Dual MPPT

CatDaddy

Does anyone know of a dual solar MPPT charger? It seems like everyone is just adding a second MPPT controller connected to the cabin battery. That seems okay but it might be better to have a single controller. 

ColMag

I don't know of one, but also haven't looked for one. I'd rather stick with Victron, the original supplied one. I added 2 more, and they work well together via Bluetooth. I can see all 3 same time on one phone screen. They talk together with one becoming master and the others slaves, to all be in the same charge mode automatically (bulk, absorption, or float). I added the SmartShunt (500) too, and can also see that on the one same screen.

AnOldUR

You can network the controllers, so they act as one. It's easier and cheaper to add a second.

CatDaddy

AnOldUR said:

You can network the controllers, so they act as one. It's easier and cheaper to add a second.

This really surprises me. I'm an electrical engineer that has designed MPPT hardware. It is much easier and less expensive to add a second channel than to make trackers that communicate with each other to avoid fighting each other. It's almost like capitalism isn't working...

elbolillo

CatDaddy said:

AnOldUR said:

You can network the controllers, so they act as one. It's easier and cheaper to add a second.

This really surprises me. I'm an electrical engineer that has designed MPPT hardware. It is much easier and less expensive to add a second channel than to make trackers that communicate with each other to avoid fighting each other. It's almost like capitalism isn't working...

Victron MPPT chargers are pretty sophisticated devices. I have two installed, and I have never encountered any problems with the chargers fighting each other. The MPPTs, shunt, and inverter all communicate without issue.