The Enerdrive EN43540 is a 40A MPPT solar charge controller with a built-in LCD display - so you can read system status at the unit without pulling out a phone. It auto-detects 12V or 24V battery systems and suits both lead-acid and lithium.
At 40A it will run up to 600W of panels on a 12V system or 1200W on 24V, which puts it in canopy, camper-trailer and caravan territory rather than a single-panel setup. The MPPT tracking algorithm recognises and holds the true maximum power point even under partial shading, where a cheaper PWM regulator simply gives up.
Key features
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40A charge output, 12/24V auto-detect
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LCD display with real-time energy statistics
- MPPT tracking efficiency up to 99.5%; DC/DC transfer efficiency up to 98.6%
- Accurate recognition and tracking of multi-peak maximum power point (useful under partial shading)
- Supports lead-acid and lithium batteries
- Automatic power reduction over temperature
- Multiple load work modes
- Comprehensive electronic protection
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IP33 ingress protection - mount it somewhere dry and protected
- RS485 comms port included for future applications
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CE certified - LVD EN/IEC62109, EMC EN61000-6-1/3
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5 year warranty plus lifetime Australian technical support
Worth knowing before you install
The 12/24V auto-select does not operate when a lithium battery is connected - on a lithium system the battery voltage must be set manually. This is a footnote in Enerdrive's own specification and most listings leave it out, but it is the difference between a system that works on the first go and a callback.
Full specifications
- Nominal voltage: 12/24VDC auto-select (manual selection required on lithium)
- Battery voltage range: 8 - 32V
- Max battery current output: 40A
- Max load current output: 40A
- Max PV open-circuit voltage: 100V at minimum operating temperature / 92V at 25 degrees C
- MPPT voltage range: battery voltage + 2V, up to 72V
- Max PV array recommended: 600W at 12V / 1200W at 24V
- Max PV array allowed: 720W at 12V / 1440W at 24V
- Max efficiency: 98.6%
- Self consumption: 30mA or less at 12V / 16mA or less at 24V
- Grounding: common negative
- Comms: RS485, RJ45, 5VDC 200mA
- Operating temperature: -25C to +50C (power reduction from 81C internal)
- Ingress rating: IP33
- Unit dimensions: 255 x 185 x 67.8 mm
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Packed carton: 305 x 205 x 105 mm · Packed weight: 1.97 kg (measured, not estimated)
- Mounting holes: 200 x 176 mm, 5 mm diameter
- Max cable size: 6 AWG (13.2 mm sq)
- SKU: EN43540
Why the PV voltage figure is quoted twice: panel open-circuit voltage rises as panels get cold, which is exactly when an oversized array can overshoot and damage a controller. Size your string against the 92V at 25C figure and you have headroom for a cold morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar panels can I run into the EN43540?
Enerdrive recommend up to 600W of panels on a 12V system or 1200W on 24V, with an absolute ceiling of 720W and 1440W. The limit that matters most is open-circuit voltage - see the next question.
What is the maximum panel voltage?
100V at minimum operating temperature, or 92V at 25 degrees C. Size your string against the 92V figure, because panel open-circuit voltage rises as panels get cold - which is exactly when an oversized array can overshoot and damage the controller.
Does the 12V and 24V auto-select work with a lithium battery?
No. On a lithium system the battery voltage has to be set manually. The auto-select only operates on lead-acid. This is a footnote in Enerdrive's own specification and it is the most common reason one of these appears not to charge correctly on a first install.
Where can I mount it?
Somewhere dry and protected. At IP33 it is not sealed against water or dust, so it belongs inside a canopy, cabin or van - not in an engine bay and not anywhere exposed to weather.
How big is the box and what does it weigh for shipping?
The carton measures 305 x 205 x 105 mm and weighs 1.97 kg packed. The controller itself is smaller at 255 x 185 x 67.8 mm. These are measured off the actual box, not estimated, so freight quotes and pickup planning are accurate.
Should I choose the 20A or the 40A?
The 20A EN43520 suits up to 300W of panels at 12V. The 40A EN43540 doubles that to 600W at 12V. If your array is at or near 300W today and you may add panels later, the 40A is the one that will not need replacing.
Running a smaller array? See the Enerdrive EN43520 20A MPPT controller, or browse the full Enerdrive 12V range. Prefer Bluetooth and a phone app over an on-unit screen? Compare the Victron SmartSolar MPPT range.
