Solar controller PWM to MPPT upgrade - Suggestions?

[TinkerNJ]

I'm in the process of changing from a cheap PWM to MPPT solar controller because I would like to make use of my four 100 Watt panels (maybe 6 someday) for a house circuit (panel are on my backyard shed). I was looking at the PowMr M60 because it's about a hundred dollars and provides some room for expansion. Anyone have any experience with these? Should I stick with 40amp? What parameters should I look for in one of these? Any brands to stay away from or go toward? Thanks.

 

[camelCase]

Apparently, the PowMr is a cheap Chinese knockoff of another company's cheap Chinese charge controller... MakeSkyBlue. I see from their website that they have recently changed from a metal case to a plastic type.

If I was going to use one of these I would try to stay well under the rated capacities just to stay on the safe side. Both the max panel wattage and the max array voltage.

 

[rodrick]

the 40 amp with the panels you have would be fine and later adding 2 more would put you at 25% over paneling which would be a good balance

I have the Epever units and the victron ones for cheaper units the Epever are pretty good no complaints here but get the mt 50 display with it for the best programming ability and monitoring

 

[TinkerNJ]

Yeah, I think you're right about the PowMr. Read some more reviews, watched some videos and it is a cheap knockoff of the makeskyblue. I'm looking at a 40amp from HQST. Less in terms of specs but seems a bit better quality and seems to have a phone app. The Epever is about 140 compared to this at 130. Not a huge difference, no app... may not need one. I have HQST panels and they're real nice.

HQST MPPT Solar Charge Controller 40 Amp Negative Grounded Controller with Bluetooth LCD Display, 12V/24V DC Input Solar Panel Regulator for Gel Sealed Flooded and Lithium Battery​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J16G1LV?pd_rd_i=B09PYJBH9R&pf_rd_p=1c6c4cbb-322f-4567-bcfc-bb77ea2429fe&pf_rd_r=E7R8Z4J1D40REX2ARGJA&pd_rd_wg=fucg9&pd_rd_w=97ibr&pd_rd_r=905d188c-0658-4026-bacb-d9340cdc0686&th=1

 

[Mattb4]

I have used the MSB and while basic it seems to work OK. I was searching about on possible SCC and came upon a new one from EAsun it is 80a and has some interesting features. I happened to notice you can get it on Aliexpress for $131 with free shipping to the US. (* It looks like there may be a 10% discount if you buy on Easter) https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804945034919.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.53.5e9778d5mrq46D&algo_pvid=b185065f-d7d2-4f2e-a60a-b07bde762ebe&algo_exp_id=b185065f-d7d2-4f2e-a60a-b07bde762ebe-26&pdp_npi=3@dis!USD!226.65!131.46!!!!!@212250c216809806809112960d0707!12000032361393165!sea!US!3100387854&curPageLogUid=yeYJGm04jzec

 

[TinkerNJ]

Looks like a good deal and 80 amp sure leaves room to expand. I worry about these no name Chinese brands. I'm sure even the better brands are manufactured in China but I suspect they have a little better quality control.