Victron Energy is a leading producer of solar equipment, including two popular types of MPPT charge controllers. Both the Victron BlueSolar and SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers have a variety of sizes and features to choose from, and they have a lot in common. But there is one major difference that solar users should be aware of when choosing between these two products. Keep reading to learn what it is and how it impacts your solar power system.
The Key Difference: Bluetooth
The one major difference between BlueSolar and SmartSolar charge controllers is the built-in Bluetooth capability. This is only built into SmartSolar models. Bluetooth capabilities are extremely convenient if you want to use the Victron Solar app to monitor your system’s power production. Bluetooth allows the charge controller to communicate directly with the app on your smartphone so that you can view real-time data and statistics regarding energy output and usage.
But what if you already have a BlueSolar MPPT charge controller, and you really want to be able to use the Victron Energy app on your phone? The good news is that there is a simple solution.
Retrofitting Your BlueSolar Charge Controller
If you’ve already installed a BlueSolar charge controller, and are only just realizing that this doesn’t allow the system to connect to your phone’s Bluetooth, don’t panic; you don’t have to change out the entire charge controller for a SmartSolar model. Instead, you can retrofit the BlueSolar charge controller with a simple dongle attachment that will enable Bluetooth capabilities on your device. The VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle can be plugged directly into the BlueSolar charge controller, quickly providing you with that valuable Bluetooth functionality.
Disabling Bluetooth on Both Models
What if you want to turn off Bluetooth capabilities? While convenient, active Bluetooth connectivity does allow anyone with the VictronConnect app, which is within range of your charge controller, to access your data. So, if you’re going to be away from your home for a while, you might want to shut off Bluetooth capabilities while you’re gone to ensure nobody is fiddling with your system.
For the BlueSolar charge controller, all you have to do is disconnect the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle mentioned above. This will automatically shut off any Bluetooth connectivity. If you have a SmartSolar charge controller with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, you’ll have to disable the Bluetooth capability in the Victron app. Open the VictronConnect app and select the charge controller in your list of devices. Then, select the gear icon on the top right corner to access the settings page. Select the three dots in the upper right corner, and tap on “product info.” This will take you to an options menu that will allow you to disable Bluetooth.
Bear in mind that when Bluetooth is disabled, you won’t be able to view your energy production and other power stats. You’ll need to reactivate it via the app or plug the dongle back in, then reconnect your phone’s app to the device before this information is available.
What They Have in Common
Now that we’ve discussed the key difference between these two charge controllers let’s talk about what they have in common. Both models come with a variety of load output options ranging from 1A to 20A and battery voltage ranges that include 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V. So, whether you have a BlueSolar or SmartSolar MPPT charge controller, you shouldn’t have any problems finding a model that fits your system’s requirements.
Both charge controllers also offer remote on-off and programmable relays on certain models, so if this is a feature you’re looking for in your charge controller, both BlueSolar and SmartSolar can provide it. They’re also both compatible with a variety of Victron Energy accessories, including the following:
- VictronConnect application (when Bluetooth capabilities are enabled)
- Wire boxes to cover and protect terminals
- Control and display panels, including MPPT control and SmartSolar control (both BlueSolar and SmartSolar offer models that are compatible with both types of panels)
- GX monitoring devices (CCGX, Venus GX, Octo GX, and Cerbo GX)
- Data cables (VE.Direct cable, RJ45 cable, and USB-VE.Direct interface)
- External control cables (TX cable and non-inverting cable)
If you want to add any of these accessories to your charge controller, it shouldn’t matter whether you have a BlueSolar or SmartSolar controller; just make sure the exact model you have is compatible with the accessory you want, as both types of charge controllers have some variety in regards to accessory compatibility.
If you’re looking for a charge controller for your solar power system, both the Victron SmartSolar and BlueSolar MPPT charge controllers are excellent options. They’re efficient, reliable, and can be accessorized and retrofitted to meet your exact usage needs. You can find these charge controllers and many of the accessories mentioned above here at The PowerStore, Inc.