Renogy 40A MPPT Charge Controller Solar EV Charging Review

I’ve installed dozens of solar systems over the years, especially for EV charging, both off‑grid and grid‑coupled solar EV charging systems. I’m a stickler for solid setup and real performance, not just spec sheets.

So when the Renogy 40A MPPT showed up, I treated it like another jobsite tool.

First Impressions & Installation

Unboxing the controller, the first thing I noticed was its size, bigger than I expected for a 40A unit. The metal housing feels light but solid. When I landed the 8 AWG PV wires into the clamps, the screw tension was firm, not springy. That click of a good connection is oddly satisfying. A minor gripe was the wire entry space; it felt tight when I went straight 90° with a thicker wire.

(We are currently drawing the circuit layout of our installation – check back later for our installation guide)

Solar EV Charging Experience

I tested this Renogy controller in an off‑grid property feeding an off-grid AC EV charger. In my experience, the MPPT tracking was noticeably better than the cheap PWM units I’ve used in the past for simple off-grid home EV charging loads. On partly cloudy days, the controller adjusted quickly, and I watched real‑time yield on Renogy’s app. LEDs are bright enough in daylight but not blinding at night.

However, when the temperature climbed above 95 °F in that unconditioned space, I felt the controller housing warm up. In my field tests, even though 8 AWG is typically rated for ~55A continuous, lug heat soak becomes the limiting factor at these amps and temps.

The Renogy tracked well with a home inverter and EV charger energy management logic. The controller fed clean production data to my EMS, which then balanced solar power between off-grid property loads and the EV. I appreciated how it played nicely with the system, though I wish Renogy’s app had better EMS‑centric dashboards.

Getting real‑time data from the MPPT to my EMS over Bluetooth made a difference. The EMS could throttle EV charging based on solar availability and battery state. Without that back‑and‑forth, I’d be babysitting my setup every afternoon.

Compared to the Victron 100/50 I rely on for flagship installs, the Renogy offers excellent value for its price. However, for more complex solar EV charging systems where advanced features and reliability are critical, I strongly recommend investing in the Victron 100/50 if your budget allows.

Deal

5 days ago

Victron MPPT 100/50 Solar EV Charging Review

Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 is a high-efficiency solar charge controller delivering up to 50A with ultra-fast MPPT tracking, Bluetooth connectivity, VictronConnect app integration, and robust build quality for reliable off-grid and grid-tied EV charging systems

★★★★★

Check Price on Amazon

Renogy 40A MPPT charge controller is not as feature‑rich, and the app feels simpler, but for many users, it gets the job done reliably.

Verdict

The Renogy 40A MPPT is a durable, sensible controller for both small off‑grid and grid‑coupled solar EV charging. It’s not perfect, but its real‑world performance and energy management friendliness make it a strong contender under $300. If you want a reliable entry into smart solar EV charging without breaking the bank, especially for outdoor solar EV charger installation, this one earns its place.

8.8Expert Score

The Renogy 40A MPPT controller is a dependable, budget-friendly choice for both small off-grid and grid-tied solar EV charging. Its efficient tracking and solid build impressed me, though the app feels basic and the wiring space is tight. Overall, it delivers great value without unnecessary complexity.

Features

8.5

Real World Usage

9

Materials

9

Durability

9

Craftsmanship

8.5

Design

8.5

Monetary Value

9

Product Value

8.5

Brand Reputation

9

Expert Valuation

8.5

PROS

• Efficient MPPT tracking
• Solid build quality
• Supports off-grid and grid-tied systems
• Bluetooth connectivity (with separate module)
• User-friendly app
• Affordable price

CONS

• Limited wiring space
• App lacks advanced EMS features
• Can run warm in hot environments
• Requires separate Bluetooth module for EMS connectivity