Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 150V, 12/24/48V, Built-In Bluetooth

Overview

The Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 150/35 and 150/45 is a solar charge controller range for boat solar arrays feeding 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V battery banks, with 36 V selection available through software. Both models use MPPT charging, accept up to 150 V PV open circuit voltage in cold conditions, and include built-in Bluetooth for setup and monitoring through VictronConnect.

This range is a strong fit for marine house-bank charging on cruising sailboats, fishing boats, workboats, and off-grid dockside systems where panel output can change quickly because of clouds, rigging, antennas, radar arches, or moving shadows. The controller manages charging with a multi-stage adaptive algorithm and works with common battery types, including lithium, AGM, gel, and flooded batteries when configured correctly.

The 150/35 model is rated for 35 A charge current, while the 150/45 model is rated for 45 A. Both share a 98 percent maximum efficiency rating, VE.Direct communication, natural cooling without a fan, and the same 130 x 186 x 70 mm enclosure size, which helps when planning a protected electronics locker or energy-system panel.

Key features

• MPPT solar charging for 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V battery systems with automatic voltage selection; 36 V can be selected with software.
• 150 V absolute maximum PV open circuit voltage, with 145 V start-up and operating maximum.
• Available in 35 A and 45 A charge-current versions to match different solar array sizes and battery-bank demands.
• Built-in Bluetooth Smart for VictronConnect setup, monitoring, firmware updates, and wireless charging synchronization.
• VE.Direct port for a wired data connection to GX devices, PCs, or other compatible Victron monitoring equipment.
• Multi-stage adaptive charge algorithm with eight pre-programmed options and adjustable absorption and float settings.
• Protection against PV reverse polarity, PV short circuit, PV reverse current, output short circuit, and over-temperature conditions.
• Natural cooling with no fan, maximum efficiency of 98 percent, and full rated output up to 40 degrees C.
• IP43 protection for electronic components and IP22 protection at the connection area, so installation should be in a protected location away from direct washdown.
• Stores 46 days of trend data, including battery voltage, current, temperature, PV voltage, and PV current.

Variants

The product is offered in two configurations with the same SmartSolar MPPT 150 platform and different charge-current ratings.

The model number indicates the main difference: 150/35 is the 35 A version, and 150/45 is the 45 A version. Both variants share built-in Bluetooth, VE.Direct communication, 16 mm² or AWG6 power terminals, the same enclosure size, and support for 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V systems.

• SCC115035210, Model MPPT 150/35: 35 A rated charge current with nominal PV power up to 500 W on 12 V, 1000 W on 24 V, 1500 W on 36 V, or 2000 W on 48 V systems. This version suits a moderate solar array on a compact house-bank system while keeping the same monitoring and communication features.
• SCC115045212, Model MPPT 150/45: 45 A rated charge current with nominal PV power up to 650 W on 12 V, 1300 W on 24 V, 1950 W on 36 V, or 2600 W on 48 V systems. This version gives the same connection style and enclosure footprint with more charging current for larger arrays.

Installation and setup

Mount the controller in a dry, ventilated, protected area such as an electrical locker, equipment cabinet, or under-berth power panel. The connection area has an IP22 rating, so it should not be placed where it can be hit by spray, bilge water, or washdown water.

Panel voltage must be checked carefully before installation, especially on boats used in cold climates where PV open circuit voltage rises as temperature drops. The PV voltage must also exceed battery voltage by 5 V for start-up and then remain at least 1 V above battery voltage while operating.

Electrical and system integration

Bluetooth setup is useful during commissioning because charge profiles, battery type, device naming, and live data can be handled from a phone or tablet without opening the electrical panel. For larger Victron systems, the VE.Direct port lets the controller report data to compatible GX equipment for remote monitoring and energy-system visibility.

Battery chemistry and bank voltage should be confirmed before the unit is energized. Correct cable sizing, overcurrent protection, isolation, and marine installation practices still need to be followed, especially on high-current DC systems where voltage drop and heat can become problems.

Use cases on board

This SmartSolar range fits boats that need dependable solar charging for refrigeration, lighting, electronics, pumps, and house loads while away from shore power. It is especially useful where panels see partial shade during the day, such as sailboats with rigging shadows or hardtop installations with antennas and deck equipment nearby.