Victron EnergySmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth) - Charge Controllers for Solar Panels - 100V, 20 amp, 48-Volt

I recently purchased two *Victron 100/20 Smart solar charge controllers for my (off-grid/on-grid) solar ranch project. These controllers are very versatile and compatible with any 12v, 24v, or 48-volt system and are rated up to 100 volts max / 20 amps max. Currently, these controllers are managing two 480-watt 24-volt solar arrays and two 24-volt x 400Ah battery banks. I plan to expand to a 48-volt system soon using the same controllers. The Bluetooth function is very handy for changing settings and monitoring your system. I didn't see a real need for a display screen on the unit itself (unlike a few reviews I've read) since you can carry the display screen with you using the phone app.I'm sold on *VICTRON*. Spend a couple more dollars and get the best. Five ***** Stars!

Why did you pick this product vs others?:The 100/20 is a great and versatile charge controller. It can be used with any battery voltage from 12v-69.5v though the documentation says 12v-48v. You can adjust nearly any setting in the Victon connect app which is updated regularly. The app only gets better with time. This isn't some terrible update that makes makes you wish you hadn't updated, it is an actual improvement. The updates are strored within the app so you can actaully update the firmware without cell service.The load function is great and anything connected to the load terminal will be measured and readable in the app. I can plug in nealy any DC item that I own to test how many watts it uses. I can also test USB cables to see which ones will work best by checking load readings in the app.You can also use the Load function to activate a light at dusk for x amount of hours or until sunrise. You can program the load to turn off at a certain Voltage as well.If this charger fits the specifications that you need, buy it, you will not be disappointed. There are slightly cheaper options out there but this one has the best feature to cost ratio available in my opinion.

Been using for about 6 months now. Having been a person who cobbles together cheap stuff usually... this was SO worth the investment. It just works... and it works great. The app is fantastic too, without requiring an account or internet connection.This product made me start buying into the whole Victron ecosystem. Being an power supply electrical engineer myself, I did open up their products and you absolutely get what you pay for... attention to detail and reliability.My one and only gripe about this MPPT controller is... on a 48V system, the output is limit to something like an amp, which is mostly usless. I'm not sure why they couldn't spec the components to be rated for more... but like they say you can use the output to run a relay or something. Little annoying but still would absolutely recommend this product to anyone.

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.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 $160, rating this 5-stars. Of all the MPPT controllers I have reviewed, this is the recommended one.Related Products (lised in ORDER of HIGH to LOW rating):EPEVER 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/B01MRWTAB5GARNDE Rosefinch XS 30A MPPT ~ $150 (1-star)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094Z7RVXR

This Victron charge controller is electrifying! It was relatively easy to install in my trailer, attach the red and black wires to the PV and Battery inputs, then send the battery wires to the + and - terminals of the battery, as well as plugging in the solar panel. The unit's Bluetooth feature is very useful. It allows me to monitor the incoming voltage and amps from the solar panel, in addition to the battery charge state., all on my smart phone. It's true that these units are a bit pricey, but they are top quality controllers that will last a long time. The other Victron charge controller in my trailer has been working flawlessly ever since it was installed 4 years ago. I heartily recommend Victron and their products.