Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 100V, 12/24V, VE.Direct

Overview

The Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 100/30 and 100/50 is a range of MPPT solar charge controllers for 12V and 24V battery banks that need controlled charging from a solar array. Both versions accept up to 100V PV open circuit voltage, use automatic battery voltage selection, and are rated at 30A or 50A of charge current depending on the selected configuration.

This is a practical fit for boats with fixed solar on a hardtop, arch, cabin roof, or radar frame where the controller can be installed close to the battery bank in a protected electrical space. The 100/30 version supports nominal PV power up to 440W on 12V systems or 880W on 24V systems, while the 100/50 version supports up to 700W on 12V systems or 1400W on 24V systems. Both versions share 98% maximum efficiency, VE.Direct communication, 16 mm2 / AWG6 power terminals, and a 130 x 186 x 70 mm enclosure.

Key features

• MPPT charging extracts more usable energy from solar panels than PWM control, with useful gain when light changes during clouds, shading, or changing boat orientation.
• 12V/24V auto select operation suits common marine DC battery banks without needing separate 12V and 24V versions.
• 100V maximum PV open circuit voltage allows series panel layouts within the voltage limit and proper solar sizing.
• Multi-stage adaptive charging uses eight pre-programmed algorithms or a user-defined algorithm for matching common battery charging profiles.
• VE.Direct port supports monitoring through a GX device, and smartphone monitoring is available with a VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle.
• Electronic protection includes over temperature, output short circuit, PV short circuit, PV reverse polarity, and PV reverse current protection.
• IP43 protection for the electronic components and IP22 protection at the connection area make a protected indoor mounting location important on boats.

Variants

The range is offered in two current ratings. The 100V PV input limit, 12V/24V auto select battery voltage, VE.Direct port, enclosure dimensions, weight, and maximum efficiency remain the same across both configurations.

The main difference is output current and the PV array size the controller can manage before it limits input power.

• SCC020030200: BlueSolar MPPT 100/30 with rated charge current of 30A. It suits smaller house-bank solar installations where the PV array stays within 440W on 12V systems or 880W on 24V systems.
• SCC020050200: BlueSolar MPPT 100/50 with rated charge current of 50A. It gives more charge-current headroom for larger arrays, with nominal PV power up to 700W on 12V systems or 1400W on 24V systems.

Installation and setup

Mount the controller in a dry, ventilated electrical locker or equipment space rather than an exposed cockpit, transom, or deck location. The connection area is IP22, so it should be protected from spray, washdowns, bilge moisture, and salt deposits. Leave room around the enclosure for airflow, especially in spaces near an engine room where temperature can climb during long runs.

Electrical and system integration

Solar input voltage must be higher than battery voltage for charging to begin. PV voltage must exceed battery voltage by 5V to start, then remain at least 1V above battery voltage. Keep the array below the 100V open circuit limit under cold panel conditions and size the short circuit current within the controller rating: 35A for the 100/30 and 60A for the 100/50.

The VE.Direct port is useful when this controller is part of a broader Victron system with a GX display or remote monitoring. For phone or tablet monitoring, plan for the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle.

Use on board

On a cruising sailboat, fishing boat, or small workboat, this controller makes sense for keeping a house bank charged from fixed panels while loads such as refrigeration, lighting, pumps, navigation electronics, and communications gear cycle through the day. It is most appropriate for installations where the solar array and battery bank have already been matched to either the 30A or 50A current rating.

Maintenance and care

Check terminal tightness as part of routine DC electrical inspections and keep the connection area clean and dry. In saltwater service, inspect for corrosion on conductors, ferrules, lugs, and nearby hardware, and correct ventilation or moisture problems before they affect the solar charging system.