MPPT controllers operate solar panels at their Maximum Power Point improving efficiency up to 30% by adjusting input voltage to harvest the maximum power from the solar panels. It then manages this power to supply the varying voltage requirement of the battery plus load.

The MPPT senses when to adjust the output that it is being sent to the battery and will shut down for a few microseconds, calculate and make relevant adjustments. The principle of MPPT is to extract the maximum possible power from a solar panel by setting the most efficient combination of voltage and current - maximum power point.

Load output will prevent the battery from becoming totally flat [which can cause damage]. A preset discharge level can be configured at which point the SmartSolar will disconnect the load preventing the battery draining further.

Alternatively, the inbuilt intelligent battery management feature in the SmartSolar can be set. Known as Battery Life the feature is designed to protect and better maintain your battery by ensuring 100% recharge is regularly reached. SmartSolar attempts a daily 100% recharge. During periods of poor weather or low light conditions, it raises the disconnect voltage until successful.

Built-in Bluetooth along with the VictronConnect App provides easy access to the extensive range of functions available on your solar charge controller such as:

Victron MPPT model names explained 

MPPT 75/50, the first number is the maximum PV open circuit voltage. The second number, 50, is the maximum charge current. Use the Victron MPPT Excel sheet or Online MPPT Calculator for PV sizing calculations. 

For more information about PWM or MPPT charge controllers, read the Victron whitepaper: which solar charge controller: PWM or MPPT?