question

Hi Mike.

You could try using a PWM controller (any brand, but Victron have them too). Even then, those panels have unusually low V specs, and may not give full satisfaction anyway.

This 'limitation' of Victron mppt's is by design, and I consider a feature rather than a fault. I used another brand mppt for some years, and at every sunrise would make numerous (quite noisy) attempts to establish itself. Annoying, and I'm glad it's gone.

Depends on how many panels you have, but also consider there is a limit applicable to Isc, which adds when paralleled, but not when seriesed. Victron state that limit, but others may not. If a failure within occured, may mean the difference between a benign failure or burning your setup down.

Hi,

I've just watched the video. One thing i don't understand. This 5V+, is meant the Voc, so the opencircuit-voltage? My panel has 130W, 22,3Voc, 17,8Vmp. Is this possible or not?

Thank you very much for a short answer.

I found that shading was marginally better with my panels connected in series. Your milage may vary but try it both ways. Series connection certainly avoids the minimum startup voltage in most cases.

I think that this feature of Victron Smart Solar controller is the terrible and idiotic in terms of modern batteries. Today I get the new solar pannels with 7 volts and 7 Amperes and cann't use due to the Victron limit of Vbat+5v. I am a professional engineer and I don't understand why didn't your engineers put the booster to the charge bat sheme to make it possbile to use the high ampere panels. These ones we made in USA and have 17% of effectivenes. So I think that it is time to make the smart solar controller ourself and stop to buy the Victron Power.