Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 100/5050A MPPT solar charge controller, 100V PV, 12/24V

Overview

The BlueSolar MPPT 100/50 raises the charge current to 50A, with nominal PV power of 700W at 12V and 1400W at 24V and a maximum PV short-circuit current of 60A. Its input is limited to 100V open-circuit voltage, and it charges 12V or 24V batteries only. Victron specifies a 55–70A battery fuse. The housing measures 186×130×70mm and weighs 1.3kg, with 16mm² terminals and a rotary switch for eight charge presets.

• 30A or 50A charge current
• 12V or 24V battery, detected automatically
• PV input up to 100V open-circuit
• Rotary switch with eight charge presets
• No fan, 98% maximum efficiency
• 16mm² screw terminals

How it works

Both models charge 12V or 24V batteries, recognised automatically, from a PV array of up to 100V open-circuit voltage. The tracker reacts quickly to changing irradiance and, under partial shading, locks onto the global rather than a local maximum power point. Charging runs in bulk, absorption and float stages, with the absorption time adapted to how deeply the battery was discharged, and a built-in sensor compensates the charge voltages for temperature when lead-acid batteries are used.

Key features

A rotary switch on the unit selects one of eight preset charge algorithms with a small screwdriver; alternatively the algorithm can be fully programmed in VictronConnect, and whichever change is made last applies. Neither model has a physical load output: a virtual one can be created with a VE.Direct TX cable and switched by battery voltage or the BatteryLife algorithm. Protection covers over-temperature with power derating, PV short circuit, PV reverse polarity and PV reverse current.

Installation and compatibility

Mount the controller vertically with the terminals at the bottom on a non-flammable surface, 10cm clear above and below, within 3m of the battery but not above it. Battery fuses should be 35–40A for the 100/30 and 55–70A for the 100/50. The array's open-circuit voltage at the coldest expected temperature must stay below 100V, and PV voltage must exceed battery voltage by 5V to start. Positive- or negative-grounded battery systems are allowed, but the PV array itself must not be grounded.

Monitoring and settings

Data and settings are reached through the VE.Direct port: with a VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle or USB interface for VictronConnect, with a VE.Direct cable to a GX device for local display and the VRM Portal, or with the optional MPPT Control display. With the dongle fitted the controller can also join a VE.Smart Network and use battery voltage and temperature measured by a Smart Battery Sense, BMV-712 or SmartShunt.

Questions and answers