Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100/1515A 100V Bluetooth MPPT solar charge controller with load output

Overview

The SmartSolar MPPT 100/15 charges a 12V or 24V battery at up to 15A from an array of up to 100V open-circuit voltage, which allows panels to be connected in series. Nominal PV power is 220W at 12V and 440W at 24V, with a 15A PV short-circuit limit. A 15A load output with BatteryLife protects the battery from deep discharge, and Bluetooth gives app access to settings and 30 days of history.

• Ultra-fast MPPT tracking, peak efficiency 98%
• Built-in Bluetooth for setup, monitoring and firmware updates
• Short-circuit-proof load output with BatteryLife algorithm
• Automatic 12V/24V battery voltage detection
• VE.Direct port for GX devices and VRM monitoring
• No cooling fan, full output up to 40°C

How it works

These controllers convert the output of a PV array with a higher voltage into the charge current of a lower-voltage battery. The first number in the name is the maximum PV open-circuit voltage (75V or 100V), the second the maximum charge current in amperes. Charging follows an adaptive three-stage profile (bulk, absorption, float): absorption time is kept short after shallow discharges and extended after deep ones. The tracking algorithm also locates the true maximum power point when partial shading creates several peaks.

Eight preset charge algorithms can be selected in the app, or voltages, stage times and current can be programmed freely, which covers lead-acid, gel, AGM and lithium batteries. Equalisation is available for lead-acid types that need it. The controllers will start charging a battery discharged to zero volts and will reconnect to a lithium battery whose internal disconnect has opened.

Load output and battery protection

DC loads can be wired to the load output, which disconnects them when the battery voltage falls to a set level and is short-circuit proof. It is rated 15A on the 75/10, 75/15 and 100/15, and 20A on the 100/20 at 12V and 24V (1A at 36V and 48V).

Instead of fixed voltages the BatteryLife algorithm can be chosen: it raises the disconnect level day by day until the battery reaches a near-full charge about once a week. Larger loads such as inverters connect directly to the battery and are switched through their remote on/off input or a BatteryProtect.

Installation and compatibility

Mount the controller vertically on a non-flammable surface, terminals facing down, with at least 10cm free above and below, within 3m of the battery but never directly above it. Protect the battery cable with a fuse of 20–25A for the 75/15 and 100/15 (15–20A for the 75/10, 25–30A for the 100/20) and use flexible multi-stranded copper cable.

Connect the battery first so the system voltage is detected, then the loads, then the PV. The PV voltage must exceed the battery voltage by 5V to start. Panels with optimisers must not be used, and the PV array must not be grounded.

Monitoring and settings

The VictronConnect app (Android, iOS, macOS, Windows) shows live solar and battery data, 30 days of history and error logs, and handles all settings and firmware updates over the built-in Bluetooth. Through a VE.Smart Network a Smart Battery Sense, BMV-712 Smart or SmartShunt can pass real battery voltage and temperature to one or more controllers. The VE.Direct port connects a GX device or GlobalLink 520 for VRM remote monitoring, the optional MPPT Control display, or interface cables for remote on/off and street-light control.

Questions and answers