Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth) - Charge Controllers for Solar Panels - 100V, 50 amp, 12/24-Volt

Great little MPPT controller that charges at 49.9 amps with my 800w (2x400w) array in parallel or series.*Heavy* plastic casing with aluminum frame and heat sink on the underside, the heat sink runs at about 170f when charging at the maximum 50 amps, but below 30 amps runs considerably cooler, <135f.The app works even with my Samsung tablet and phone (Samsung security protocols are notoriously difficult for Bluetooth connections), though it does take a few seconds to reconnect each time you switch windows or if the screen shuts off. The app, however, offers an option in the settings to keep the screen on until you manually close it. This is handy in case you mount your phone or tablet on your dash to occasionally look at the controller and/or shunt activity while you're driving.The wiring and setup (via the app as this controller has no built-in screen) is easy and fairly intuitive, though the terminals for charging power to the battery are a little close together with a scant 1/4" in between, so you absolutely MUST use crimped ferrules to connect them for safe installation, but really, proper connections are essential anyway. Using bare wire could lead to a short if a couple strands don't feed into the screw clamp connection hole; and with up to 50 amps of current, it may even be possible for the charge current to arc through the air and short out. The clamps will only hold a max of 6awg wire, and even then only if it's crimped very tightly into the ferrule. Proper 8awg full copper wire will, however, carry the full 50 amp charge output as long as the insulation is rated at a minimum 75c/167f.I haven't had any reason to contact the manufacturer's customer service, but they have a website chock full of previously-asked questions and answers with a ton of useful information for any diy installers or those new to solar.I also recommend purchasing one of their smart shunts for monitoring purposes. This really takes the guesswork out.It's also worth mentioning that your battery state of charge will determine how much power flows into it, and if your battery is full or close to full, the controller will limit the input from your solar panels to prevent overcharging. This is important as I often see critical reviews where the controller or panels are blamed for having "low max output" because they're connected to a battery that's at or near full charge. Occasionally, this is posted on the day after installation... "... it worked great for one day, then died out to almost nothing!" (because the battery bank was nearly full from the previous day's charging).When my battery bank is 95+% full, my power output from 2 400w panels drops down to 15w as the charger switches to float mode. At 90% it begins to taper off the amperage, and since watts = amps x volts, the panel output is reduced to help prolong battery life. My setup is specifically calibrated for maximum battery lifespan, so your setup may reduce current at a different state of charge.Overall, I definitely recommend Victron products as a result of my own experiences with them.

Simple to install and configure. Does what it says. You can't go wrong with Victron.

So far has done what I need it to. It is Bluetooth but you need to be about 5’ away. Coolest thing is that you can customize settings and the way it charges and it will keep track of history and trends. Allows up to 100volts of incoming solar and will charge 12v or 24v batteries. Up to 50amps. When you get it make sure you go in the settings and make sure they’re correct and set for the correct battery type.

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 I've 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 you'll 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 didn't 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 $325, 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/B075NPQHQKEPEVER MPPT Solar Charge Controller 10A 60V PV 1206N ~ $60 (5-star)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094JCG6Y1ACOPOWER Midas 40A MPPT ~ $180 (4-star)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HQB8RYKACOPOWER MPPT Solar Charge Controller 30A ~ $140 (4-star)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NB1KOOZRenogy Rover 20/30/40 Amp ~ $112/170/168 (2-star)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRWTAB5

I have 2 400 watt portable panels hooked up to it. It handles those fine and charges the batteries. I like the app for iPhone, but it could use a little more range.

I have 3 of these controlling 3 parallel solar arrays for 4 years now. I have the solar arrays for each of them at a total of 70A full output, so that in winter i still get 45+ amps per circuit.These controllers are rated at 50A and they dump the excess power without a problem. I was concerned that providing a continuous over-rated input might fry them, but after 4 years they are going strong with no issues at all, and they balance the input voltage really well.They work together well via a network, and are easy to configure via the iPhone app. It is nice to have access to the last 30 days history.Highly recommended. I preferred these to buying far more expensive larger output models.