Victron 100/15 Smart solar MPPT VS Victron 712

[16CVs]

My questions here are :

If using a Smart solar 110/15 which has Bluetooth built in is there any advantage in using a separate Shunt ? Will they both give you the same information?

When using a 100/15 Smart solar MPPT is there any reason to use or not use the Load feature from the MPPT controller. It is rated at 15 amps which is more than my total load with my Truckfridge and Espar heater and a few LED interior bulbs. I've yet to get a firm answer if the output is only powered by the solar panel or if it will self regulate between Solar and my house battery.

Most installs I have seen do not use the LOAD portion and run their 12V from the battery. It seems to me if you kept your load In check that you would not need a Shunt as this Smart Solar is all you'd need to provide a signal to Bluetooth or through the optional gauge which will plug into this unit.

If you did hook up a large load (Inverter or Induction range at the battery would this read the voltage or only what is going through the controller. I tried to keep my request simple, if I've missed some facts or need clarity feel free to contact me.

If you are not going to use the load from the MPPT then I'd buy the next sized up unit so that you would never reach the end of your capacity.

Stacy
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[jimf909]

To your first question, yes, the BMV-712 provides different information than the solar controller. The 712 (or it's $100 cheaper cousin, the smart shunt) provide more detailed information on amps in and out and state of charge of the battery. I use a BMV712 on an 1,100 ah 24 volt off-grid application but it hasn't become important enough to install in my van.

Screen shot of the 712...

It's late, but I don't know why you wouldn't run the loads off of the controller. Solar and battery connect to the controller, the loads come out of the controller so it's all measured through the controller. I do have an inverter connected directly to the battery.

I hope this is of some help but I'm sure I'm missing some things.
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- Jim

[shagginwagon83]

I don't use the load feature of my MPPT. I would not recommend running your fridge through there - but lights maybe.

Most people like the 712 because of the Shunt - knowing in/out amps of your battery. If you upgrade to a LiFePo4, the BMS knows this information also.

I did an install for a fella that insisted on having a 712 paired with a BMS that had a shunt. He never uses it. But one advantage it does provide is it does have an optional temperature sensor. With the system I setup, the 712 acts as a gate for incoming charging - so in below freezing temps it will close a relay so it disconnects all charging devices.

But really the batteries BMS is smart enough to do that internally - assuming the temperature sensors are working correctly.
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[dobryan]