 - 24volt output panel disharge for over 20 years, and used a cheap 12v/24v PWM controller for most of its life, till I got gifted a 50 Amp RV Power mppt controller and could finally clock amp output on cloudless sunny days at mid day and found my system was making 22 amps so may have been exceeding its capacity (prolly 20 amps).
The 50 amp fragged itself so I am considering pushing the panels thru 2 cheap PWMs to lessen the load on each.
They all charge fine, in the long run but it's not worth the risk of using them on top of expensive batteries.
WELL DONE! Your videos are absolutely fantastic! I have been wanting solar since I was 14. I am 68 now. We bought a system for our home in Sydney ten years. We are now in Tasmania on a small property. The Tas' house already had solar when we moved in. I am building solar systems for sheds around the place and your videos have been a HUGE help! THANK YOU!
My head is swirling right now with all the info. But I'll sort it all out. I'm doing a van build and will be putting about 300-400 watts on the roof. And probably 2 100ah agm batteries to start. Your videos are a wealth of info, thanks.
I got the victron one because its small and it works in harmony with my victron shunt. also it doesnt get hot. mine is inside my tongue box right next to my 200Ah lithium battery with a 200w solar panel going to it and its just chilling out at ambient temps throughout the day. Also the small was very important because i have teardrop and space is very valuable so anywhere i can cut down on size is pretty great. i also like to be able to see the charge stats while driving down the road via Bluetooth.
As a total newbie I have to say, you are amazing!
Thanks for helping me to wade through solar controllers and amps, watts, volts, etc. I live in Haiti and depend heavily on solar power!
Rich Solar owes you a commission. Because of this test video i bought a Rich Solar 20 am controller. It's been three days and im very happy with it. Thanks again, and greetings from sunny Jamaica.
Update: 20 amp Rich Solar charge controller is doing very well. I am up grading with more panels so i need a bigger charge controller and i have decided to buy a 40amp Rich Solar this time and connect both together.
Update: I got the 40 amp Rich Solar controller and running both the 20 and the 40 charging the same Power Queen LiFeP04 battery. I am very pleased with their performance.
I really appreciate you telling the truth and not what the manufacturers tell you to say. I love your videos. Very honest and informative. Thanks bro!
This is a really nicely put together comparison. Great for people that want to get the basics and install their own solar.
Thank you for your integrity and not just going with one brand but buying them all to test for us! :D
That alone is reason to sub! Thanks for the vid! :D
Well done! I appreciate your "assessment neutrality" based on specific uses.
Your channel is great! I’m building an off-grid workshop that I was going to “do something simple”… a fridge + a few lights. You’ve given me the confidence to do something much better and I know I’m buying quality components.
An updated version of this video would be awesome!!
Quick summary, then "...and yeah, I'll talk to you guys later, bye."
Perfect outro, thanks for that. Any updates within the past year to any of these? I'd be curious to know. Also, I know it's only 1 compared to your current amount, but you've earned a sub with this and a couple past videos, thank you for the content and for satisfying my curious mind. I'm an electrician currently planning a setup for random things, not quite to live off-grid or anything but for other experiments/hobbies, but your content's much appreciated.
This is the type of comparison videos i need to see. With you explaining the differences in the PWM and MPPT controllers and their advantages and disadvantages help the less informed person such as myself make good choices. Im learning tho! Thank you Will for these type videos 👍
The EP ever 4210, it's a affordable controller and very good quality
I had mine for 5 years and never had trouble, works like a clock
I never go for expensive staff, there is no need to pay for a brand and it's cheaper to replace.
Clearly some of the brands are nothing but the same generic thing rebranded.
I didn't catch the name of your mppt solar charge controller. Great video for beginners thanks.
12:16
I bought the Tracer bn40 a few years ago....Still going strong and pleased I made a good decision and purchase.
It would be interesting to see these tests over time. To see how the MPPT vs PWM does with changing conditions / early & late day.
MPPT VS PWM make a very similar amount in peak sunlight, the difference is low light and early mornings.
Ive got the "small crappy one" on my boat. Works perfect on the 120watt panel charging the 130amp Carbon Lead house battery. You can even programme the output to run for different times from 1hr up to 24 hrs. I use my one to run a fuel polishing pump 4 hours per day while i'm away from the boat. Keeps the diesel nice and clean as well as keeping the house battery at optimal float voltage.
I just saw your intro from Jamie at the 2019 build. Thank you for your videos. You've made the hardest decisions easy for all of us.
Thanks, great video. I purchased the EPever 40A Charge controller by clicking throught the link on your website. The price was $30 cheaper than I had previously found.
Thank you, I've been trying to figure out what type of charge controller I need for my lead acid battery bank. You've answered my questions. I have 4 deep cycle RV batteries and 4 AGM batteries [which were given to me from a friend]. So my plan was to charge each pair individually and then move to the next. With the purpose of being able to re-charge my phone, portable radios and various batteries around the shop, plus being able to have DC lighting around the house. I have some cheap and inefficient panels hooked up. I have a portable generator hooked up to my panel - but if I ever run out of gas, I want to have some means of charging.
But in the end I plan to get a EcoFlow Delta and portable solar panels - I'm going with the KISS method. Maybe I'll give my battery system to someone on a limited budget and let them follow your recommendations.
You do a good job explaining some very complicated concepts [for my knowledge background] thank you for the work you put into this subject.
This is the exact review I have been looking for, thank you SO MUCH!!
Absolutely great freaking job,
Thanks for taking your time for sharing your expertise and teaching us tubers with your knowledge.
And Holly crap I just watched a few more of you videos(hits) and you got it going on. 👍Thanks again,
Sigs~Michigander✌🏻
Hi from Aus Will, great video as always! Those Epever Tracer's are a great little MPPT, Adam Welch got me onto them with his videos about a year ago and they work really well. Recently got myself some second hand cheap 2 year old 200w panels so going to need an upgrade and it looks like the Tracer BN series will fit perfectly, thanks for the recommendation.
Went camping last week with a couple of yellow top optima car batteries I hade laying around and a cheep mppt from Amazon and 200 watts of solar and it ran my 12v refrigerator /freezer all week, no problem, it was a fun project to put together and no running out of ice.
Excellent!! Went through multiple videos and still didn't learn what I needed till came to your channel. Learned so much! Thank you!
Great info. Very good review. Just got my EPEVER 40a controller w/ MT 50 remote from Amazon. Going to hook it up this weekend at my cabin. Replacing a Renogy 20A PWM
Hey can I ask you something??? How’s that new epever working out for you???I’ve been looking at them,,,,I bought a 60 amp Renorgy commander a couple years ago and it only last about a year and then it went out on me and Renorgy wouldn’t make it right,,,they really didn’t care,,,I paid over $500 for it,,,,big rip off,,, I’m thinking about buying a new charge controller but I don’t want to buy a piece a junk,,,would you say your new 40 amp here is worth it?????
william foreman it’s been going great for the past year but plan to update soon to an Outback Flexmax 80 soon just because my system is growing
Ye we did learn something,well I did,thank you Will.Yes I am an Electrician and I find you videos both entertaining and educational
I'mpleased that I found this video, really helpfull for me.
I very much like the 'no-nonsense-stick to the essentials' style of presentation.
Thank you.
I like your comparison videos - i hope this youtube channel compensate you for your research, knowledge and integrity - Thank you.
I did indeed learn a lot from this vid! I only wish that I’d watched it before my most recent pwm charge controller purchase. Live and learn as they say!
I've watched a number of your videos and overall, I think you're doing a very good job of keeping it interesting and bringing a lot of basic/mid level knowledge to the masses IRT solar panels, controllers, different types of batteries, inverters, BMSs, etc. As a former advanced electronics instructor, I'd like to help you out with a little advice, if you don't mind. In several of your video reviews, the equipment didn't work 100% - BMS with low temp cutoff not cutting off, etc. Your conclusion was that the mfr didn't get it implemented. But there are other possibilities. Perhaps you got a defective unit, or perhaps the temp probe was defective. I've learned over the yrs to never take anything for granted. I keep an open mind, because I've seen it all - from bad test eq. to dirty power in the outlet.
In this video specifically, you left out quite a few other brands of affordable MPPT controllers, one of which I consider to be better performing than most. The Eco-worthy 40A BT controller is well constructed, big input connectors, external BT antenna and extremely fast MPPT tracking. Solar input can vary rapidly, even on sunny days. How slowly a controller tracks MPP can severely impact solar harvest. My experience with all of the Epever/Epsolar/Tracer series of controllers was extremely slow tracking, often off by 10v or more while the Eco-worthy connected to an identical solar panel was almost instantaneous in tracking. Tracking speed is an important aspect of MPPT controllers, ignoring it is like reviewing cars and ignoring acceleration and focusing only on trunk space. Sure, it's nice if a controller has larger connectors on it, but it can be worked around, it's a minor detail compared to efficiency, output, adjustability, etc. You could have used an assistant with a piece of cardboard outside to simulate varying solar input.
In your cable crimper video, you showed a 3 point crimper with a cordless impact. For $50, it's a piece of junk and doesn't really give you a great crimp. A proper crimp should crush the copper strands into a virtually solid state. You can buy an 8 ton hydraulic crimper with 9 sizes of hexagonal dies off ebay for $25, or a 16 ton with 11 dies for $38. Far superior crimp, which should be done with tinned copper lugs and sealed with adhesive lined heat shrink, not electrical tape.
Keep in mind, you have a lot of viewers who turn to you for expert advice and you're doing them a disservice if you don't show them the best practices, or MPPT controller, or crimper, etc. Just a little bit more research would really cement your expertise. In summary, overall, you're doing a very good job, keep up the good work!!
get your own channel...
@@bellakairos3655 Mr Frakes is offering constructive criticism which I suspect Will is taking in the spirit it's intended, I appreciate both their contributions.
@@bellakairos3655 Typical groupie knee jerk reaction... I don't think that will is going to give you any personal information - I know that I wouldn't.
Thanks Steve. Very respectfully submitted advice from you to Will. I will be checking out the items that you mention as I am in the market for the best controller vs price that I can find for my 1st system. I am looking at a cheap kit to get started but it comes with a a lead acid charger only so that will need to be replaced right away to get the most benefit for my Li-on battery packs. :)
For sealing your crimps I suggest the shrink tube butt connectors which include a ring of solder. These can be modified for lugs and other terminals. Have a great day to you and Will both. :)
I too was looking at the Ecoworthy BUT a HUGE Number of 1star reviews - especially about overheating lead me to think that the product is not Will Prowse worthy
I cant tell you how helpful this was, very professional analysis. great job my friend.
Rich solar is looking better and better 👍
I really appreciate your videos. They are very educational. You're the only channel I've ever subscribed to because I hate when other channels tell you to subscribe some of them just sounds like they're begging and spend like 5 min telling you to sub or like the video.
AWESOME VIDEO...Came in knowing NOTHING...left with a rock solid decision on the right charge controller for my project. Will, I really appreciate your hard work and dedication to solar testing and education. You make it look so easy and it gives me a lot of confidence. THANK YOU!
Great vid Will, thanx for spending some of your own money to help explain this stuff.
Informative video and congratulations on passing 60k subs.
You are very knowledgeable about this subject. Thanks for sharing. I've subscribed and learning.
I used the little/cheap charge controller to on a portable system with one panel and one battery and a timer to water a small, remote orchard in Idaho. It worked very well for that purpose.