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Jason Parsons avatar image
Jason Parsons asked

Solar panel > MPPT 75/15 > to charge Power Station with inbuilt MPPT

Hi, Sorry if this has been answered many times. i have searched but cannot see this scenario. This is a VW T5 setup. I have a fixed solar panel 180w on the roof. this leads to the MPPT 75/15 and out to a leisure battery to run fridge and lights, etc.

I have just purchased a VITOMAN power station (in built MPPT) , that has an option to charge the power station via solar.

I know it would take a long to time to charge the power station but any top up is better than none while I am not driving.

I don't just want to connect and see what happens as it could be a pricey mistake

My question is

1. Can I just connect to the 2 Load terminals on the Victron MPPT 75/15 and then to the power station.( Little worried as there will be 2 MPPT working.)

Or


2. Go from the same terminals as the solar panel IN terminals PV . Basically just using the MPPT 75/15 as a connection point to the solar panel. Not even sure this is correct.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Jason

MPPT SmartSolarVictronConnectSolar Panel
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2 Answers
Alexandra avatar image
Alexandra answered ·

@Jason Parsons

Neither.

Only 1 MPPT can track the panel.

And the other mppt cant track a load output it is fixed. This method wont increase yield from the one panel either. 180W is it.

The panel is either connected to the victron or the other. Never both.

Does the power station not have a dc charger? Many can charge from a cigarette lighter or other DC source.

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Jason Parsons avatar image
Jason Parsons answered ·

Thanks for the prompt reply. Yes I can and will charge via the cigarette while driving. and also fully charge from my house before after my trip. But I want to be able to use the solar panel while stopped over night, just to add some charge to the power station if needed. I was more concerned that i would cause damage if I connected from the Victron MMPT LOAD terminals to power station because there will be 2 MPPT in use. I can monitor the charge % increase and amount via the power station panel.

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kevgermany avatar image kevgermany ♦♦ commented ·
The Victron MPPT load terminals simply provide battery power. They do not allow any MPPT control, so no issue.

Connecting these to the power station DC input mentioned by @Alexandra will be fine. Make sure you set a safe cut off voltage to avoid flattening the battery.

If you do use the cigarette lighter socket, check its continuous rating and don't exceed it. Also check if it's still powered when you switch off. If it is, you risk flattening the starter battery.


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