Description
20A Solar Charge Controller by Victron Energy
A 20A solar charge controller that gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries. Using the latest, fastest technology, SmartSolar maximizes this energy harvest, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time. SmartSolar maintains battery health, extending its life.
The SmartSolar charge controller will even recharge a severely depleted battery. It can operate with a battery voltage as low as 0 Volts, provided the cells are not permanently sulfated or otherwise damaged. This 20A charge controller works well with all types of Canbat batteries including Lithium Iron Phosphate, Sealed Lead Acid and Lead Carbon.
Key Features & Benefits
Bluetooth Smart built-in
The wireless solution to set up, monitor, update and synchronize SmartSolar Charge Controllers.
VE.Direct
For a wired data connection to a Color Control GX, other GX products, PC or other devices
Ultra-fast Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
Especially in the case of a clouded sky, when light intensity is changing continuously, an ultra-fast MPPT controller will improve energy harvest by up to 30% compared to PWM charge controllers and by up to 10% compared to slower MPPT controllers.
Load output
Over-discharge of the battery can be prevented by connecting all loads to the load output. The load output will disconnect the load when the battery has been discharged to a pre-set voltage (48V model: interface with a relay). Alternatively, an intelligent battery management algorithm can be chosen: see Battery Life. The load output is short circuit proof.
Battery Life: intelligent battery management
When a solar charge controller is not able to recharge the battery to its full capacity within one day, the result is often that the battery will continually be cycled between a ‘partially charged’ state and the ‘end of discharge’ state. This mode of operation (no regular full recharge) will destroy a lead-acid battery within weeks or months.
The Battery Life algorithm will monitor the state of charge of the battery and, if needed, day by day slightly increase the load disconnect level (i.e. disconnect the load earlier) until the harvested solar energy is sufficient to recharge the battery to nearly the full 100%. From that point onwards, the load disconnect level will be modulated so that a nearly 100% recharge is achieved about once every week.
Programmable battery charge algorithm
Day/night timing and light dimming option
Internal temperature sensor
Compensates absorption and float charge voltage for temperature.
Optional external battery voltage and temperature sensing via Bluetooth
A Smart Battery Sense or a BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor can be used to communicate battery voltage and temperature to one or more SmartSolar Charge Controllers.
Fully discharged battery recovery function
Will initiate charging even if the battery has been discharged to zero volts. Will reconnect to a fully discharged Li-ion battery with an integrated disconnect function.
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Paul P. –
This Victron Solar charge controller is pretty good. It’s small, light, very compact, and it’s working like a charm. A true genuine Victron product for small solar panel projects.
Mark D. –
This is much better than the PWM charge controllers. The MPPT solar charge controller takes the performance to the next level. I got the 20A solar charge controller, hooked it up with my solar panels and batteries and other Victron equipments and it is working without any problems at all. So far, AMAZING!!!
Donald M. –
It’s a bit pricey but you get what you pay for; a good quality product that doesn’t cause any issues. Victron always make pretty decent equipments and accessories, and the MPPT solar charge controller takes the spot. They are not cheap, but for the extra few dollars, it’s worth it.
George B. –
I knew exactly what I was getting in to when I bought the Victron 20A solar charge controller. This thing is flawless and very well built. The Bluetooth that comes with it just makes it even more better. Now I can connect my phone and have all the information I need. WOW, what an amazing product from Victron.