Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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After the last vide, I heard that using a Victron SmartSolar MPPT charge controller was better than a Victron Orion-Tr for converting 48v to 12v. So I bought one of each to test!

I stumbled for a bit finding a way to connect the data, but I eventually was able to make an efficiency graph for both units. Spoiler, you folks were right!

-=] Patreon:
- patreon.com/TheDigitalMermaid

-=] Channels that have Helped Me;
* @ProjectBrupeg
* @OffGridGarageAustralia
* @AcornToArabella
* @BillCarlson

-=] References;
Victron Orion-Tr 48|12-30 Spec Sheet;
* victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-Orion-Tr-DC-DC-converters-isolated-100-250-400W-EN.pdf

Victron SmartSolar 100|30 MPPT Spec Sheet;
* victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-SmartSolar-charge-controller-MPPT-100-30-&-100-50-EN.pdf

-=] Chapters
0:00 - Is an MPPT a Better Buck Converter Than an Actual Buck Converter?
0:57 - The Test Plan, Possibly Doomed
2:54 - Orion-Tr vs SmartSolar Pros and Cons
5:21 - Substantial Cost Difference
6:06 - Setting up For Testing
8:50 - Moving the 48v SmartShunt Power
10:50 - Back to Setting Up The Orion-Tr
12:41 - The Start of The Struggles; Output Voltage Adjustment
14:42 - Bringing the 12v Side Online
15:51 - The Cerbo Gx Sees Only One Battery
16:18 - Starting Tests On the Orion-Tr
17:27 - The Start of a Useful Test Plan
18:25 - The BMS Config Didn't Work, As Expected
19:25 - A New Way To Collect Data
19:43 - Comparing the Orion-Tr and SmartSolar Heat Sinks
22:35 - Usiing Voltage To Collect Data
25:27 - OMG I Hate The Orion-Tr's Voltage Adjustment!
26:08 - Orion-Tr Test Results!
26:56 - Configuring the SmartSolar MPPT
30:31 - Collecting SmartSolar MPPT Data
31:28 - A Clear Winner Already
35:16 - Final Results!