Understanding MPPT Charge Controllers

[@Anointingify]

Thanks for this video. Can I use an mppt for 70V/7A PV array to charge 12V/100ah gel battery?

[@intelligentcontrols]

Hi @Anointingify, your PV array can definitely be used to charge a 12V/100Ah gel battery. You'll likely want to use a SmartSolar 100/20 or larger 150/35. Without knowing your exact panels, I expect you to see 20A at a minimum when the sun is direct, possibly up to 35A+ of charge if the panels are cold. Please reach out to us directly and we would be happy to size an MPPT for your specific panel/array configuration. Best way to do that is through one of our contact forms: icmontana.com/pages/victron-help

[@MrJellybean101]

Hi im looking at getting the victron 100/20 to run a 100w panel and 100ah lifepo4 battery, it will be used mainly to run a compressor fridge when camping. Do you know if you can set the output to cut off at a certain low voltage and turn on again when a certain voltage is reached? I dont want to kill my new battery by running it too low. Thanks

[@intelligentcontrols]

Hi Darren, yes! You definitely can do that. In the 'Load Output' setting try one of the 'User def. Algorithm' options. They allow for manually adjusting the low, and high, voltage points at which your load output would shut down. You can choose from several presets to modify how that output functions. If you download the Victron Connect app it has a great section of "Demo Products" in the main menu (next to Device List) where you can pull up nearly any Victron device and see what its settings menu looks like. I will note that the voltage curve of a LiFePO4 battery is fairly shallow. If you're finding that the voltage is tricky to hit exactly, a SmartShunt (or BMV 712), in combination with a SmartBattery Protect, is a much more sophisticated method of automatically shutting off a 12V load. A second detail I would check is that the SmartSolar can handle the amperage your fridge will draw when running. The SmartSolar 100/20 has a maximum of 20A at 12V (about 200-240W), so I would compare that load to what your compressor fridge needs for a power supply. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

[@Nodnarb69]

I know this is an older comment, but I'm new to electric, why would a low voltage damage your batteries? Im getting a couple lifepo4 batteries and didnt know this was a concern.

[@Robsam28]

series configuration is incorrect on drawing. Thanks for the information.

[@intelligentcontrols]

Ah! Good eye, Rob. Some of the colors are backward. Thanks for watching.

[@jacksionilopa3106]

Is there a possibility to connect two solar monocrystalline panels in series to an MPPT charge Controller ?

[@intelligentcontrols]

Depending on the voltage of your panels, and the MPPT charge controller you're using, it might actually be best to run your panels in series. In general, the higher the voltage your array has, the easier it will be for the MPPT to function. Just be sure you are not putting too high a voltage for the MPPT to handle (each unit has a maximum voltage specified by the first number in the model name, EG: SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 has a maximum PV voltage of 100V). For help sizing a charge controller to your array or an array to your charge controller, feel free to reach out to us directly, and we'd be happy to help. icmontana.com/pages/get-in-touch

[@shaheen4408]

How I get in Pakistan?

[@intelligentcontrols]

Hi Shaheen, I really don’t know, sorry. You might look for the nearest distributor on Victron’s Where to Buy Map.

[@mustpahaaminusulaiman]

Very much