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Onboard Solar Controller

Explorers2Explorers2 Member Posts: 35
in Battery/Electrical & Solar
Following on my inquiry about the apps folks are using…

Thanks to you all, I now have an app that is working for monitoring solar output and some info on battery condition. As mentioned in my other thread, I have the original PWM solar charge controller HP2440 on my 2018 320S. I have no real information on this unit so no opinion on pros and cons. But it does seem like many folks are using something different, like the Victron controller. Is there a reason I should change to a different controller than this 2440 thing? They aren’t all that expensive so it would be an easy upgrade. 
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  • pthomas745pthomas745 Moderator Posts: 4,191
    The Victron is more "state of the art", with "maybe" better monitoring and measurement.
    Where the Victron works very well, and is the best reason to use one, is the ease of setup.  I have the SRNE on my Rich solar controller, and it isn't "hard" to set up, but I have used other solar controllers that are much more difficult.  I think for "new" users, the Victron units setup is very straightforward and easier to understand.
    On the downside, Victron user friendliness is lacking.  It can fail/stop working/confuse users in bewildering ways, and there is very little help.  Most of what we know about trying to "reset" or "restart" the Victron is what we have figured out ourselves.
    Still, the Victrons are well worth it.  There is nothing "wrong" with your HP2440.  If you plan to upgrade to a lithium battery, though, an upgrade to the Victron controller and a shunt would be the best option.
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • skibugskibug Member Posts: 10
    The  Victron also use MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology which is more efficient than PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) which I assume is what your current controller uses. You will yield more power out of the same solar conditions with MPPT than PWM.  The Victron controllers will be about 98% efficient per there spec sheet while PWM controllers are 75-80. 
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  • Explorers2Explorers2 Member Posts: 35
    Ah, so I would gain output by changing to victron, correct? 

    And I am upgrading to lithium so maybe that’s enough of a reason to make the switch to a different controller? 
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  • WayneWWayneW Member Posts: 236
    Victron isn’t your only choice for an MPPT controller. Many other makes have this feature. I recently picked up 2 Renogy 100w panels that I pair with a Renogy MPPT controller. It works fine and has its own app that you can look at via Bluetooth. 

    However, I find the Victron app more informative. I have a 320 Boondock w solar on the roof and it came w the Victron controller. It has more information on charging history, how much was produced, peak wattage, etc. You can also fairly easily change charging parameters if you want. And if you get a Victron shunt it pairs w that as well. 

    You can get as involved as you want, but either can be pretty much plug and play if you want. 
    2021 320S BD
    2017 F-150
    Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
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  • skibugskibug Member Posts: 10
    Yes more output under the same conditions. I think it makes sense to switch. If you upgrade to lithium you will need to configure your controller so that it know you have lithium because the charge profile is different. I 2nd the shunt recommendation if you go to lithium. The battery status  led lights in the camper will be even more useless with lithium as they are meant for a lead acid battery. Victron makes some n ce shunts as well - https://a.co/d/1T2u1Vf
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  • Explorers2Explorers2 Member Posts: 35
    Yes the victron shunt and a lithium battery are on order. For the controller, I saw that victron makes several models. Do I want the 100/30amp? 
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  • skibugskibug Member Posts: 10
    You should only need 75/15 to handle the roof top
    solar - https://a.co/d/dUDczxZ this unit can handle
    220w.  
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  • Explorers2Explorers2 Member Posts: 35
    Great, thx much everyone! 
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  • jkjennjkjenn Member Posts: 6,412
    The advvantage of sticking with Victron is ability to network the different Victron products better to optimize charging. It works brilliantly for that.

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

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