Morningstar Prostar 25A MPPT Solar Charge Controller 12V/24V - High Efficiency Battery Charger for Solar Panels | Low Failure Rate | Perfect for RV, Boat, Off-Grid & Home Solar Systems

Final update: After 6 months of waiting, Morningstar is just not going to fix this firmware bug. I have been in contact with them since I have owned this unit. I keep getting told the fix is just around the corner, they know root cause, they are close, etc. No firmware update or ETA on the horizon. From Morningstar this is bitterly disappointing. I spent the extra money on the metered version of this controller as well as all the gear to update the firmware....all for naught. There is no firmware update but instead just more promises of one soon.Do yourself a favor and get their TriStar line of controllers or just something else all together.Note this review is for this model of controller and not Morningstar as a company. They did cover the warranty for me but why these units are still on the market is disturbing.Original reviews below...First, please understand I am writing this review after using this unit properly installed for two weeks. Also please know that the controller is very solid and well made. It is also packed with features for anything related to tracking and monitoring your system. Now for the bad (which I hate to relate here)...the firmware is buggy. My display screen froze up as did the four buttons to control it after 8 days of use. I performed a reset and brought it online again which cleared the issue. I contacted Morningstar tech support and reported the issue. They promptly replied letting me know that it is a known bug that as of yet has no fix. Tech support was fast to respond and very professional as they responded in one day. Two days later it did it again. I am going to have to deal with this for an unknown period of time until a firmware fix addresses the issue. Firmware updates require a Windows based PC and an additional attachment accessory cable from Morningstar which means even more expense. On a bright note the charging functionality of the charger is intact during the bug freeze so no worries to the battery bank health (per Morningstar). It is rather surprising to me that these units are still being sold with a known bug in the firmware. I did not bother with asking the dealer for a replacement after learning there is no fix at this time.Again, the controller is a top notch engineered piece of equipment but this condition is very frustrating to have deal with for this level of solar equipment...not to mention the cost.I will update my review as things progress. Giving Morningstar the benefit of the doubt and time to fix this.Update: Morningstar tech support is stellar. They offered me a full replacement (another model) at no cost. Once the firmware fix is out and confirmed I will move this to a 5 star review. Morningstar customer service is top notch regardless of this bug.I have this paired with an 800W array of 100W Renogy monocrystaline PV panels. For small PV it's pretty much a match made in heaven.The menu and display does take a little getting used to, so I would keep the cheat sheet handy when you set it up and use it. For the functionality of the unit the menu is pretty good. It's just that there are quite a few options.You can opt to interface through a computer which is very useful, but then you are adding to your power load. I chose to not interface with a PC even though I have the necessary accessories.My MO is to download the data from the controller later and monitor the unit during operation.Working great for 30 days so far. Installed this controller on a 5th Wheel travel trailer in conjunction with a roof mounted 100 watt solar panel. Multiple independent checks (with a separate meter) of battery voltage over the weeks after installation show that this thing is working great. With my lighting changed to LED bulbs, I have plenty of power and leaving the thing parked unused, keeps the batteries in tip top shape and won't overcharge and cook your batteries. No more start of trip worries, the batteries are taken care of. Rarely have to use the generator when dry camping. These new technologies work great. Make Solar Power your RV's best friend.This product has glitches/bugs and having the Remote Panel makes things even worse.The unit was designed and built to be the best. And if it didn’t have firmware issues, it might be.This unit has gone from Morningstar’s Pride and Joy to a “legacy” product (those items a company no longer supports and barely acknowledges).I had my professionally installed with two 100w Renogy Panels (both of which work well after resetting the MPPT) powering three 100AH Battle Born LiFePO4 Batteries.The company has been gracious enough to send me the PC adapter needed to update and monitor the Controller. Now I just have to go out and buy a PC Windows based computer to use, solely for the purpose of monitoring and updating this controller.Their is also the added benefit of the solar panels not producing enough power to run the MPPT when charging dead batteries. Apparently the battery you are charging has to power the MPPT charging it??When I asked when the adapter (WiFi/Bluetooth) they are working on to allow all Operating Systems on any device (iPhone/iPad) to control and monitor the MPPT, they informed me that this unit is a “legacy” model.Also the controls are not intuitive AT ALL.This is a great controller. Easy to hookup, and the meter displays correct values for Solar Current, Battery Voltage, and Load Current. If your batteries are more than 5 meters from the controller, there are connections on the controller to read the actual battery voltage.Handles Gel, Sealed, and Flooded Batteries. Charging modes include Boost, PWM Regualtion, Equalize, and Float. Gel Batteries are not Equalized.Temperature compensated and optional remote temp sensor if needed.Pushbutton switch is multifuction.Quick push - Turns the load on/off.Hold for 4 seconds - Turns Load off, and Solar input off.Hold for 7 seconds - Runs a self test.I very pleased with the performance of this controller. Highly recommended.