Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 150/70 VE.Can Solar Charge Controller, 150V, 70A, Bluetooth

Overview

The Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 150/70 VE.Can is a 70 A solar charge controller for larger battery-based solar systems on boats, with support for 12 V, 24 V and 48 V battery banks by auto selection, plus 36 V by manual setup. It accepts PV input up to 150 V absolute maximum in cold conditions, with a 145 V start-up and operating maximum, making it suitable for multi-panel solar arrays where string voltage and battery charging control need to be managed carefully.

This controller uses MPPT charging to track solar panel output as light changes during real use, including passing cloud, shade from rigging, radar arches or deck hardware, and changing sun angle while underway. It also includes built-in Bluetooth, VE.Can and VE.Direct communication, so it can be monitored locally from a mobile device or integrated with a Victron system display or GX device.

For marine installations, this unit belongs in a protected electrical space rather than an exposed deck location. The electronics are rated IP43 and the connection area is rated IP22, so placement should keep it away from direct spray, bilge water and washdowns while still allowing airflow for heat management.

Key features

• 70 A rated charge current for substantial solar charging capacity on cruising boats, fishing boats and larger off-grid DC systems.
• Supports 12 V, 24 V and 48 V battery systems by auto selection, with 36 V available through manual configuration.
• PV input supports up to 150 V absolute maximum in cold conditions, with 145 V maximum for start-up and operation.
• Nominal PV power is 1000 W at 12 V, 2000 W at 24 V, 3000 W at 36 V and 4000 W at 48 V, with input limiting when more PV power is connected.
• Built-in Bluetooth allows setup, monitoring, updates and controller synchronization without adding a separate Bluetooth accessory.
• VE.Can and VE.Direct ports support wired integration with Victron GX devices, system displays and wider onboard power monitoring.
• VE.Can allows synchronized parallel operation with up to 25 charge controllers, useful when a vessel has multiple solar arrays.
• Protection covers PV reverse polarity, output short circuit and over-temperature conditions.
• Programmable relay and remote on/off terminals support integration with control logic, alarms or battery management systems.

Variants

This SmartSolar MPPT 150/70 VE.Can is offered in two PV connection configurations. Both variants share the same 150/70 controller platform, charging current, communication options and battery system support.

The main difference is how the solar array wiring connects to the controller. The Tr version uses PV terminals for hard-wired installation, while the MC4 version uses MC4 connectors for panel string connections.

• SCC115070411: PV connection Tr. This version uses 35 mm² / AWG2 PV terminals, which suits installations where the solar wiring is landed directly inside the electrical compartment.
• SCC115070511: PV connection MC4. This version uses two pairs of MC4 connectors, which keeps the PV side aligned with common solar panel connector hardware and can simplify service access for plug-connected strings.

Installation and setup

Install the controller close enough to the battery bank to keep DC cable runs practical, while leaving space around the housing for ventilation and service access. The battery terminals accept 35 mm² / AWG2 cable, but final cable size, fuse placement and disconnects should match the vessel voltage, current, cable length and applicable marine electrical standards.

The PV array must be configured so open-circuit voltage stays within the controller limit in the coldest expected conditions. This is especially important on boats that use multiple panels in series, where voltage can rise above normal operating values on clear cold mornings.

Compatibility and fit

The controller works with multi-stage adaptive charging and can be set up for common battery chemistries used on board, including lithium, AGM, gel and flooded batteries when configured correctly for the battery bank. Optional external sensing through compatible Victron devices can improve voltage and temperature awareness in systems where the controller is mounted away from the batteries.

The Tr model measures 185 x 250 x 95 mm, while the MC4 model measures 215 x 250 x 95 mm. The extra height on the MC4 version should be considered when mounting inside a locker, technical cabinet or behind an electrical panel.

Use cases on board

This controller is a good match for vessels running larger solar arrays that need more than a small deck-panel regulator, especially cruising boats, workboats and fishing setups with house loads from refrigeration, electronics, lighting, pumps and communications equipment. It also fits Victron-based power systems where solar charging needs to be visible through Bluetooth, VE.Can, VE.Direct or a GX monitoring setup.

Because the enclosure ratings are intended for protected locations, it should be treated as electrical equipment for a dry technical area. A clean installation with strain relief, proper overcurrent protection and accessible disconnects will make inspection and future service much easier.