Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 30 amp 12/24-Volt Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth)

Installed this as an upgrade to the PWM charge controller that came with my travel trailer. Noticeable decrease in charging times (increased efficiency). This is paired with 380W of panels and two Battle Born 100AH Lithium batteries. I would recommend this for a new install, or as an upgrade.

Excellent

The Software Is Awesome and Gives So Much Detail On My Tablet. The one problem is that my tablet is only about 15-20 feet away from the controller and it sill loses signal so often, even with the doors open and no major interference. Ive seen other reviewers mention the same issue.

I use this connected to my VENUS Os on a Raspberry Pi. It was a little tricky to set up but it has been running great. With this setup I can access the MPPT controller from my phone anywhere now. I also connected by 2 JK BSM as well so it that can be read from the internet too. Much appreciate Victron making the project Open source. It is a high quality interface. As for the MPPT controller it runs 8 to 10 hrs a day at max output of 15A since I have 400W of panels connected and I rotate them during the day for optimum angle. The unit runs cool and I have had no issues.

So easy to connect, has all the stats easy to access through the App.

This is my 3rd Victron unit, but my first with the LOAD terminals. I am thrilled with it. Very pleased. Easy installation. The only thing I noticed is that I couldnt find in the software where to select a battery type (I remember having done this with my previous units, but it is the same software.) However, it does have the ability to fully configure whatever battery settings you would like.

I bought this for my first solar install-- 600 watts-- on a cargo trailer converted to an RV in spring of 2018. This unit was so painless and easy to configure and use that I purchased a second Victron as part of an identical twin solar setup Ive now installed in my home to power my computer stuff and TV. (Yes, this review was written on solar power.) Its ludicrously easy! My only quibbles-- not enough for me to take off a star-- center around the smartphone app. (In my case its the Apple version.) Its a good, well-organized app overall, but... First, if you have more than one controller in more than one location as I do, you have to close the app entirely between checking them or else the software seems to become confused and wont register the second controller. Also, I wish the smartphone could remember at least the last data it dowloaded, so that I could store the controller data from the trailers array and look at it later. As things are now I have to stand outside in the hot sun and study the arrays past performance, etc on the spot, as its only available while the bluetooth is actually connected. Update-- November 2018. Im still liking these very much, and have upped my home setup to 1200 watts at 24 volts nominal. The Victron controller is handling it fine.

Liked this controller from the moment I took it out of the box. Has a good solid feel and looks like its quality built. Installed it near my battery bank and close to my BMV 712 battery monitor. Once hooked up firmware updates took over but once finished I was surprised at how well the controller and monitor shared information. If battery monitor has temp sensor battery charge rate is temp compensated using the shared data I am using a 160 wat portable unit so I had to maximize power harvest as much as possible. Cut the supplied, cheap, PWM controller out of the circuit then wired panels in series. Feeding over 43 volts into this controller and am charging with 90% of the panel capacity with just morning sun that hasnt reached optimum height/angle. Well worth the price and the BT connectivity is priceless. A perfect mate to a BMV 712 battery monitor. I bought the 15 amp model even though the max output of my panels in series is less than 4 amps. For the slight difference in price over the 10 amp model I now have room for a larger PV array if I ever choose to upgrade.

I upgraded from a PWM controller with a hard to read LCD status screen. The Victron is a high quality product with very good printed documentation (though the web version is much easier to read.) Works very well including the load output which handles my compressor fridge current surge just fine. The Bluetooth status monitor works with their free app. The app is not perfect, but provides the important parameters in an easy to read format at a reasonable distance. Ive only had it for 6 months, but there have been several firmware and software updates, so obviously the company is supporting the product. Tech support is provided by the seller, not the manufacturer, but Victron does have a support forum that is very helpful. There are both experienced users and factory experts answering questions.

Update (2/12/23): Current inventory of VE products: (2) 100V/50A, (2) 100V/30A, (1) 100V/20A, (1) SmartShunt IP67 (newer), (1) SmartShunt (older), (1) BatterySense. Best feature is the VE.Smart networking feature, which allows the components to work together to optimize charging of the battery bank. Update (8/2/22): Ordered a 2nd unit. Working great! iPhone app has many great features. Summary: I have evaluated quite a few MPPT controllers for Vine, and while all were decent, the Victron Energy (VE) has high ratings, so I decided to purchase one for evaluation. My solar/PV system specs: 1000W of panels; 24-volt, 270Ah marine battery bank (Optima); Voltworks 2000W inverter. Using the system to reduce our electricity bill. This review is for the 100V/50A, which is the 2nd VE controller Ive purchased. Observations: The first thing to notice is that this one, unlike most others, does not have a control panel (just three LEDs); which means youll need a smart device to read the values. There are two basic VE offerings: this SmartSolar (built-in bluetooth), and BlueSolar (requires a BT dongle). Between the two, I went with the built-in BT (SmartSolar). One great feature of the VE system, is that it allows the MPPTs to communicate with each other via BT; which is a great feature for a larger system. Recommendations: One reason to choose the lower cost BlueSolar over the SmartSolar, is if you do not need the additional features that the BT brings; but for me, I didnt mind spending the extra $30-40 (per controller) to gain those features. Pros: Industrial quality & features; good application support (firmware updated upon first connect); security (bluetooth); good/efficient charging algorithm; good data and graphs. Cons: No built-in display (offset by the much better app and graphs). Conclusion: At $225, rating this 5-stars. Of all the MPPT controllers I have reviewed, Victron is the recommended brand. Related Products (lised in ORDER of HIGH to LOW rating): VICTRON ENERGY MPPT 100V 20 amp 12-24-Volt (Bluetooth) ~ $160 (5-star) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075NPQHQK EPEVER MPPT Solar Charge Controller 10A 60V PV 1206N ~ $60 (5-star) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094JCG6Y1 ACOPOWER Midas 40A MPPT ~ $180 (4-star) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HQB8RYK ACOPOWER MPPT Solar Charge Controller 30A ~ $140 (4-star) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NB1KOOZ Renogy Rover 20/30/40 Amp ~ $112/170/168 (2-star) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRWTAB5