Victron MPPT 100/50 smart solar charge controllers side by side. Yes, its worth it.

Easy diy solar system upgrade. Adding a second Victron MPPT 100/50 to 600Ah LiFePO4 battery bank.
The whole main house system:
Chins 12.8v 300ah LiFePO4 battery:amzn.to/3M22V7g
Victron 100/30 MPPT smart solar charge controller:amzn.to/3GRcypg
Victron 12v 30amp smart charger:amzn.to/37u3BDd
Reliable 12v3000watt pure sine wave inverter:amzn.to/3wdgGta
Epever 40amp charge controller:amzn.to/38hDgsv
Newpowa 12v 100watt monocrystalline solar panels:amzn.to/3yqM2z5
Solar panel cables:amzn.to/3GuDmKB
Aili battery monitor:amzn.to/3sqwqYF
Solar panel isolator switch:amzn.to/3QoZN8i
Solar panel isolator switch breaker box:amzn.to/3ZkdTMn
50 amp breakers:amzn.to/3kTCiFt
Bus bars:amzn.to/3ynZPXd
Battery cables:amzn.to/3vLPMIU
Filmed with Gopro hero 10:amzn.to/3kVJfWA
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@stevebrotzman723]

Subscribed and thumbs up! I am new to solar and gonna do my system in my van. Been watching videos and reading for 6 months. In the beginning my eyes were bleeding but now I am understanding more and you just prevented me from making a decision with 2 controllers. I had planned on the victron MPPT 100-50 next a Renogy that has a built in DC-DC power connection. Now I will go with 2 Victron controllers and their DC-DC module. I wanted to save money and buy other stuff but it is clear I could save money on things like panels and make up for it with Victron parts.....but I will get as many panels as I can anyway! Thanks for the vid!

[@1kzrider]

I also found Victron to worth it's weight in gold. I am currently very impressed in a setup I have 2 victrons. But, this one setup is a 50 watt panel fixed to roof near perfect south. And I am getting non stop power with victron 100/20 SmartSolar with it. I am seeing 1.3-1.5 amps even before 10am and through day I see as high as average 2.5 amps with spike of 2.9 even. Considering a 50 watt Mono panel Peak Current (Imp):2.92 Amp to get such results due to the Victron is amazing. I am charging a 30Ah LifePo4 running USB fans, USB LED Edison bulb, 18650 charger, tablet and cell phone charging off this. And I am in float mode most the day. My other 100/50 Bluetooth Dongle "thought I got a great deal on Ebay" was not the Bluetooth Smart Solar) connected with 4x165 mono panels same roof. Connected to 8x20Ah LifePo4 run in series parallel for 24V I average 20-23 amps to batts. FYI Yea I think ebay has lot of open box Victron MPPT non Bluetooth for sale cause people get them and find out no bluetooth and return. Vs just getting the dongle like I had to. Which works out better you get further bluetooth connection.

[@UnkyjoesPlayhouse]

started with a donated Growatt 3000/24v system, w 2 12.8v lifepo4's in series, now getting ready to buy Victron for my DIY 24v battery bank with bms. I am sold on Victron's stuff from Off Griud Garage. Love your laid back style of presenting, sub'd and enjoying your content :)

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Mahalo! And welcome to the conversation here! Hope to see you around again! Aloha!🤙

[@jayh9504]

Thanks for all of your informative reviews! You helped me convince myself to change all of my existing solar controllers to Victron 100-50 devices. Wow what a difference!

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Yeah they do make a difference huh? Mahalo for tuning in ! Aloha! 🤙

[@pnowikow]

You've made me a believer in Victron. I'm ordering a 75/15 this week

[@johnguilbert1349]

I have the same Victron units and other componentry. You can't go wrong with Victron, you really do get what you pay for. Excellent equipment performance, functionality and interoperability.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Love the Victron! 🤙

[@OperationCamp]

I went to a victron unit myself two years ago vs a cheaper unit I had bought off of amazon. Build quality is top notch so i bought an even bigger the 150/85amp one for my garage also using a 600 Ah battery bank and the thing even charges on cloudy days with no problems. Enjoyed the video 👍

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Mahalo for that! Yeah, I love Victron too. Makes a huge difference day in and day out. Aloha! 🤙

[@benkanobe7500]

That was a great side by side. Thank you.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Anytime brother! 🤙

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Aloha Rest bun peace EPever, you have taught us and served us. Mahalo

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

😉🤙

[@williamfairley2502]

Nice set up , I run 6 x 190w panels = 1140w into one Victron 100/50 charge controller , I use series parallel, but I use 24v system

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Nice! I think I will do series parallel in time too. Add some more panels then do that. Aloha!🤙

[@closetcleaner]

Regarding the difference in readings between the different mppts brands,,, It's good practice to use an independent method to validate different readings. Other simple methods of testing is swapping units. Just sharing.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Good advice for sure🤙

[@UlfWolf_Skater]

Victron is worth the money! I run the 100/50 on two 440 Jimko panels with a max output of 1050W. Controlling is perfect, especially the the different modes like Bulk, absorption and float. Extending to a second string, but will I will go for the 150/45 due to some voltage peaks above 100v.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Love the Victrons!🤙

[@kimokoanui3732]

Aloha I'm in hilo now and it'sa gorgeous day! My lifepo4 batteries are loving it!

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Aloha Kimo! Beautiful day indeed!🤙

[@nowayoutstp4]

Excellent video sir!

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Mahalo!🤙

[@vinniec5286]

Good information to know. I have 2 PWM charge controllers and recently switched to a Victron 100/30 with blue tooth. I have noticed a considerable difference and to verify the readings, I clamped my amp meter around the cable going into the charge controller and then on the one going from the charge controller to the battery and they were essentially the same.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Yeah, I love the Victrons. Makes everthing sooo much easier! 🤙

[@Thode-R]

Pvm starts charging at the battery voltage. Mppt goes full tilt from the gett go

[@Zbee167]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing.

[@daveyboy8907]

Looking forward to a victron sync video..I need to sync mine.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Was super easy to synch up🤙

[@rodhobart9926]

Hi, it appears the voltage on the Epever system has a higher voltage, so may be nearer to full charge. I am enjoying your channel ..... from Australia

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Aloha to you way over there! 🤙

[@TheTundercat222]

Victron for the Win

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

No doubt...clear win! Aloha!🤙

[@robertmeyer4744]

A big difference. shows the faster MPPT time in Victron . also looks like Victron has better conversion efficiency watts in to watts out. all giving more to battery .now day after day that improvement will really add up. over time with same usage you will notice a higher state of charge. waiting until spring to install Victron to my briefcase folding portable panel. that I take camping with us. Will also allow me to charge 24V battery as well. It is 2 60 watt panels into PWM 12V now. will be series into Victron then I set for either battery. even AGM . It came with cheap controller on nice panels . I bought it knowing that. May be Powerqueen will go camping with us soon. Saved in my cart. Got car to fix. new tiers ETC. I do a little at a time. Them EP ever ones do work and can be a nice back up .I love the Bluetooth feature. that app shows them both at same time. I got the USB connect cable for mine so I can program from my PC . allowing me to set different battery types. like NiFe or NiCd or NiMh . or even LTO or Na-ION . once you set a nom 12 or 24V system I can adjust for the difference in balk and float settings. Victron has even more features for advanced users as well. I can dump my own fermwear into it. and they are with me to help me with the settings I need.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Aloha Roberto! Well today first day with the two Victrons, easily went to 100% . It made the difference. Without even synching them up together they always stayed within 1 watt of each other on input. It was a thing of beauty I tell ya! I do plan to sync them up, and am reading up on how to do that. The new one went to absorption just a few minutes before the original one. But both went full tilt all the way to full, no hesitation! I was super happy wiith the results. In fact every system today went to float. Finally got everything paneled up pretty good. And the days are getting longer, so all good out here. And sounds like all good there too!🤙

[@boscodog4358]

You have a very good channel. Testing is a very labor intensive ordeal. Can you recommend a forum channel ? I have a few questions that if I can chat with someone will bring me up to full speed with my EPEVER. So sad that EPEVER does not have have technical support in the USA.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Mahalo! I have fun with it, but you're right , catching everything on camera eats up some time. I can try try to answer an EPever ? for you, but otherwise the diy solar forum may be good for specifics. Lots of real tech guys in there. I struggled in the beginning using the Epever myself...heck I made a bunch of videos on parameters, and spent so much time on it it was crazy. Now Im sold on Victron...plug and play. 🤙

[@mayricelduhaylungsod7722]

Nice setup.. you can sycn the two controller.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Im reading on that now! Mahalo!🤙

[@Justthe2ofUs843]

Have you networked the victrons? They will synchronize to get the most out of them. Here are the recommended settings for the Chins if you don't have them. Thank you very much for your purchase. The setting method of MPPT and inverter of 12.8V lithium iron phosphate battery pack is as follows: Charging Charging Limit Voltage: 14.2V Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage: 14.6V Over Voltage Reconnect Voltage: 13.8V Float Charging Voltage: 13.8V Discharging Low Voltage Disconnect Voltage: 11.6V Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage: 12.4V Under Voltage Warning Voltage: 12.8V The setting method of MPPT and inverter of 25.6V lithium iron phosphate battery pack is as follows: Charging Charging Limit Voltage: 28.4V Over Voltage Disconnect Voltage: 29.2V Over Voltage Reconnect Voltage: 27.6V Float Charging Voltage: 27.6V Discharging Low Voltage Disconnect Voltage: 23.2V Low Voltage Reconnect Voltage: 24.8V Under Voltage Warning Voltage: 25.6V The above are two common installation methods, if you use other methods (series or parallel) to install our batteries, please contact u and we will send you the MPPT and inverter setting parameters. We can also arrange engineers to send you design drawings of series a parallel connections Note: 1, Please avoid short circuit of the battery or battery pack whe you connect the battery, otherwise, it will damage the BMS of the battery and make it fail to work normally. 2, Please select the specification of the cable connected to the batte according to the current value of charging and discharging, so as to avoid accidents caused by the current exceeding the withstand range

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Yes, I have them networked and doing great. Mahalo for that information! 🤙

[@davidpatrick1813]

Comment: do you put a ground on the controller screw on the left side?

[@mariodasilva8729]

Should we believe Victron is not upping the Amps display in their controllers? Is there a way to externally revalue the current passing thru between the Epever and the Victron?

[@silverleapers]

1.8Kw vs 1.1Kw WOW!!! Victron for the win.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

🤙

[@OskarHartmannsson]

Im confused are the charging the same battery and if they are it is normal that they will read the volts from the other one making it ramp down they settings and the calibration is not the same, running them separated wold be more correct as a test.

[@igorkvachun3572]

Yes video👍 ☀⚡🔌💡🔋

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

😉🤙

[@ChristophPuetz]

Do you use a distributor like the Lynx or are both controllers feeding directly into the battery bank?

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

From controllers to bus bar to batteries. No Lynx at this time. Aloha!🤙

[@carlh2007]

How many amps is your epever? I just bought a 30amp model to upgrade my 75/15 Victron with 2x 250w house panels lol. Hopefully it'll still be an upgrade

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Epever in video was a 40 amp controller. Aloha!🤙

[@hansjrgenkristensen4034]

EPEver MPPT is surely 40A? Then it may be that the power brake is due to power almost at the maximum limit of the output fuse. Safety in the regulator is activated. But still a lot of difference. Real comparison must be with equal regulators. Websites I've seen there are no 50A EPEver, the 40A and 60A are the closest. Probably EPEver and others have thought that it should be possible with too much panels, so it charges well when there is cloudy and bad panel weather. When the sun appears, the limitations on the output are activated - the power level becomes restricted. Victron has a different starting point, there is a limit of max and you have to comply with it. Then there is no need to limit on the output, if a little too much panels.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Yes , was a 40amp controller from Epever. I understand what you say, but why it has always slowed down remains a mystery. Aloha!🤙

[@anniewisecarver744]

I have 5 - 200W solar panels (1000W) and 4 - 200ah lithium iron phosphate batteries. What size charge controller do I need (amps?) I was going to get a 60amp but now I think I need more. Does Victron have controllers with higher amps? I'm not sure how to read the numbers on them. Thanks!

[@michaeljoncour4903]

what happened to the samsung monitor giving the output, what is its name?

[@penncapt]

Will this Victron charge 14s LIPO to 58.2 volts?

[@cmquinn2000]

Difference could be either a little dirt on the lower panels, or some sort of resistance difference between the two. Maybe a connector not seated as well or just not as crimping/soldering of the connectors. There is also the error of the two devices measuring circuits. They are close enough to be considered the same.

[@Earthmadegarden]

Victron ftw!! Have you checked out the smart shunt from them?

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Not yet but I certainly will!🤙

[@Earthmadegarden]

@@ProjectsinParadise808 I definitely recommend. It’s the BMV-712 great product for monitoring the SOC

[@silverleapers]

Maybe I'm reading the Icons and displays incorrectly, but why is the epever only showing ~300w of solar being produced while the victron is showing ~400w, if the two panel strings are actually outputting roughly the same power?

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Exactly why I went with second Victron...no reason I could figure out. Aloha!🤙

[@silverleapers]

@@ProjectsinParadise808 Another youtube channel showed victron vs epever and found almost the exact same thing. Epever was reading about 25% lower PV power-in compared to the victron.

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

I've got a lingering question about shutting down the PV array. I'm not sure I understand the ifs and whys and so forth. But it is my ritual to cover the array with a white sheet ( I use two down filled bed covers). The more I view these shutdown switches the more I realize that no one is covering the array first. This has precluded my decision to install a disconnect. I can't recall why or where but vaguely I recall reading somewhere that the PV module must be protected from sunlight in the event it is not connected. I've maintained strict adherence because I accepted the doctrine assuming that the PV panel array would surge to an elevated temperature when disconnected. I wonder how hot ?

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Thats a good question. I kill all power with switches, then I went out and unplugged the array, but didnt cover the panels. Then when I was done reconfiguring everything , powered up cc from battery first, went outside plugged in array, then back inside and flipped isolater on. Thats how I always have done it. With no problems. 🤙

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

@@ProjectsinParadise808 Yes, I'm learning maximum open circuit voltage isn't harming much. I just dread the thought of returning to damaged modules after a prolonged absence. My suspicion is that during a shutdown the string will get hot enough to burn solder small solder connections inside and possibly damage electrical components and melt connectors. If this is the case then it would prudent to have a quick solution for any person minimally capable of assisting in my absence. I'm visualizing a simple plan like the products used to paint green houses commonly referred to as solar reflective green house paint. It blocks a large percentage of the solar gain, is rain fast, easily washes away, non toxic, and can be sprayed on with a hose or garden sprayer.

[@jime9305]

@@anthonyrstrawbridge As much research and study that I've done over many years, I've never heard anyone express concern over leaving panels exposed and unused. When solar panels are disconnected from a system it is to protect the charge controller, not the panels. I have never covered my array when disconnected and I've never experienced any problems from doing so multiple times. I believe your concerns are unfounded, but I will inquire further 🌞👍

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

@@jime9305 Yes, it isn't a problem in itself nor is warranted much concern today. Likely, I learned these things long ago during the design phase of actually building modules from cells when the circuits were not as refined and selection of components were limited in comparison to today. Back then an exposed modules had the potential to act as both: Load and Supply resulting in a toaster oven like effect which could damage a cell, then string, and eventually the solder connection. Yes, it can happen today too but not so much with quality.

[@frans_d7989]

I use a SMA sunny boy inverter and a sunny island for my off grid solar system. When the batteries are completely charged the grid inverter shorts out the panels. I wonder why they do that instead of disconnecting the panels?

[@ernestkooistra1559]

✌

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

🤙

[@davidoldkitten2660]

yea i went to victron charge controller to. love them i don't like epever any more. they are slow.. what size wire is on your new victron charge controller Battery side and on the solar side...

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Went with 8 ga. Got a full charge so easy today! Worked so good it was great. Aloha!🤙

[@ckhaustralia]

Can I have or buy your old EP Ever mate down here in Australia please, I'm on a disability pension so need stuff to keep my caravan/home running.....

[@teddycunningham7568]

Just running the numbers at my rates it looks like victron pays back 40 dollars per year over epever.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

That's great to hear! 🤙

[@justinmitchuson8992]

Aren't you over the 100 voc with 5 panels in series. I didn't know if it was ever an issue.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

I get close , but have never exceeded🤙

[@houseofancients]

why don't you parallel both string on 1 victron. they should be more than capable to handle your strings on one controller

[@jsunhack]

One charge controller can not take 1000 watts, they can only take I think 600 unless you have a 24 volt bank. Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@houseofancients]

@@jsunhack as long as you dont exceed the voltage, it wont be a problem. it will pull a maximum of 50a max, so on real sunny days you may miss 2-4 amps, then again , on less than sunny days it should be much more efficient and give you more power at less parasidic usage. do a google search on "over paneling"

[@rickharold7884]

Yea that’s beautiful!! I love victron. If I wasn’t married I marry a victron charge controller. Ha ha. Thx for apples to apples comparison. Victron for president 2024

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

It was so much fun to watch it today! Only 1 watt variation between the two at any given time, otherwise perfectly in sync. Both went full tilt until I was 100% at shortly after noon. Perfect! Aloha!🤙

[@bigrob1887]

If you build a system with multiple charge controllers, they all have to have synchronizing capabilities or they will work against each other, especially if they are different brands.

[@peterstoops5683]

wanting to see how you hook up two controllers to one battery.. but your monotone voice is unbearable calling it quits at 7:45

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

That's double my usual view time mahalo!🤙

[@peterstoops5683]

what island are you on? and how much property do you have?@@ProjectsinParadise808

[@MrButuz]

I guess all the people who say buy EVever it's just as good as victron but one third of the price - are actually totally wrong then as you've done a thorough test unlike most of them :p

[@olvano]

give me the epever please😃

[@fuppeduck6120]

Thetes quite a difference between the charg controllers wow

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Such a difference, I had to make the change. Aloha!🤙

[@twistedthrottle8513]

not sure how its creating so many amps ,looking at mine at 300w input 65v 5.2amp amp ,,mines only outputs 11 amps , your is smashing 28amps at 400w . 5.9amps in 28amps out humm

[@larryphillips4164]

Problem is the parameters for the battery through the solar controller. You can reset those parameters under a custom setting and adjust each voltage number. That would probably fix your issue. You shouldn’t have to, for as much money as we spend on all this shit, it all should be plug and play…

[@daveyboy8907]

Glad I found your channel..running 1200 watts 2 victron 100/50s 6 batteries and a giandel inverter and a cheap bestek inverter..Solar is awesome

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

Happy you're part of the channel now! Aloha 🤙

[@mayricelduhaylungsod7722]

Nice setup.. you can sycn the two controller.

[@ProjectsinParadise808]

🤙