Using 2 MPPT controllers is cheaper?

Wyandotte82

I can buy (2) 40a EPEVER MPPT charge controllers for $248.
Other than a little less wiring and a couple extra breakers, is there any reason to buy the 80a one instead for $336?

mcgivor

Two controllers  would afford some redundancy and  allow for different array orientations, both advantages.

BB.

Just do not "share" a single solar array (each MPPT controller needs "its own" set of solar panels).

And wire each charge controller to battery connection with its own wire run protective + DC battery breaker/fuse (i.e., run "star" or "home run" wiring to the battery bus. Do not Daisy Chain from controller A to Controller B to battery bus with a common wire run/breaker/fuse).

Set both controller to the same settings... The controllers will not always be "in sync" (one may be in float, the other absorb part of the time--For example), but that is OK. There are are higher end charge controllers that have "sync" cable connections/settings--And works nice if present--But again, not required.

-Bill

Photowhit

Wyandotte82 said:

I can buy (2) 40a EPEVER MPPT charge controllers for $248.
Other than a little less wiring and a couple extra breakers, is there any reason to buy the 80a one instead for $336?

I don't  know which 80 amp  you are comparing to, but many will have  broader range of acceptable voltage, and often they have other features, such as starting loads at different points in the charging cycle. In addition, I think the EPever is only  2/24 volt charge controller. Most 80amp will be 12-48(or 60). In fact you should   look   at your system and goals now. It may be better to switch to  higher voltage storage system now, while considering the charge controller. Since they re rted t output current, they  will handle an array twice as large when  you double the system voltage.