Renogy vs. Victron solar charge controllers

[Forester2]

Its time to replace the factory supplied Gopower PWM controller with a MPPT unit. I run 380 watts solar on the roof and don't anticipate changing that so 30amp units should be fine (have additional 200amp suitcase with own controller). Trying to decide between Renogy unit and Victron. In reality I'm trying to decide on one thats roughly double the price of the other (I know the bluetooth module is $30 extra on the Renogy). Don't mind spending the $ if the venifits are there. Any thoughts??

[JayLo]

Just a note that I bought this one and it is great.

HQST MPPT Solar Charge Controller... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0989NV7M1?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[RogerR]

I have the Renogy and love the bluetooth. Check for sales and notice that you can sign up for emails and get 5% off and if you get a code from a current user like me you can get an additional 7% off unless it changed in the last few days.

[billcf7]

Myself i like the Victron but they are a bit of a premium price, cant comment on the Renogy

[geezerbob]

Forester. I have the exact same Go-power set up with 2 12 volt flooded batteries in parallel. Question why are you changing to a mppt at this time?
Just curious
Bob

[geezerbob]

Forester. Have you considered the Go-power 30 amp mppt controller?
Bob

[Forester2]

Good questions. For all the stuff Ive read, going to MPPT should be more efficent in charging especially in cloudy or shady conditions. Ive kind of narrowed it down to these two brands because:
1) Ive heard of them
2) There seems to be many reviews and evaluation of them to peruse.
My suitcase unit is Renogy and seems fine but Ive used very little.

[Forester2]

As for discounts on Renogys site, the Renogy Store on Amazon has much better prices. Asked Renogy about this and got a somewhat muddled response.

[EricM22]

I have a Renogy that I'll sell you cheap, I used it for about 8 months then upgraded to a larger amp model. Its size should suit your application. Perfect condition. I'll check the exact model when I get home then edit this post.

[Forester2]

Or just send me a PM

[JimD]

Have the Renology with bluetooth on my 400 watt setup and find that added feature well worth it. You can sit back and monitor its charge level and also see the high and low battery readings for a number of days stored in memory. If you like big boy toys, go with the bluetooth.

[SmokerBill]

I have a Renogy Rover, 30 amp. No bluetooth, but it does the job just fine. I got a deal on it because a new, updated version came out, so the previous version was selling at a discount.

[ih-nelson]

For Sale
2-wheel Master toll dolly,spare tire mounted,2-sets of straps
Excellent condition
,Surge brakes. $ 1200.00 440-986-1614, area 44001

[ARoamer]

I can't comment on the Renogy controllers, I have never owned one, but I do have a Victron Smartsolar MPPT 100/50 which has so far worked very well. My Victron's circuit board components are potted in a epoxy resin so any component replacement is not possible if any repairs are needed. If it fails, no options other than replace it.

[gypsmjim]

We bought a Renogy 7 years ago. Probably an outdated model now. Regardless, their customer service help in setting it up was awesome and the unit has run perfect. If I needed a new one, they would be my only choice.

[Forester2]

Thanks all for your input. Thought for sure Id be steered towards the Victron but it seems like a strong following for Renogy (at a very reasonable price). Never did hear back from EricM on what he was using.

[EricM22]

Originally Posted by Forester2

Thanks all for your input. Thought for sure Id be steered towards the Victron but it seems like a strong following for Renogy (at a very reasonable price). Never did hear back from EricM on what he was using.

Apologies for the delay.

It is a Renogy Rover 40A MPPT controller. I can sell it to you for $60 shipped if you decide you want it. You can see the specs on the Renogy site. Thanks!

[Forester2]

Eric: ssent you a private nessage

[440 scout]

Originally Posted by Forester2

Its time to replace the factory supplied Gopower PWM controller with a MPPT unit. I run 380 watts solar on the roof and don't anticipate changing that so 30amp units should be fine (have additional 200amp suitcase with own controller). Trying to decide between Renogy unit and Victron. In reality I'm trying to decide on one thats roughly double the price of the other (I know the bluetooth module is $30 extra on the Renogy). Don't mind spending the $ if the venifits are there. Any thoughts??

I just installed a 40 amp Renogy charge controller for a friend and the only things I didn't like was during initial programming when selecting battery types, the icons were so small (microscopic) I had to use a magnifying glass to determine what I was seeing and still wasn't sure. As was suggested in an earlier post just replace it with a Go-Power MPPT 30 amp. Why? Because it fits in the same square hole where your old one is, it has a lighted display panel and because the wires are in the back of the Go-Power unit and not hanging out in the front like the Renogy. The Victron charge controllers are nice units but I personally don't like the lack of a display panel so if you need to check status, don't forget your cellphone for the Victron bluetooth app.

[ARoamer]

Originally Posted by 440 scout

The Victron charge controllers are nice units but I personally don't like the lack of a display panel so if you need to check status, don't forget your cellphone for the Victron bluetooth app.

I installed my Victron Smart Solar controller close to my battery bank which reduces wiring losses a bit. Being in that area a display would not be a great advantage anyhow. The unit does have 3 LED's visible that display battery type setup, charging modes, and fault modes without the need to open the app. It's not very appealing to look at, I certainly wouldn't want that blue lump hanging off the wall in my living space!