It was practically plug and play! #5 wire connectors were smaller than I needed. I have 4 gauge wire so I had to trim it a bit. Auto-rotating screens are annoying and I can't read them due to the contrast and lack of backlighting. If I could manually force the screens to move to the next item, I would have the ability to read the screen. Not all of us are in our 20s. I downloaded Epever's station monitoring software along with the 485 cables, which I purchased separately. I was able to connect to two controllers without too much fuss. software after learning to use it; simplifies the configuration of controllers. If the software had a real user manual, I would save a day. The software has a registration section which I saw on YouTube but I can't get it to work. I wrote to Epever and they explained to me that the logging software was not compatible with the Tracer A-Series, which was very important to me and I could have bought Morningstar if I had known about it. Maybe if I can convince my wife to let me, I'll buy elog01. Each controller requires elog01. You will also need Excel to import the data. The mppt portion of this controller does an incredible job. The result is phenomenal and it is a pleasure to work with the company that sent me this one as well.