The MPPT 170 CI from Votronic (MPN: 1713) is a compact solar charge controller for 12-V solar systems in motorhomes, travel trailers, marine applications, and stationary off-grid systems. It is designed for solar module power ranging from 40 to 170 Wp, module current up to 10 A, and a maximum open-circuit voltage of 60 V Voc. On the battery side, it delivers a maximum charging current of 13 A to the service battery; in addition, a separate output providing up to 1 A is available for trickle charging the starter battery. A total of eight selectable charging programs are available for lead-acid, gel, AGM, and LiFePO4 batteries.
Compact MPPT solar charger for 12-V vehicle electrical systems
MPPT technology for continuously determining the optimal operating point of the connected solar modules
Designed for 12-V battery systems
Suitable for solar module power ranging from 40 to 170 Wp
Maximum 10 A solar module current
Maximum solar open-circuit voltage: 60 V Voc
Up to 13 A charging current for the auxiliary battery
Separate charging output with up to 1 A for the starter battery
3 charging programs for lead-acid, gel, and AGM batteries
5 charging programs for LiFePO4 batteries
Multi-stage IU1oU2 charging method
Connection for an optional battery temperature sensor
CI-Bus interface for integration into compatible vehicle systems
Connection for compatible Votronic solar display and monitoring devices
Output for an EBL solar power display
AES control output for compatible refrigerators
Protection against, among other things, overload, overheating, short circuits, and reverse polarity
Automatic compensation for voltage drops in the charging cables
MPPT technology for better utilization of solar power
The controller operates on the principle of Maximum Power Point Tracking. The electronics determine the operating point—at which the connected solar modules deliver their highest currently available power—several times per second. Any excess voltage on the PV side is converted into additional battery charging current via high-frequency switching regulator technology. Compared to conventional control technology, the MPPT series offers a potential increase in charging current of approximately 10 to 30%. Especially at cooler temperatures, during transitional seasons, or with modules that have a higher open-circuit voltage, MPPT control can thus make additional solar energy usable. Unlike simple PWM control, the module voltage is not merely limited to the battery’s voltage level. Instead, the controller continuously searches for the optimal operating point of the solar modules and converts the available excess voltage into usable charging current.
Two charging outputs for the auxiliary and starter batteries
The solar charge controller features a main charging output for the 12-V auxiliary battery and an additional output for the vehicle’s starter battery. The main output of the MPPT 170 CI achieves a maximum charging current of 13 A. Up to 1 A is available for the starter battery for trickle charging and charge maintenance. This ensures that the solar power flows primarily into the service battery, while simultaneously maintaining the state of charge of the starter battery.
Eight Charging Programs for Different Battery Types
To accommodate various battery technologies, the charge controller offers a total of eight charging programs. Three characteristic curves are provided for lead-acid, gel, and AGM batteries, and another five for LiFePO4 batteries. This includes a special setting for heated LiFePO4 batteries. Charging follows a multi-stage IU1oU2 characteristic curve.
Temperature-Dependent Charge Control
For temperature-dependent battery charging, the unit features a connection for the optional Votronic battery temperature sensor. For lead-acid batteries, the charging voltage is adjusted based on the battery temperature: it is increased at low temperatures and decreased at high temperatures. For LiFePO4 batteries, temperature monitoring also serves to protect against unsuitable charging conditions at extremely high or low temperatures. For standard lithium charging programs, a temperature sensor mounted on the battery is required. The special program for heated LiFePO4 batteries is an exception. The selected charging curve must therefore always comply with the specifications of the battery manufacturer.
CI-Bus, EBL, and External Display Devices
The controller can be integrated into compatible vehicle and display systems via the built-in CI-Bus connection. Operating data can be transmitted to a suitable central vehicle display through this connection. If multiple CI-Bus solar controllers are operated together, the required address can be set using the designated DIP switch. Additionally, an output is available for transmitting the solar current signal to an existing EBL (electrical module). According to the installation instructions, a separately available cable set is required for this connection. There are also plug-and-play connection options for devices such as the Solar-Computer S, VPC, Bluetooth Connector, LCD Energy Monitor, and Sirius CI. With the appropriate add-on components, the operating and performance data of the solar system can be monitored more conveniently.
Protection Functions and Automatic Charging Mode
The solar controller operates fully automatically and monitors the connected battery during the charging process. The integrated protection functions include, among others, protection against overload, overheating, short circuits, and reverse polarity. A reverse current block prevents the battery from discharging through the solar modules during the night. The built-in electrical system filter also supports parallel operation with other charging sources such as mains chargers, charging converters, alternators, or generators. Voltage drops across the charging cables are automatically compensated for. Additionally, the series features overvoltage protection to safeguard sensitive 12-V loads. The permissible ambient temperature range is -20 to +45 °C.
Technical Specifications
Battery system: 12 V
Lead-acid battery nominal voltage: 12 V
LiFePO4 battery nominal voltage: 12.0–13.3 V
Solar module power: 40–170 Wp
Solar module current: 0–10 A
Max. solar open-circuit voltage (Voc): 60 V
Max. charging current for the vehicle battery: 13 A
Pre-charge current for a deeply discharged battery: max. 6.5 A at <10 V
Max. charging current for starter battery: 1 A
Charging programs: 8
Lead-acid/gel/AGM charging programs: 3
LiFePO4 charging programs: 5
Charging method: IU1oU2
AES switching output: 12 V / 0.2 A
Self-consumption: 4 mA
Standby current consumption: 4 mA
Device fuse for auxiliary battery: 15 A
Operating temperature range: -20 to +45 °C
Weight: 225 g
Dimensions: 77 × 131 × 40 mm
Certification marks according to the manufacturer: CE, E-mark (EMC/Automotive Directive)
Package Contents
1x Votronic 1713 MPPT 170 CI Solar Charge Controller 12V 13A 170Wp
1x Installation and User Manual
