Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Charge Controller, Bluetooth, VE.Direct, Load Output

Overview

The Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT charge controller with load output is a solar charge controller for boat battery systems that use a small to mid-size PV array with a 12 V or 24 V DC battery bank. Across this range, the key choices are 75 V or 100 V maximum PV input and 10 A, 15 A or 20 A rated charge current.

Built-in Bluetooth keeps setup, monitoring and updates accessible through VictronConnect, while the VE.Direct port gives a wired path into Victron GX equipment, a PC or other compatible monitoring hardware. The load output can feed selected DC loads and disconnect them at a low battery voltage, which is useful on boats where house batteries may sit through changing sun, shade from rigging and overnight demand.

With MPPT charging, peak efficiency up to 98 percent and multi-stage adaptive charging profiles for lithium, AGM, gel and flooded batteries, this range fits dayboats, cruising sailboats, fishing boats and small off-grid marine battery systems where solar charging needs to be managed locally and clearly.

Key features

• MPPT solar charging for 12 V and 24 V battery systems, with variants covering 75 V or 100 V maximum PV input and 10 A, 15 A or 20 A rated charge current.
• Built-in Bluetooth works with the VictronConnect app for setup, monitoring, firmware updates and charge setting changes from a phone or tablet.
• VE.Direct port supports wired data connection to Victron GX equipment, a PC or other compatible devices for system monitoring.
• Load output can disconnect connected DC loads at a preset low-voltage point to help prevent excessive battery discharge.
• BatteryLife mode adjusts the load disconnect level when the battery is not being fully recharged, helping reduce repeated deep discharge cycles.
• Multi-stage adaptive charging supports lithium, AGM, gel and flooded battery types.
• Output short-circuit and over-temperature protection are built into the controller.
• Protection category is IP43 at the electronic components and IP22 at the connection area, so the controller belongs in a location on board that is protected from spray and has ventilation.

Variants

This SmartSolar MPPT charge controller range is offered in several configurations for different solar array and charge current requirements.

The variants share the same SmartSolar MPPT platform with built-in Bluetooth, VE.Direct communication and load output. The main differences are the maximum PV input voltage and the rated charge current, which should be matched to the panel string and battery charging plan.

• SCC075010060R: 75 V maximum PV input and 10 A rated charge current. This is the lower-current option in the range for compact solar arrays feeding smaller house or auxiliary battery banks.
• SCC075015060R: 75 V maximum PV input and 15 A rated charge current. It keeps the same 75 V PV ceiling while allowing more charging current than the 10 A model.
• SCC110015060R: 100 V maximum PV input and 15 A rated charge current. The higher PV input rating gives more room where array voltage is the limiting factor, while staying at 15 A charge current.
• SCC110020060R: 100 V maximum PV input and 20 A rated charge current. This is the highest-current option listed here and gives the most headroom in this group for compatible PV and battery wiring.

Installation and setup

Mount the controller where the terminals stay protected from spray, bilge moisture and washdown water. The enclosure rating is IP43 for the electronic components and IP22 at the connection area, so it should live in a dry locker, console, cabin electrical panel or similar space with airflow around the case.

Use DC wiring and over-current protection sized for the selected controller, PV array and battery bank. The power terminals accept up to 6 mm² or AWG10 cable, and the installation should leave access to the terminals and status LEDs for setup and later service checks.

Electrical and system integration

Bluetooth is built into the SmartSolar unit, so setup changes, live status and history can be handled through the VictronConnect app without adding a separate Bluetooth dongle. For installations that use a Cerbo GX or another Victron monitoring device, the VE.Direct port can feed charger data into the wider system.

The load output is useful for limited DC loads that should shut down before the battery is run flat, such as a small accessory circuit or a control load within the selected model’s current limit. Main vessel loads, windlasses, inverters and other high-current equipment should remain on properly protected circuits sized for their demand.

Compatibility and fit

This range works with common 12 V and 24 V marine battery banks and includes charge profiles for lithium, AGM, gel and flooded batteries. The PV array must stay within the selected controller’s voltage and short-circuit current limits, so panel string layout should be checked before the order is placed.

These controllers make the most sense for vessels with modest solar arrays, such as cockpit arch panels, cabin-top panels or a small hardtop array, where partial shading and changing sun angle are part of normal use.