Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 150/85 VE.Can Solar Charge Controller, 150V, 85A, 12/24/36/48V

Overview

The Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 150/85 VE.Can is a solar charge controller for larger onboard solar arrays feeding a 12V, 24V, 36V or 48V battery system. It supports up to 85A of charge current, a 150V maximum PV open circuit voltage, and nominal PV input of 1200W at 12V, 2400W at 24V, 3600W at 36V, and 4900W at 48V.

This controller is a strong fit for boats with meaningful solar capacity, such as cruising sailboats, fishing boats, expedition vessels, and workboats that need steady battery charging while away from shore power. MPPT charging helps the array keep producing useful current when light changes through the day, and the VE.Can interface makes it easier to integrate the charger into a larger Victron system with GX monitoring.

Built-in Bluetooth supports setup, monitoring, and firmware updates through VictronConnect, while VE.Direct and VE.Can give installers options for wired system communication. The unit also includes a programmable relay, remote on/off terminals, and protection for PV reverse polarity, output short circuit, and over temperature conditions.

Key features

• 85A rated charge current for higher-output solar installations on 12V, 24V, 36V, or 48V battery banks.
• 150V maximum PV open circuit voltage, with 145V start-up and operating maximum.
• Nominal PV capacity of 1200W at 12V, 2400W at 24V, 3600W at 36V, and 4900W at 48V.
• VE.Can communication allows synchronized operation of up to 25 charge controllers in larger systems.
• Built-in Bluetooth supports local configuration and monitoring through VictronConnect without a separate dongle.
• VE.Direct port supports wired connection to GX devices, PCs, and other compatible Victron monitoring equipment.
• Multi-stage adaptive charge algorithm with eight pre-programmed options and user-defined charging settings.
• Protection covers PV reverse polarity, output short circuit, and over temperature conditions.
• Operating temperature range of -30°C to +60°C, with full rated output up to 40°C.
• IP43 protection for electronic components and IP22 protection at the connection area, so the controller belongs in a dry, protected onboard location.

Variants

This product is offered in two PV connection configurations. The main difference is the solar input terminal style, while the 150/85 VE.Can charging platform, communication options, and core electrical rating remain consistent across the range.

The Tr version uses larger screw terminals for installers who prefer field-terminated PV wiring, while the MC4 version uses plug-in MC4 solar connectors for arrays already built around that connector format.

• SCC115085411 uses the Tr PV terminal configuration. This version suits installations where the solar wiring is brought into the controller through prepared conductors and secured directly at the unit.
• SCC115085511 uses the MC4 PV terminal configuration. This version suits arrays with MC4 leads and can reduce field wiring work at the controller when the rest of the solar wiring already uses MC4 connectors.

Installation and setup

The controller should be installed in a dry electrical space with ventilation and protection from direct spray. On a boat, that usually means an electrical locker, technical compartment, or protected equipment area rather than an exposed cockpit, deck, or wet engine-room location. The IP ratings are useful for protected marine spaces, but they do not make the connection area suitable for washdown exposure.

PV voltage must exceed battery voltage by 5V for start-up, then remain at least 1V above battery voltage while operating. This matters when laying out solar panels in series or parallel, especially on boats where shading from masts, antennas, rails, hardtops, and fishing gear can change throughout the day.

Electrical and system integration

The SmartSolar MPPT 150/85 VE.Can can work as a single high-output solar charger or as part of a coordinated Victron energy system. VE.Can is helpful when multiple controllers need to charge together, and a GX device can bring system data into a central display or remote monitoring setup.

Battery terminals accept up to 35 mm² or AWG2 cable, which gives installers room for proper conductor sizing on higher-current runs. The charge profile can be adjusted for the battery bank, including common marine battery types such as lithium, AGM, gel, and flooded lead-acid when the rest of the system is configured correctly.

Marine use and placement

This controller is a practical match for vessels where solar is more than a small trickle-charge panel. It works well in systems that support refrigeration, lighting, electronics, pumps, and house loads while the boat is anchored, underway, or sitting away from shore power.

For best long-term service, mount it where cable runs are clean, airflow is not blocked, and the connection area can stay dry and accessible. In saltwater installations, careful cable support, corrosion control, and periodic inspection of terminals and connectors are just as important as choosing the right charge controller.