Votronic 1718 MPPT 260 CI Solar Charge Controller 12V 18.5A 260Wp

The Votronic MPPT 260 CI (MPN: 1718) is a 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 260 Wp, a module current of up to 15 A, and a maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 60 V. It provides up to 18.5 A of charging current for the service battery, while a separate output supports and recharges the starter battery with up to 1 A. Eight selectable charging programs enable operation with lead-acid, gel, AGM, and LiFePO4 batteries.

MPPT Solar Charging for Compact 12-V Solar Systems

• MPPT technology for continuously determining the optimal operating point of the solar modules
• Designed for 12-V battery systems
• Suitable for solar module power ranging from 40 to 260 Wp
• Maximum 15 A solar module current and 60 V open-circuit voltage (Voc)
• Up to 18.5 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 curve
• Connection for an optional battery temperature sensor
• CI-Bus connection 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 optimal utilization of solar energy

The MPPT 260 CI uses Maximum Power Point Tracking. The control system searches several times per second for the operating point at which the connected solar modules deliver their maximum available power. Any excess voltage on the PV side is converted into additional battery charging current using high-frequency switching regulator technology. According to Votronic, MPPT technology enables a charging current increase of approximately 10 to 30% compared to conventional control technology, with an efficiency of over 95%. This advantage is particularly noticeable at cooler temperatures and under weaker or diffuse sunlight. Unlike a simple PWM controller, the higher module voltage is thus not merely limited to the battery’s voltage level. Instead, the MPPT controller uses the available excess voltage to generate additional charging current.

Separate Charging of the Onboard and Starter Batteries

The solar controller features two battery charging outputs. The main output supplies the 12-V auxiliary battery with up to 18.5 A. Additionally, an output with a maximum of 1 A is available for the vehicle’s starter battery. This is intended for trickle charging and charge maintenance. This ensures that the energy provided by the solar modules is primarily used for the service battery, while simultaneously maintaining the state of charge of the starter battery. The manufacturer’s current model overview confirms the combination of 18.5 A main charging current and 1 A starter battery charging current for the MPPT 260 CI.

Eight Charging Programs for Lead-Acid and LiFePO4 Batteries

A total of eight switchable charging profiles are available to accommodate different battery technologies. Three of these are designed for lead-acid, gel, and AGM batteries, respectively. The remaining five programs cover various LiFePO4 applications. Charging follows an IU1oU2 profile, with current and voltage automatically adjusted to the respective state of charge.

Temperature Monitoring for the Connected Battery

A Votronic battery temperature sensor can be connected to the controller. For lead-acid batteries, this enables temperature-dependent adjustment of the charging voltage. At low temperatures, the voltage is increased accordingly, while it is reduced at high temperatures. For LiFePO4 batteries, temperature sensing is used for protection and control functions. The standard lithium charging programs require a temperature sensor mounted on the battery. The special program for heated LiFePO4 batteries is an exception. The selection of the charging program must therefore always be tailored to the specifications of the battery manufacturer.

CI-Bus, EBL, and External Solar Displays

The MPPT 260 CI can be integrated into compatible vehicle and display systems via the built-in CI-Bus connection. This allows relevant operating data to be transmitted to a compatible central vehicle display. For parallel operation of multiple CI-Bus solar controllers, the address can be set via a DIP switch. Additionally, the device features an output for the solar power display of an existing EBL (electrical block). According to the user manual, a separately available cable set is required for the EBL connection. There are also plug-and-play connection options for various display and monitoring solutions. These include, among others, the Solar-Computer S, VPC, Bluetooth Connector, and LCD Energy Monitor, as well as other compatible CI components. Using the optional Bluetooth Connector S-BC, performance data can also be displayed on a mobile device.

Protection Functions and Automatic Operation

The Votronic solar charge controller operates fully automatically and monitors the state of charge of the connected battery. Integrated protection functions include safeguards against overload, overheating, short circuits, and reverse polarity. A backflow preventer prevents unwanted discharge through the solar modules at night. A vehicle electrical system filter supports parallel operation with other charging sources such as mains chargers, alternators, charging converters, or generators. Additionally, the device automatically compensates for voltage losses in the charging cables. An overvoltage limiter protects sensitive loads in the 12-V vehicle electrical system.

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: 40–260 Wp
• Max. solar module current: 15 A
• Max. solar open-circuit voltage (Voc): 60 V
• Max. charging current for the vehicle battery: 18.5 A
• Pre-charge current for a deeply discharged battery: max. 9.7 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: 20 A
• Operating temperature range: -20 to +45 °C
• Weight: 235 g
• Dimensions: 131 × 77 × 40 mm
• Certification marks according to the manufacturer: CE, E-mark (EMC/Automotive Directive)

Package Contents

1x Votronic 1718 MPPT 260 CI Solar Charge Controller 12V 18.5A 260Wp
1x Installation and User Manual