backchannel: guaranteed fake

from this post about fake Chinese MPPT:

Here's [a pic of] one of the fake units. These are typically about $45.00 or so. Anything less guaranteed fake. The real ones online pricing start about $120.00 for the basic imported models.

Note: that really is a fake MPPT (PWM or shunt labeled as MPPT). That’s not the problem. As is too often the case, we have a knowledgeable person overstating a case. This does not help the original poster or onlookers.

Anything less guaranteed fake.

No.  There are at least two counterexamples.:

1. early versions of the CPY-2410 were about $25 and were doing actual MPPT.   Later versions are dumbed down to do only DC-DC conversion.

2. The MPT-7x10A boosting type is indeed an MPPT controller which runs $35-$45.

The real ones online pricing start about $120.00 for the basic imported models.

Again, two counterexamples come directly to mind:

1. Tracer/Renogy MPPT

2. Ecoworthy pricing starts around $80.

Both of these start around $80 including shipping.

moral of the story

Experts with an audience of solar-newbie onlookers really should stick to the facts.  Well-supported arguments/answers/explanations are compelling on their own and do not require the decoration of hyperbole.