Victron Energy charge controllers manage battery charging by adjusting voltage and current in stages to optimize battery health and performance. Here's how the voltage settings work and why they matter:
🔋 Charging Stages & Voltage Settings
Victron MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controllers use a three-stage charging process:
Bulk Stage
- The controller delivers maximum current to the battery.
- Voltage rises rapidly until it hits the Absorption voltage.
- This stage charges the battery up to ~80%.
Absorption Stage
- Voltage is held steady at the Absorption voltage (e.g. 14.4V for lithium).
- Current gradually tapers off as the battery nears full charge.
- Duration depends on battery size and chemistry.
Float Stage
- Voltage is reduced to a Float voltage (e.g. 13.5V).
- Maintains the battery at full charge without overcharging.
- Ideal for long-term maintenance.
Equalization Stage (Optional)
- For flooded lead-acid batteries only.
- Applies a higher voltage to balance cells and prevent sulfation.
⚙️ How to Set The Voltage on SmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller
You can configure these settings using the VictronConnect app:
- Connect via Bluetooth to your SmartSolar controller.
- Go to Battery Settings.
- Choose a preset (e.g. Lithium, AGM, Gel) or enter custom voltages:
- Absorption Voltage
- Float Voltage
- Equalization Voltage (if applicable)
- Adjust Absorption Time and Temperature Compensation if needed.
🧠 Smart Features
- Temperature Compensation: Automatically adjusts voltage based on battery temperature to prevent over/undercharging.
- VE.Smart Networking: Syncs with battery monitors or sensors to fine-tune voltage based on real-time data.
You can find a detailed walkthrough on Victron's official charger settings guide or explore a practical setup tutorial for lead-acid and lithium batteries.
