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MPPT Charge Controllers

These are needed for use with larger 60 cell PV panels in order to match the PV output voltage with battery voltage.

  • They allow PV to operate at its maximum power point voltage
  • Controller drops this down to battery voltage
  • Current is boosted by doing this
  • So panels deliver full power to battery

They allow a PV array to deliver up to 30% more power to a battery than it would if it were connected directly to the battery.
The current from PV modules varies with sunlight levels but is fairly constant over a wide range of voltages. This means they can operate at higher voltages than the voltage of the battery bank which they are charging.

Advantages

  • Panel voltage doesn’t need to match battery voltage
  • Can use high voltage string configurations
  • Smaller cable can be used
  • PV can be sited further from battery
  • Better for larger systems (>200Wp)
  • 60 cell panels are better value than 36 cell 12V panels so the extra power delivered can justify extra cost of the controller even for 12V systems

Choosing an MPPT charge controller

The following tools are useful for sizing the correct controller:

Victron MPPT Calculator

Morningstar String Calculator

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18 products

  • Victron SmartSolar Charge Controller MPPT 75/10, 75/15 & 100/20

    Victron SmartSolar Charge Controller MPPT 75/10, 75/15 & 100/20

    3 models available
    From £48.10

    These Victron SmartSolar Charge Controllers support a PV input with a maximum open circuit voltage of either 75V or 100V and have a maximum output of up to 20A. They work with and will automatically recognise 12V, 24V and 48V battery systems (48V with SmartSolar 100/20-48 only).

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  • Victron SmartSolar MPPT RS

    Victron SmartSolar MPPT RS

    2 models available
    From £951.40

    The MPPT RS SmartSolar is a 48V Solar charge controller with up to 450VDC PV input and either 100A or 200A output. It is used in on-grid and off-grid solar applications where maximum battery charging power is required.

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*see manufacturer's documentation for further information