Votronic solar controller MPPT 260 CI | 1718 | AllSeason

Votronic MPPT 260 CI solar controller - Optimum energy yield

for lead-acid, GEL, AGM, LiFePO4 batteries | two charging outputs | control signalfor AES refrigerator | 5 LED operating indicators

The MPPT 260 CI solar charge controller is designed for solar modules with an output of up to 260Wp, a maximum solar module current of 15A and a maximum module voltage of 60V. Two charging outputs enable flexible use: lead-acid, gel and AGM batteries as well as modern lithium LiFePO4 batteries can be charged via the main charging output, while the second charging output is specifically intended for support charging and charge retention of the lead-acid vehicle starter battery.

As the successor to the tried-and-tested MPP 260 CI solar controller, it features MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology, a decisive further development. An intelligent microprocessor continuously determines the maximum power point of the solar module - i.e. the operating point with the highest power yield. The resulting excess voltage is automatically converted into additional charging current for the battery. The result: more charging current for the same module area, shorter charging times and a noticeably higher energy yield - especially in the transition period, at cooler temperatures or when using modules with a higher number of solar cells. Compared to conventional PWM controllers, MPPT controllers demonstrably deliver more charging current - especially with modern solar modules with a high open-circuit voltage. The high-frequency switching technology uses particularly efficient components to minimise losses and maximise efficiency.

Another special featureof the new solar charge controllers is a special charging programme for heated LiFePO4 batteries, which enables efficient charging even in cold conditions - without the need for an additional temperature sensor. This is a clear advantage over conventional solar charge controllers.

In short: The Votronic MPPT solar controllers of the "AllSeason" series get the maximum out of your solar system, are maintenance-free, reliable, efficient and work fully automatically. Whether in a motorhome, caravan, boat or off-grid island system, the solar charge controller is the perfect link between solar panel(s) and battery(ies) and connects both reliably.

Please note that the solar charge controller may only be used with solar panels up to the maximum power rating (Wp) and below the maximum permissible voltage (Voc). Furthermore, the controller is not suitable for an input-side connection (+/- solar panels) of wind, water, fuel or motor generators, power supply units, batteries or other power sources.

Further functions of the Votronic MPPT solar controller

If you would like to connect your MPPT solar charge controller to a Schaudt electrical block (EBL), you will need the optimally available cable set (2007). It enables the simple, plug-and-play connection of Votronic solar charge controllers to the vehicle electrical system in order to charge solar power directly into the living area battery and transmit charging data to the display panel (LT/DT).

Model overview of Votronic solar charge controllers

Note: Further technical data for the combi devices listed here in the comparison can be found on the respective product detail page, via the "Technical data" tab or via the "Download" tab in the operating instructions.

Charging programmes of the Votronic solar controller

Lead batteries:
Unless otherwise specified by the battery manufacturer, the following description and the technical data (U1 and U2 voltages, nominal temperature and U1 holding times) can be used to determine the appropriate charging programme for the battery type (design, technology).
Note: All charging programmes also automatically take into account possible parallel/buffer operation with consumers connected to the battery.

• "Lead Acid/AGM1": Charging programme for acid/wet batteries and AGM 14.4V: For charging and maintaining the charge of body batteries. Offers short charging times, a high charge factor and acid mixing for open standard and closed, low-maintenance, maintenance-free "liquid electrolyte", "wet", traction, lighting, solar and heavy-duty batteries. Also suitable for current battery developments (low antimony, silver alloy, calcium/calcium or similar) with low or very low water consumption, as well as AGM batteries labelled 14.4V.
• "AGM2": Charging programme for AGM/fleece batteries 14.7V: Adapted to sealed, gas-tight AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries and those in lead-fleece technology, Lead Crystal, VRLA, which require a particularly high U1 level for a full charge.
  ATTENTION: It is essential to check the battery data sheet for the high U1 charging voltage of 14.7V.
  Unsuitable batteries can age prematurely due to loss of electrolyte!
  Some manufacturers of AGM/non-woven batteries also prescribe a 14.4 V charging programme for charging! In this case, please set "Lead Acid/AGM1" (14.4V/13.45V).
• "Gel": Charging programme for gel/dryfit batteries: Adapted to sealed, gas-tight gel batteries with a fixed electrolyte, which generally require a higher charging voltage level and longer U1 holding times in order to achieve short charging times with particularly high capacity storage and to avoid battery "starvation", e.g. EXIDE, Sonnenschein and others.e.g. EXIDE, Sonnenschein dryfit-Start, dryfit-Sport-Line, DETA gel battery Funline, Bosch AS gel batteries Va/Z, AS gel traction batteries, AS gel lighting batteries.
  Also recommended, unless otherwise specified by the battery manufacturer, for batteries with round cell technology, e.g. EXIDE MAXXIMA (DC).

LiFePO4 batteries:
Always follow the battery manufacturer's charging instructions!

Operating the device on a LiFePO4 battery without a BMS (battery management system) and without cell equalisation charging (balancing) and protective circuitry is not permitted!

A battery temperature sensor must be fitted to the battery (exception: "LiFePO4 14.4 V heated") and connected to the device; it serves to protect the battery!

If possible, keep the battery temperature above 0° C.

Note: All charging programmes automatically take into account possible parallel/buffer operation with consumers connected to the battery.

• "LiFePO4 14.4V" (heated): IU1oU2 charging programme (temperature sensor not absolutely necessary, but recommended)
• "LiFePO4 14.2V": IU1oU2 charging programme
• "LiFePO4 14.4V": IU1oU2 charging programme
• "LiFePO4 14.6V": IU1oU2 charging programme
• "LiFePO4 13.2V": Overwintering characteristic curve matched to common LiFePO4 batteries. Battery is kept at approx. 50 - 80%.

Scope of delivery

• Votronic solar controller MPPT 260 CI | 1718 | AllSeason
• Of course, you can also obtain an operating manual in German from us in the download area.

Manufacturer's warranty

• 5 years

Frequently asked questions about solar charge controllers

Solar charge controller MPPT 260 CI

Declaration of conformity: In accordance with the provisions of Directives 2014/35/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2009/19/EC, this product complies with the following standards or standardisation documents EN55014-1; EN61000-6-1; EN61000-4-2; EN61000-4-3; EN61000-4-4; EN60335-1; EN60335-2-29 ; EN50498.

The product is RoHS compliant. It therefore complies with Directive 2015/863/EU on the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.