What MPPT solar charge controller do I need?

What MPPT solar charge controller do I need?

Victron Energy offers the widest range of MPPT solar charge controllers in the market. In the MPPT model names, for example 75/15 the first number is the maximum PV open circuit voltage. The second number, 15 is the maximum charge current. Victron Energy have an online MPPT calculator for PV sizing calculations that you can use. If you require product advice, please call the office (03) 59414240 for support.

Let’s look at the Feature highlights common to all models:

  • Ultra-fast Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT).
  • Advanced Maximum Power Point Detection in case of partial shading conditions.
  • Outstanding conversion efficiency.
  • Natural convection cooling.
  • Automatic battery voltage recognition.
  • Flexible charge algorithm.
  • Over temperature protection and power derating when temperature is high.

Sizing Options:

  • Suitable for a variety of battery voltages. Most models connect to 12, 24, and 48V batteries, some only connect to 12 and 24V batteries, or only to 48V batteries.
  • Charge currents rating from 10A all the way up to 100A. (One special 200A MPPT)
  • Maximum PV array Voc voltages ranging from 75V up to 250V. (One special 450Volt MPPT)
  • Multiple chargers can be used in parallel, for large systems we recommend to use the models with a VE.Can communication port.

Bluetooth options:

  • SmartSolar models have built-in Bluetooth connectivity. You can Remotely control and monitor the extensive features of your SmartSolar MPPT charger by pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect. (Free app)
  • BlueSolar models do not have Bluetooth. They can be retrofitted to have Bluetooth by connecting the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle. Advantage: the product is not Bluetooth accessible when the dongle is not connected. Note that on the SmartSolar models, Bluetooth can be disabled.

So why choose MPPT? with the advent of the newer Victron Energy MPPTs, things changed for the better when compared to PWM solar charge controllers.

  • If a specific yield is the goal, the 30% higher efficiency of the MPPT will reduce system costs, because the same energy can now be produced with a smaller PV generator.
  • If the size of the solar module was already fixed, the yield is now higher in the same system when using an MPPT.

Unfortunately, due to the fact, that with PWM controllers the PV module is not feeding the battery from its maximum power point (MPP), the system loses a lot of energy. In the diagram you can see, the area of the MPP in blue  (Vmpp * Impp) is up to 30% larger than the PWM area (Vbatt * ~Isc) within the IV curve.

The Victron Energy MPPT charge controllers also have accessories that are sold separately.

Optional accessories (as seen in chart above):