Overview

The Victron Energy SCC115060211 is a SmartSolar MPPT 150/60-Tr solar charge controller for 12, 24, and 48 V battery systems, with 36 V selection available by software. It is rated for 60 A charging and accepts a PV open-circuit voltage up to 150 V absolute maximum in the coldest expected conditions, making it a strong fit for larger solar arrays on cruising boats, workboats, and off-grid marine electrical systems.

Built-in Bluetooth gives access to setup, monitoring, firmware updates, and charging history through VictronConnect, while the VE.Direct port allows wired integration with GX devices, a PC, or other compatible Victron equipment. The MPPT tracking is useful on boats because solar input can change quickly as sails, rigging, antennas, clouds, and deck hardware move across the panels.

The Tr version uses screw terminals rather than MC4 connectors, which suits installations where the installer is landing appropriately sized PV and battery cabling inside an electrical locker or equipment space. With no cooling fan, up to 98% maximum efficiency, and a multi-stage adaptive charge algorithm, this controller is built for battery charging systems where steady energy harvest and controlled charging matter more than simple panel connection.

Key features

• 60 A rated charge current for larger marine solar charging systems.
• Supports 12, 24, and 48 V battery banks with automatic voltage selection, plus 36 V selection by software.
• 150 V absolute maximum PV open-circuit voltage, with 145 V start-up and operating maximum.
• Built-in Bluetooth for setup, monitoring, updates, and synchronized charging between compatible SmartSolar controllers.
• VE.Direct port for wired connection to GX devices, a PC, or other compatible Victron system equipment.
• Tr screw-terminal layout with PV terminals up to 35 mm2 or AWG2 and battery terminals up to 35 mm2 or AWG2.
• Multi-stage adaptive charging with eight pre-programmed algorithms and user-defined charging available.
• Protection against PV reverse polarity, output short circuit, and over-temperature conditions.
• IP43 protection for electronic components and IP22 protection at the connection area.
• Operating temperature range from -30 to +60 °C, with full rated output up to 40 °C.
• Programmable relay and remote on-off connection for integration with alarms, control circuits, or a compatible battery management system.
• Safety compliance includes EN/IEC 62109-1, UL 1741, and CSA C22.2.

Electrical and system integration

This controller fits best in a planned DC charging system where array voltage, battery voltage, conductor size, overcurrent protection, and disconnects are matched before installation. The PV voltage must be high enough above battery voltage for the controller to start and continue charging, so panel string layout should be checked carefully, especially on vessels where available deck space can lead to mixed panel orientations or partial shading.

For Victron-based boats, the built-in Bluetooth is useful during commissioning and dockside checks, while VE.Direct gives the installer a path into a wider monitoring setup. Optional external battery voltage, temperature, and current sensing can be added through compatible Victron Bluetooth devices, which helps the controller charge based on conditions at the battery bank rather than only at the controller terminals.

Installation and mounting

The unit measures 185 x 250 x 95 mm and weighs 3 kg. It should be mounted in an indoor, unconditioned equipment area with enough ventilation for heat to move away from the enclosure. On a boat, that usually means a dry electrical locker, technical space, or serviceable compartment near the battery and solar wiring, not an exposed cockpit, deck, or bilge location.

Because the connection area is rated IP22, the terminals should be protected from direct spray, washdown water, dripping condensation, and loose gear. The screw terminals support large conductors, but final cable size, fusing, and isolation should be matched to the vessel layout and installed to the applicable marine electrical standard.

Use cases on board

This controller is a good match for boats with enough solar capacity to justify a 60 A MPPT charger, such as cruising sailboats, passagemaking vessels, fishing boats with house loads, and remote mooring setups where solar keeps batteries supported between engine runs or shore power connections. The partial-shading behavior is especially relevant on sailboats and deck-mounted arrays, where rigging, booms, tenders, and antennas can create moving shade during the day.

It also suits installations where the owner wants local phone-based monitoring without adding a display, while still keeping the option to connect into a broader Victron system later. The optional pluggable SmartSolar display can be added at the front of the controller when quick visual checks at the equipment panel are preferred.

Maintenance and care

Once installed, the main upkeep is to keep the controller dry, ventilated, and accessible. Periodic checks should include terminal tightness, cable strain relief, signs of corrosion near connections, and confirmation that ventilation openings are not blocked by stored gear or service items.

VictronConnect can be used to review charging behavior and stored trend data, which helps spot shading issues, panel faults, or battery charging patterns before they become harder-to-diagnose electrical problems on board.