Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 150/100-Tr VE.Can Solar Charge Controller

Overview

The Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 150/100-Tr VE.Can is a 100 A solar charge controller for larger onboard solar arrays that need MPPT charging, networked monitoring, and high-current battery charging in one unit. The 150/100 rating means it accepts PV arrays up to 150 V absolute maximum open-circuit voltage, with a 145 V startup and operating maximum, while delivering up to 100 A of charge current to the battery bank.

This Tr version uses screw terminals rather than MC4 connectors, which suits custom marine installations where cable routing, conductor size, and service access are planned around the boat’s electrical space. It has built-in Bluetooth, VE.Can, and VE.Direct communication, so it can work as a standalone charger through VictronConnect or become part of a larger Victron system with GX monitoring and synchronized charging.

Key features

• 100 A rated charge current for substantial solar charging on cruising boats, fishing boats, and other vessels with larger house battery banks.
• 150 V absolute maximum PV open-circuit voltage, with a 145 V startup and operating maximum for solar array planning.
• Battery-voltage support depends on the selected variant: 12/24/48 V auto select with 36 V manual selection, or 12/24 V only.
• Peak efficiency of 98% with natural convection cooling, so there is no cooling fan to draw dust or salt air through the unit.
• Built-in Bluetooth, VE.Can, and VE.Direct communication for setup, monitoring, updates, and integration with compatible Victron equipment.
• VE.Can supports synchronized parallel operation with up to 25 controllers, while Bluetooth supports synchronized operation with up to 10 controllers.
• Multi-stage adaptive charging with eight preprogrammed algorithms or a user-defined charging algorithm.
• Charging support for lithium, AGM, gel, and flooded batteries when configured correctly for the battery type.
• Tr screw terminals accept up to 35 mm² / AWG2 conductors for both PV and battery connections.
• IP43 protection for electronic components and IP22 protection at the connection area, making protected indoor installation the right location on board.

Variants

This SmartSolar MPPT 150/100-Tr VE.Can range is offered in two battery-voltage configurations. Both versions use the same 150/100-Tr VE.Can format, 100 A charge rating, screw-terminal connection style, and Victron communication options.

The main difference is the battery-bank voltage range supported by the controller. That difference matters before purchase, especially on vessels with 48 V house systems or mixed-voltage refit plans.

• SCC115110411: Battery voltage support 12/24/48 V auto select, with 36 V manual selection. This version fits systems where the controller may be used with higher-voltage house or auxiliary battery banks, including 48 V installations.
• SCC115110412: Battery voltage support 12/24 V only. This version is for conventional 12 V or 24 V onboard DC battery banks and should not be treated as a 36 V or 48 V controller.

Installation and mounting

The controller should be mounted in a protected electrical space rather than an exposed deck, cockpit, or washdown area. The protection ratings cover the electronics and connection area separately, so the unit still needs a dry, ventilated location with sensible strain relief and cable routing.

At 216 x 295 x 103 mm and 4.5 kg, it needs a solid mounting surface with space around the enclosure for heat to move away naturally. In a boat installation, short DC runs, clean crimps, correct overcurrent protection, and corrosion-aware cable management are just as important as the controller rating itself.

Electrical and system integration

VE.Can gives this charger a practical place in larger Victron-based marine systems, especially where solar data, charge state, and battery charging behavior need to be visible from a central display or remote monitoring setup. VE.Direct and Bluetooth add useful flexibility for commissioning, diagnostics, and day-to-day checks from a phone, tablet, PC, or compatible system device.

The charger includes remote on/off and a programmable relay, which can help with controlled system behavior when the installation includes battery management, alarms, or other automation. It also includes protection against PV reverse polarity, output short circuit, and over-temperature conditions.

Use cases on board

This controller is a strong fit for boats carrying enough solar to make a small regulator impractical, including cruising sailboats, powerboats, and workboats with hardtop, arch, cabin-top, or deck-mounted panels. MPPT tracking is especially useful on vessels where shadows from sails, antennas, masts, radar arches, or moving clouds change panel output during the day.

For owners planning a solar upgrade, the key buying checks are battery-bank voltage, array open-circuit voltage in cold conditions, expected charge current, terminal access, and the mounting location. When those points match the installation, this unit can serve as the main solar charging controller in a serious onboard DC power system.