Choosing the right MPPTs for Multiple Solar Panels

DIY
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1

I am about to upgrade my boat’s solar, currently I have a pair of identical panels and will another two pairs of panels with different characteristics (space prevents using the same panels). I therefore need two more MPPT SmartSolar controllers. I understand that if I fit SmartSolar the 3 MPPT controllers will work in synchronisation to avoid one of the controllers effectively “turning off” the other two.

However I also intend upgrading to Lithium (unfortunately this will be another manufacturer to be compatible with my mains and engine chargers). They don’t do a decent small MPPT controller and in any case Victron is better (I wish I had known that 7 years ago).

I do not need the size of controller that comes with a remote on-off built in. I will therefore need to use the VE Direct Port and the non inverting dongle for the Lithium “Stop Charge” signal.

Question: Can I reliably connect a Cerbo GX to the bank of MPPT controllers via Bluetooth (if they are already linked by Bluetooth) or do I need to use the bigger and more expensive SmartSolar controllers with a built in Remote?

Thanks in advance

2

Only if they are part of the same VE.smart network, thats not automatic, you have to create the VE.smart network on one of the MPPTs and then join the others into it

The Cerbo can not talk to other Victron devices over Bluetooth, it has to be some wired connection.

To me, theres no value in using a Cerbo in this situation. You can setup the MPPTs to be part of the same VE.Smart network and use their VE.direct ports to shut them down via the ATC signal from the BMS