Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 12/24V, Load Output

Overview

The Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT is a solar charge controller range for charging 12V and 24V battery banks from photovoltaic panels, with variants covering 75V or 100V maximum PV open circuit voltage and 10A or 15A rated charge current.

It is a practical fit for boats with solar panels on a hardtop, cabin roof, arch, or rail, where light can change quickly with clouds, rigging shadows, and movement at anchor. The MPPT tracking helps recover more usable power from the array than a PWM controller, especially when the panel output is changing through the day.

The range includes a load output, BatteryLife battery management, a programmable multi-stage charge algorithm, and VE.Direct communication for monitoring and setup through compatible Victron accessories and GX systems.

Key features

• Ultra-fast MPPT tracking can improve energy harvest by up to 30% compared with PWM controllers and up to 10% compared with slower MPPT controllers in changing light.
• Automatic 12V/24V battery voltage selection matches common small-vessel house battery systems.
• Load output can disconnect connected DC loads at a preset voltage to reduce the risk of excessive battery discharge.
• BatteryLife algorithm adjusts the load disconnect level when the battery is not reaching a full recharge regularly, helping lead-acid banks recover more completely over time.
• Programmable multi-stage charge algorithm supports adjustable absorption and float voltage settings.
• VE.Direct data port allows integration with compatible Victron displays, GX devices, USB interfaces, and the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle.
• Bluetooth monitoring requires the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle, which is useful when the controller is installed in a locker or electrical compartment.
• IP43 rating for electronic components and IP22 rating for the connection area mean the controller should be installed in a dry, protected, ventilated space rather than in an exposed cockpit or deck location.
• 6 mm2 or AWG10 power terminals support clean wiring for small marine solar arrays.

Variants

This BlueSolar MPPT range is offered in three configurations. The variant choice changes the maximum PV open circuit voltage and the rated charge current, which are the two main limits to check against the boat’s solar panel wiring and battery bank size.

The listed versions share the same core functions: MPPT charging, automatic load disconnect, VE.Direct communication, programmable charging, BatteryLife battery management, and 12V/24V battery support.

• SCC010015200R: Voltage MAX 100V and Amperage 15A. This version gives the range’s higher PV voltage ceiling while keeping the 15A charge current, useful where the panel string voltage is higher.
• SCC010015050R: Voltage MAX 75V and Amperage 15A. This version keeps the 15A charge current with a 75V PV input limit for smaller panel strings.
• SCC010010050R: Voltage MAX 75V and Amperage 10A. This version uses the 75V PV input limit with a 10A charge current for lighter solar charging setups.

Electrical and system integration

For marine electrical planning, the two numbers that matter first are the PV open circuit voltage limit and the charge current. The solar panel array must stay within the selected controller’s voltage limit, including cold-weather voltage rise, and the charge current rating should match the expected array output for the battery system.

The 75/10 model is rated for up to 145W of nominal PV power on 12V systems and 290W on 24V systems. The 75/15 and 100/15 models are rated for up to 220W on 12V systems and 440W on 24V systems. All listed models use a VE.Direct port for data communication.

Installation and marine use

Install the controller close enough to the battery bank to keep DC cable runs sensible, while leaving room for ventilation and service access. The enclosure ratings are not for open spray exposure, so a dry electrical locker, cabin service area, console interior, or protected equipment bay is a better location than a wet lazarette or exposed helm panel.

The 75V models measure 100 x 113 x 40 mm, while the 100/15 model measures 100 x 113 x 50 mm. That compact footprint helps when adding solar charging to an existing DC system where space around the breaker panel or battery compartment is limited.

Good match on board

This range works well for small to mid-size solar charging systems on cruising boats, fishing boats, and sailboats where the goal is to maintain or recharge a 12V or 24V house bank from deck-mounted panels. It also fits boats that already use Victron monitoring hardware, since the VE.Direct port can feed charge data into compatible Victron accessories and GX displays.