It seems the online MPPT calculator (MPPT Calculator - Victron Energy) misses several Victron MPPT products or the algorithm has an issue:
I plan on adding 8 panels on a Victron MPPT to our Victron based ESS and am investigating which MPPT I would need.
The current PV system has 25 panels and is AC coupled, planning to add 8 DC coupled panels.
Creating 1 string of 4 gives a nice choice, the SmartSolar MPPT 250/70 MC4 VE.Can
(I had selected MC4 and CAN interface in the options)
All parameters look OK to me, with max current as 41,72A @-15 degrees
Now adding a string in parallel does something I did not expect:
Instead of selecting a larger MPPT, it keeps the SmartSolar MPPT 250/70 but indicates it is current limited already from 50 degrees.
That of course is slightly disappointing as the PV panel temperature here in the Netherlands can reach 50 degrees, but that would not be the default case.
I would have expected the calculator to select the 250/85 MPPT or perhaps the 250/100 model, as 2 x 42A would fit in the 85A of the 250/85 MPPT.
Which MPPTs are available in the calculator?
is it possible to force an MPPT product and have the calculator tell me if it would work, a bit like the custom PV modules?
When changing the string to 1 x 8, the SmartSolar MPPT RS 450/100-MC4 is selected (as I had expected) and that is then current limited at -15 degrees, which would be acceptable:
