Victron energy SmartSolar MPPT 250/100-Tr User manual

MPPT solar charger manual
SmartSolar MPPT 150/70 up to 250/100 VE.Can
04/2022
ENGLISH

Table of Contents
1. Safety precautions ................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. General safety precautions ................................................................................................. 1
1.2. Wiring safety precautions ................................................................................................... 1
2. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Battery voltage, PV voltage and current rating ........................................................................... 3
2.2. TR or MC4 model ............................................................................................................ 3
3. Features ................................................................................................................................ 4
3.1. Automatic battery voltage detection ....................................................................................... 4
3.2. Outstanding MPPT algorithm .............................................................................................. 4
3.3. Outstanding conversion efficiency ......................................................................................... 4
3.4. Extensive electronic protection ............................................................................................ 4
3.5. VictronConnect App ......................................................................................................... 4
3.6. Display ........................................................................................................................ 5
3.7. VE.Direct port ................................................................................................................ 6
3.8. VE.Can ports ................................................................................................................. 6
3.9. Battery charging ............................................................................................................. 6
3.9.1. Adaptive 3-stage battery charging .............................................................................. 6
3.9.2. Flexible charge algorithm ......................................................................................... 7
3.9.3. Equalization charging ............................................................................................. 7
3.10. Temperature sensing ...................................................................................................... 7
3.10.1. Internal temperature sensor .................................................................................... 7
3.10.2. External temperature and voltage sensor ..................................................................... 7
3.11. Voltage sensing ............................................................................................................ 8
3.12. Remote on/off .............................................................................................................. 8
3.13. Programmable relay ....................................................................................................... 8
3.14. WireBox ..................................................................................................................... 9
4. Installation ........................................................................................................................... 10
4.1. Mounting .................................................................................................................... 10
4.2. Battery ...................................................................................................................... 10
4.3. PV array .................................................................................................................... 10
4.4. Grounding .................................................................................................................. 11
4.5. Electrical connections ..................................................................................................... 12
4.6. Install the optional SmartSolar Control display ......................................................................... 13
4.7. Connect the MPPT Control display ...................................................................................... 14
5. Configuration and settings ....................................................................................................... 15
5.1. How to change settings ................................................................................................... 15
5.1.1. Settings via the VictronConnect App .......................................................................... 15
5.1.2. Settings via the rotary switch .................................................................................. 15
5.1.3. Settings via the SmartSolar Control display .................................................................. 17
5.1.4. Settings via MPPT Control display ............................................................................ 17
5.2. All settings explained ...................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1. Battery settings .................................................................................................. 18
5.2.2. Load output settings ............................................................................................ 23
5.2.3. Programmable relay settings .................................................................................. 24
5.2.4. Streetlight settings .............................................................................................. 26
5.2.5. TX port settings .................................................................................................. 29
5.2.6. RX port settings ................................................................................................. 30
5.3. Updating firmware ......................................................................................................... 31
5.4. Disabling and enabling Bluetooth ........................................................................................ 31
5.5. VE.Smart network ......................................................................................................... 32
5.5.1. VE.Smart network setup ........................................................................................ 33
6. Operation ............................................................................................................................ 36
6.1. Start up ..................................................................................................................... 36
6.2. Battery charging ........................................................................................................... 36
6.3. Automatic equalization .................................................................................................... 37
6.4. Lithium batteries ........................................................................................................... 37
6.5. Shutdown and restart procedure ........................................................................................ 37
MPPT solar charger manual

6.6. Maintenance procedure ................................................................................................... 38
7. Monitoring ........................................................................................................................... 39
7.1. LED indications ............................................................................................................ 39
7.2. Error codes ................................................................................................................. 40
7.3. Monitoring via the VictronConnect App ................................................................................. 40
7.3.1. VictronConnect status screen .................................................................................. 40
7.3.2. VictronConnect history screen ................................................................................. 41
7.3.3. VictronConnect error reporting ................................................................................. 42
7.4. Monitoring via a GX device and VRM ................................................................................... 42
8. Warranty ............................................................................................................................. 44
9. Troubleshooting and Support ................................................................................................... 45
9.1. The controller is not operational ......................................................................................... 45
9.1.1. Visual check ..................................................................................................... 45
9.1.2. Battery supply check ............................................................................................ 45
9.2. Batteries are not charged ................................................................................................. 46
9.2.1. Reverse battery polarity ........................................................................................ 46
9.2.2. Reverse PV polarity ............................................................................................. 47
9.2.3. Battery full ........................................................................................................ 47
9.2.4. Remote terminal is missing, is disconnected or external control is active ................................ 47
9.2.5. The charger is disabled ......................................................................................... 48
9.2.6. PV voltage too low .............................................................................................. 48
9.2.7. Battery voltage setting too low ................................................................................. 49
9.2.8. Controlled by an external device .............................................................................. 49
9.2.9. Battery supply issue ............................................................................................ 50
9.2.10. PV voltage too high ............................................................................................ 50
9.3. Batteries are undercharged .............................................................................................. 51
9.3.1. Too much DC load .............................................................................................. 51
9.3.2. Battery charge voltages are too low ........................................................................... 51
9.3.3. The battery is almost full ....................................................................................... 51
9.3.4. Battery cable voltage drop ..................................................................................... 52
9.3.5. Temperature difference between solar charger and battery ................................................ 53
9.3.6. Insufficient solar ................................................................................................. 53
9.3.7. Wrong temperature compensation setting ................................................................... 53
9.3.8. Battery charge current too low ................................................................................. 53
9.4. Batteries are overcharged ................................................................................................ 54
9.4.1. Battery voltage setting too high ................................................................................ 54
9.4.2. Battery charge voltages too high .............................................................................. 54
9.4.3. Battery unable to deal with equalization ...................................................................... 54
9.4.4. Battery old or faulty ............................................................................................. 54
9.5. Solar issues ................................................................................................................ 55
9.5.1. PV reverse current too high .................................................................................... 55
9.5.2. PV yield less than expected .................................................................................... 55
9.5.3. Full rated output not reached .................................................................................. 56
9.5.4. Max PV output power relates to battery voltage ............................................................. 57
9.5.5. Mixed PV panel types ........................................................................................... 57
9.5.6. PV connections burned or melted ............................................................................. 57
9.5.7. MC4 connectors wrongly connected .......................................................................... 58
9.5.8. Optimisers cannot be used ..................................................................................... 58
9.5.9. Earth fault detection missing ................................................................................... 58
9.5.10. Ground current ................................................................................................. 58
9.6. Communication issues .................................................................................................... 58
9.6.1. VictronConnect issues .......................................................................................... 58
9.6.2. VE.Direct port communication issues ......................................................................... 58
9.6.3. VE.Can port communication issues ........................................................................... 58
9.6.4. VE.Smart communication issues .............................................................................. 59
9.6.5. Bluetooth issues ................................................................................................. 59
9.7. Settings or firmware issues ............................................................................................... 60
9.7.1. Incorrect settings ................................................................................................ 60
9.7.2. Firmware issues ................................................................................................. 60
9.7.3. Interrupted firmware update .................................................................................... 61
9.8. Operation issues ........................................................................................................... 61
9.8.1. Unable to operate as a power supply ......................................................................... 61
9.8.2. Unable to operate as a DC to DC charger ................................................................... 61
9.8.3. Relay issues ..................................................................................................... 61
MPPT solar charger manual

10. Technical specifications ......................................................................................................... 62
10.1. Specifications 150/70, 150/85 and 150/100 ........................................................................... 62
10.2. Specifications 250/70, 250/85 and 250/100 ........................................................................... 64
11. Appendix ........................................................................................................................... 66
11.1. Dimensions 70A-MC4-VE.Can ......................................................................................... 66
11.2. Dimensions 70A-Tr-VE.Can ............................................................................................ 67
11.3. Dimensions 85A-MC4-VE.Can and 100A-MC4-VE.Can ............................................................. 67
11.4. Dimensions 85A-Tr-VE.Can and 100A-Tr-VE.Can ................................................................... 68
11.5. Charger error code overview ........................................................................................... 69
MPPT solar charger manual

1. Safety precautions
1.1. General safety precautions
• Read this manual carefully. It contains important instructions that need to be followed during installation,
operation and maintenance.
• Save these instructions for future reference on operation and maintenance
• Danger of battery explosion from sparking
• Danger of electric shock
• Install the product in a heatproof environment. Ensure therefore that there are no chemicals, plastic parts,
curtains or other textiles, etc. in the immediate vicinity of the equipment.
• The product is not allowed to be mounted in a user accessible area.
• Ensure that the equipment is used under the correct operating conditions. Never operate it in a wet
environment.
• Never use the product at sites where gas or dust explosions could occur.
• Ensure that there is always sufficient free space around the product for ventilation.
• Refer to the specifications provided by the manufacturer of the battery to ensure that the battery is suitable
for use with this product. The battery manufacturer's safety instructions should always be observed.
• Protect the solar modules from incident light during installation, e.g. cover them.
• Never touch uninsulated cable ends.
• Use only insulated tools.
• This product is designed and tested in accordance with international standards. The equipment should be
used for the designated application only.
• Connections must always be made in the sequence described in the Installation [10] chapter of this
manual.
• The installer of the product must provide a means for cable strain relief to prevent the transmission of stress
to the connections.
• In addition to this manual, the system operation or service manual must include a battery maintenance
manual applicable to the type of batteries used.
1.2. Wiring safety precautions
• Use flexible multi-stranded copper cable for the battery and PV connections.
• The diameter of the individual strand of the cable used should not exceed 0.4mm (0.016 inch) or have a
surface area exceeding 0.125mm² (AWG26).
• The maximum operating temperature is 90°C (194°F).
•
• A 25mm² cable, for example, should have at least 196 strands (class 5 or higher stranding according to
VDE 0295, IEC 60228 and BS6360). An AWG2 gauge cable should have at least 259/26 stranding (259
strands of AWG26). Example of suitable cable: class 5 “Tri-rated” cable (it has three approvals: American
(UL), Canadian (CSA) and British (BS)).
• In case of thicker strands the contact area will be too small and the resulting high contact resistance will
cause severe overheating, eventually resulting in fire. See below figure for examples of what cable to use
and not to use.
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 1 Safety precautions

The grounding terminal is located in the wiring compartment and is identified by this symbol:
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 2 Safety precautions

2. Introduction
The Victron Energy SmartSolar charge controller is an ultra fast Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar charger with an
outstanding conversion efficiency and is suitable for a wide range of battery and PV voltages.
2.1. Battery voltage, PV voltage and current rating
The solar charger can charge a lower nominal-voltage battery from a higher nominal voltage PV array. The controller will
automatically adjust to the battery voltage and will charge the battery with a current up to its rated current.
The product name of the solar charger incorporates the maximum PV voltage and the maximum battery charge current.
For example: A 150/70 model has a maximum PV voltage of 150V and can charge the battery with a maximum of 70A.
The table below indicates the maximum PV voltage and maximum battery charge current of the solar chargers that are covered
by this manual:
Solar charger model Maximum PV voltage Maximum battery charge current Suitable battery voltages
MPPT 150/70 150V 70A 12, 24, 36 and 48V
MPPT 150/85 150V 85A 12, 24, 36 and 48V
MPPT 150/100 150V 100A 12, 24, 36 and 48V
MPPT 250/70 250V 70A 12, 24, 36 and 48V
MPPT 250/85 250V 85A 12, 24, 36 and 48V
MPPT 250/100 250V 100A 12, 24, 36 and 48V
2.2. TR or MC4 model
The solar charger is available in two different models, namely:
• The TR version - The PV terminals are screw terminals
• The MC4 version - The PV terminals are MC4 terminals
The 70A MC4 model has 2 MC4 male and female connector pairs.
The 85A and 100A MC4 models have 3 MC4 male and female connector pairs.
From left to right: Example of solar chargers with screw terminals and MC4 PV connections
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 3 Introduction

3. Features
3.1. Automatic battery voltage detection
The solar charger automatically detects supported (e.g 12V, or 24V, or 48V) system voltage (battery voltage) on first power up. If
a different system voltage is required at a later stage, or if the solar charger is connected to a 36V system, this can be manually
configured in the solar charger settings.
3.2. Outstanding MPPT algorithm
Ultra fast MPP tracking
The solar charger contains an ultra fast MPPT controller. This is especially beneficial when the solar light intensity is constantly
changing, as is the case during cloudy weather. Because of the ultra fast MPPT controller, 30% more energy is harvested
compared to solar chargers with a PWM controller and up to 10% more compared to slower MPPT controllers.
Optimal solar yield
The solar charger has an innovative tracking algorithm. It will always maximize energy harvest by locking to the optimum MPP
(Maximum Power Point). If partial shading occurs, two or more maximum power points may be present on the power-voltage
curve. Conventional MPPTs tend to lock to a local MPP, which may not be the optimum MPP.
3.3. Outstanding conversion efficiency
The solar charger has an outstanding conversion efficiency. The maximum efficiency exceeds 98%. One of the benefits of the
high efficiency is that the solar charger does not have a cooling fan and the maximum output current is guaranteed up to an
ambient temperature of 40°C (104°F).
3.4. Extensive electronic protection
The solar charger is protected against over-temperature. The output is fully rated up to an ambient temperature of 40°C (104°F).
Should the temperature further increase, the output current will be derated.
The solar charger is equipped with PV reverse polarity protection and PV reverse current protection.
3.5. VictronConnect App
The VictronConnect App can be used to:
• Monitor the solar charger and view real time solar and battery data.
• Operate solar charger features.
• Access up to 30 days historical data and error history.
• Configure solar charger settings.
• Update firmware.
Screenshot of the VictronConnect App, showing real time data and historic data
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 4 Features

The VictronConnect App can be downloaded from app stores or from the Victron Energy downloads page. The app is available
for the following platforms:
• Android
• Apple iOS (Note that USB is not supported, it is only possible to connect via Bluetooth)
• MacOs
• Windows (Note that Bluetooth is not supported, it is only possible to connect via USB)
Where to download the VictronConnect App from
The VictronConnect App can connect to the solar charger via its built-in Bluetooth.
VictronConnect App connection via built-in Bluetooth
The VictronConnect App can connect to the solar charger via the VE.Direct USB interface.
VictronConnect App connection via USB using a VE.Direct USB interface
The VictronConnect App can connect remotely to the solar charger via a GX device connected to the same local network or via
the internet using the VRM portal.
VictronConnect App connection via LAN or the internet (VRM portal) using a GX device (for example a Cerbo GX)
3.6. Display
There are a number of display options:
• The VictronConnect App
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 5 Features

• A GX device
• The VRM Portal (GX device or GlobalLink 520 needed)
• The SmartSolar Control display - an external display that plugs into the front of the solar charger
• The MPPT Control - an external display that connects to the VE.Direct port (the VE.Direct cable is not included with the MPPT
Control)
3.7. VE.Direct port
The VE.Direct port is used to communicate with the solar charger. It can be used for several purposes:
• To connect to a monitoring device, such as a GX device or the GlobalLink.
• To connect with the VictronConnect App.
• For external control.
Special cables or interfaces are needed to connect to this port:
•VE.Direct cable - used to connect to a GX device or the GlobalLink.
•VE.Direct to USB interface - used to connect via USB to the VictronConnect App.
•VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle - used to connect via Bluetooth to the VictronConnect App.
•VE.Direct TX digital output cable - used for streetlight control or to create a virtual load output.
•VE.Direct non inverting remote on/off cable - used to remotely switch the solar charger on or off.
3.8. VE.Can ports
The VE.Can ports are used to communicate with the solar charger. It can be used to connect to a monitoring device, such as a
GX device.
It is possible to connect several "daisy chained" VE.Can solar chargers (or other VE.Can devices) to a single GX monitoring
device. All interconnected solar chargers will synchronise their charge algorithms.
When connecting to this port, a RJ45 UTP Cable is used (not included). The first and last device in the chain needs to have a
VE.Can RJ45 terminator installed (2 pieces are included). A connection example is shown in below figure.
RJ45 cable
RJ45 cable
VE.Can RJ45 terminator
VE.Can RJ45 terminator
Example of two VE.Can solar chargers connecting to a single GX device
3.9. Battery charging
3.9.1. Adaptive 3-stage battery charging
The solar charger is a 3-stage charger. The charge stages are: Bulk – Absorption – Float.
Bulk
During the bulk stage the solar charger delivers the maximum charge current, to rapidly charge the batteries. During this stage
the battery voltage will slowly increase. Once the battery voltage has reached the set absorption voltage, the bulk stage stops and
the absorption stage will commence.
Absorption
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 6 Features

During the absorption stage the solar charger has switched to constant voltage mode. The current flowing to the battery will
gradually decrease. Once the current has dropped below 2A (tail current), the absorption stage stops and the float stage will
commence.
When only shallow discharges occur the absorption time is kept short. This to prevent overcharging of the battery. But if the
battery was deeply discharged, the absorption time is automatically increased, to make sure that the battery is fully recharged.
Float
During the float stage the voltage is reduced and batteries full charged state is maintained.
A storage stage is not needed for a solar charger, unlike is the case for an AC charger, since at night there is
no solar power, so battery charging will stop.
3.9.2. Flexible charge algorithm
The VictronConnect App allows selection of 8 pre-set charge algorithms, or alternatively the charge algorithm is fully
programmable. The charge voltages, stage duration and the charge current can be customized.
In addition to this, 8 pre-programmed algorithms can be set with a rotary switch.
3.9.3. Equalization charging
Some lead-acid battery types need a periodic equalization charge. During equalization the charge voltage will be increased above
the regular charge voltages to achieve cell balancing.
If an equalization charge is required it can be enabled using the VictronConnect App.
3.10. Temperature sensing
Temperature sensing allows for temperature compensated charging. The absorption and float charge voltages are adjusted based
on either the battery temperature (accessory needed) or otherwise on the solar charger internal temperature.
Temperature compensated battery charging is needed when charging lead-acid batteries in hot or cold environments.
The temperature compensation can be enabled or disabled in the solar charger settings and the amount of compensation, the
compensation coefficient (mV/°C), is adjustable.
3.10.1. Internal temperature sensor
The solar charger has a built-in internal temperature sensor.
The internal temperature is used to set the temperature compensated charge voltages. For this, the internal temperature when
the solar charger is "cold" is used. The solar charger is "cold" when there is only little current flowing into the battery. Be aware
that this is only an estimation of the ambient and the battery temperature. Should a more accurate battery temperate be needed,
consider using an external battery temperature sensor, see chapter External temperature and voltage sensor [7].
External temperature and voltage sensor [7]. The temperature compensation range is 6°C to 40°C (39°F to 104°F).
The internal temperature sensor is also used to determine if the solar charger is overheated.
3.10.2. External temperature and voltage sensor
The Smart Battery Sense is a wireless battery voltage and temperature sensor and can be used with the solar charger. It
measures the battery temperature and the battery voltage and sends this via Bluetooth to the solar charger.
The solar charger uses the Smart Battery Sense measurements for:
• Temperature compensated charging using the actual battery temperature, rather than the solar charger's internal temperature.
An accurate battery temperature measurement will improve charging efficiency and prolong the life of lead-acid batteries.
• Voltage compensation. The charge voltage is increased to compensate in case there is a voltage drop over the battery cables
during high current charging.
The solar charger communicates with the Smart Battery Sense via Bluetooth using a VE.Smart Network. For more detail on the
VE.Smart network see the VE.Smart Networking manual.
Alternatively, a VE.Smart Network that measures battery temperature and battery voltage, can also be set up between a solar
charger and a BMV-712 Smart or SmartShunt battery monitor that has been equipped with a Temperature sensor for BMV,
without the need for a Smart Battery Sense.
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 7 Features

Note that a VE.Smart Network can only be set up if the solar charger is capable of Bluetooth communication,
has Bluetooth enabled or is equipped with a VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle.
Example of a VE.Smart Network of a Smart Battery Sense and a solar charger
3.11. Voltage sensing
An optional Smart Battery Sense or battery monitor measures the battery terminal voltage and sends this via Bluetooth using the
VE.Smart [32] network to the solar charger. If the battery voltage is less than the solar charge voltage, the solar charger will
increase its charge voltage to compensate for voltage losses.
3.12. Remote on/off
The solar charger is equipped with a remote on/off terminal. The solar charger can be turned on or off remotely by connecting a
switch to this terminal or by presenting a high signal to the H terminal or a low signal to the L terminal. Alternatively this terminal
can be connected to an external control device, for example a lithium battery management system (BMS).
There a several ways to turn the solar charger on using the remote terminal(s):
• The L and H terminals are interconnected connected via a switch or relay.
• When the voltage on the H terminal is more than 2.9V (up to the battery voltage) via a switch, relay or other external device,
like a battery BMS.
• When the voltage on the L terminal is pulled to battery minus. (<3.5V) via a switch, relay or other external device, like a battery
BMS.
A virtual remote on/off terminal can be created by using the VE.Direct non inverting remote on/off cable.
The functionality can be programmed using the VictronConnect App RX port function settings.
3.13. Programmable relay
The solar charger is equipped with a programmable relay. This relay can be programmed to engage when a certain situation
occurs, such as:
• High PV voltage
• Low or high battery voltage
• High or low temperature
• Float or Equalization active
• Solar charger in an Error state
• Day detection
• Load output
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 8 Features

3.14. WireBox
The optional MPPT WireBox is a plastic cover that can be attached to the bottom of the solar charger. It covers the battery and
solar terminals, preventing accidental or inquisitive contact with the battery and PV terminals. It provides an extra level of safety,
and is particularly useful if the solar charger is installed in a general access area.
For more information and to find the right MPPT WireBox for your solar charger see the MPPT WireBox product page:
•MPPT WireBox-MC4
•MPPT WireBox-Tr
Example of a solar charger with MPPT WireBox
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 9 Features

4. Installation
The DC (PV) input is not isolated from the battery circuit. Therefore the PV, battery and control circuit are
considered hazardous and should not be user accessible.
For proper temperature compensated battery charging the ambient temperature of the solar charger and the
battery must be within 5°C (9°F).
The battery and PV connections must be guarded against inadvertent contact. Install the solar charger in an
enclosure or install the optional WireBox [9].
4.1. Mounting
Mount the solar charger vertically on a non-flammable substrate, with the electrical terminals facing downwards.
If the optional MPPT WireBox is used, affix the steel WireBox base to the solar charger before the solar charger is mounted into
its final position. For more information see the MPPT WireBox manual.
The Appendix [66] of this manual contains the dimension drawing of the solar charger, this drawing also indicates the mounting
holes.
Observe a minimum clearance of 10cm under and above the solar charger for optimal cooling.
Mount the solar charger close to the battery, but never directly above the battery. This to prevent damage to due to gassing of the
battery.
Avoid ambient temperature differences of more than 5°C between the solar charger and the battery. These
temperature differences can lead to incorrect temperature compensated charging, which can reduce the
battery lifetime.
If large temperature differences or extreme ambient temperature conditions are expectedd use a direct battery
temperature sense source like the Smart Battery Sense or a BMV or SmartShunt equipped with a temperature
sensor.
4.2. Battery
The battery supply must be protected by a fuse as per below table.
Solar charger type Minimum battery fuse rating Maximum battery fuse rating
MPPT 150/70 and 250/70 80A 100A
MPPT 150/85A and 250/85 100A 120A
MPPT 150/100 and 250/100 120A 140A
For Canada the battery fuse must comply with the C22.2 standards.
The battery installation must be done in accordance with the local storage battery rules. For Canada this is the
Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.
Use flexible multi stranded copper cable for the battery connections Also see chapter Wiring safety
precautions [1].
4.3. PV array
The solar charger can be used with a PV configuration that satisfies both these two conditions:
• The maximum open circuit PV voltage can not exceed 150 or 250V, depending on the solar charger model.
• The nominal PV voltage should be at least 5V higher than the battery voltage.
The PV array can consist of mono- or poly-crystalline panels.
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 10 Installation

The solar panels are connected in series, in parallel or in series/parallel. See below figure for examples of these configurations.
120 W
12 V
120 W
12 V
240 W
24 V
10 A
120 W
12 V
120 W
12 V
240 W
12 V
20 A
480 W
24 V
20 A
120 W
12 V
120 W
12 V
120 W
12 V
120 W
12 V
Examples of series, parallel and series/parallel solar arrays.
To help calculate the size of the PV array configuration use the MPPT sizing calculator. Alternatively, use one of these PV array
configurations:
PV array example 24V battery with 150V solar charger:
• Minimum number of cells in series: 72 (2x 12V panel in series or 1x 24V panel).
• Recommended number of cells for highest controller efficiency: 144 cells (4x 12V panel or 2x 24V panel in series).
• Maximum: 216 cells (6x 12V or 3x 24V panel in series)
PV array example 48V battery with 150V solar charger:
• Minimum number of cells in series: 144 (4x 12V panel or 2x 24V panel in series).
• Maximum: 216 cells (6x 12V or 3x 24V panel in series).
PV array example 48V battery with 250V solar charger:
• Minimum number of cells in series: 144 (4x 12V panel or 2x 24V panel in series).
• Maximum: 360 cells (10x 12V or 5x 24 panel in series).
• Provide a means to disconnect all current-carrying conductors of a photo-voltaic power source from all other
conductors in a building or other structure.
• Be aware that at low temperatures and depending on local conditions and cell specifications the open
circuit voltage of a solar array may exceed the array's rated maximum open circuit voltage. In that case the
number of cells in series must be reduced.
• A switch, circuit breaker, or other device, either AC or DC, shall not be installed in a grounded conductor if
operation of that switch, circuit breaker, or other device leaves the grounded conductor in an un-grounded
state while the system remains energized.
• Do not use solar panels with optimizers. In worst case, the use of optimizers will cause irreparable damage
to the solar charger.
• Use flexible multi stranded copper cable for the screw connections (Tr model). See chapter Wiring safety
precautions [1].
• For MC4 models: several of the solar charger's MC4 pairs may be needed to parallel solar panel strings. Be
aware that the maximum current through a MC4 connection cannot exceed 30A.
4.4. Grounding
Battery grounding
The solar charger can be installed in a positive or in a negative grounded system.
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 11 Installation

Apply a single ground connection, preferably close to the battery, to prevent system issues or ground loops.
Chassis grounding
A separate ground path for the chassis ground is permitted because the chassis is isolated from the positive and the negative
terminals.
PV array grounding
The positive and negative of the PV array should not be grounded.
Ground the frame of the PV panels to reduce the impact of lightning.
Do not connect the solar charger to a grounded PV array. Only one ground connection is allowed, and this should be near the
battery.
Ground fault detection
The solar charger does not have internal ground fault protection.
The USA National Electrical Code (NEC) requires the use of an external ground fault protection device (GFPD).
The system electrical negative should be bonded through a GFPD to earth ground at one (and only one) location.
When a ground fault is indicated, battery terminals and connected circuits may be un-grounded and
hazardous.
4.5. Electrical connections
Make all electrical connections in the following order:
• Confirm correct battery polarity, then connect the battery (this will allow the solar charger to recognize the system voltage).
Torque moment 2.4Nm.
• Connect the remote on/off terminal (if applicable).
• Connect the programmable relay terminal (if applicable).
• Connect the VE.Direct communication cable (if applicable).
• Connect the VE.Can communication cable and VE.Can terminator (if applicable).
• Confirm correct PV polarity, then connect the solar array.
Torque moment TR model 2.4Nm
If accidentally connected in reverse polarity, the PV voltage will drop and the controller will heat up but will not charge the
battery.
• In case a MPPT WireBox is used:
First: Secure all electrical cables as indicated in the WireBox installation instructions
Then: Place the WireBox plastic cover over the solar charger connection area and secure it.
See below figure for an example of the solar charger connections:
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 12 Installation

DC loads
4.6. Install the optional SmartSolar Control display
To install the optional SmartSolar Control display follow these steps:
1. Remove the two screws of the plastic cover. Keep the screws, they are needed again when securing the display.
2. Remove the plastic cover. The display terminal is now exposed.
3. Remove the two plastic plugs on either side of the display plug.
4. Remove the paper backing of the double sided tape on the back of the display.
5. Insert the display into the plug and make sure it has been inserted all the way in.
6. Screw the display down by using the two screws that were used for the plastic cover.
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 13 Installation

How and where to connect the SmartSolar Control display
For more information, see the SmartSolar Control display manual
The display is hot-swappable, this means that the display can be plugged in or removed while the solar
charger is operating.
4.7. Connect the MPPT Control display
Connect the (optional) MPPT Control display to the VE.Direct port of the solar charger using a VE.Direct cable.
Note that it is not possible to extend the VE.Direct cable, the maximum length can not exceed 10 meter.
For more information, see the MPPT Control display manual
VE.Direct cable
Connect the display to the solar charger via a VE.Direct cable
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 14 Installation

5. Configuration and settings
The solar charger settings can be configured so it can be taylored specifically for the system it is used in.
Do not change solar charger settings unless you know what they are and what the effect of changing these
settings is going to be.
Incorrect settings may cause system problems including damage to batteries. When in doubt, seek advice
from an experienced Victron Energy installer, dealer or distributor.
5.1. How to change settings
There are several methods that can be used to change these settings. Some of these allow all settings to be configured, but
others might have limitations:
• The VictronConnect App - All settings can be changed and the firmware can be updated.
• The rotary switch - The charge algorithm for a number of pre-set battery types can be selected.
• The MPPT Control display (optional) - Most settings can be changed.
• The SmartSolar display (optional) - All settings can be changed
Do not change solar charger settings unless you know what they are and what the effect of changing these
settings can be. Incorrect settings may cause system problems including damage to batteries. When in doubt,
seek advice from an experienced Victron Energy installer, dealer or distributor.
5.1.1. Settings via the VictronConnect App
The VictronConnect App can be used to change all solar charger settings and can be used to update the firmware.
This manual only covers the VictronConnect solar charger specific items. For more general information on the VictronConnect
App, like how use it or how to connect see the VictronConnect manual.
To access the solar charger settings, navigate to the settings page. Do this by clicking on the cog icon at the top right of the
home screen.
The settings page provides access to view and/or to change the solar charger settings.
For information about each setting and how to update firmware see the All settings explained [18] chapter.
5.1.2. Settings via the rotary switch
The rotary switch can be used to select eight pre-programmed battery charge algorithms.
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 15 Configuration and settings

Use a small flathead screwdriver to turn the rotary switch. The arrow indicates which setting number has been selected.
The table below indicates the charge algorithm and charge settings for each rotary switch position.
Rotary switch set to position 2
Turning the rotary switch will override the charge settings including settings that were made with the
VictronConnect App or with the display. Likewise, if charge settings are changed with the VictronConnect
App or the display, this will override the rotary switch setting.
Switch
position
Suggested
battery type
Absorption
voltage* (V)
Float
voltage*
(V)
Equalize**
voltage* (V)
Equalize**
nominal
current
percentage
Temperature
compensation
factor* (mV/°C)
0
Gel long life
(OPzV)
Gel Exide A600
(OPzV)
Gel MK
14.1
28.2
56.4
13.8
27.6
55.2
15.9
31.8
63.6
8%
-16
-32
-64
1
Gel Victron
deep discharge
Gel Exide A200
AGM Victron
deep discharge
Stationary
tubular plate
(OPzS)
14.3
28.6
57.2
13.8
27.6
55.2
16.1
32.2
64.4
8%
-16
-32
-64
2
Default setting
Gel Victron
deep discharge
Gel Exide A200
AGM Victron
deep discharge
Stationary
tubular plate
(OPzS)
14.4
28.8
57.6
13.8
27.6
55.2
16.2
32.4
64.8
8%
-16
-32
-64
3
AGM spiral cell
Stationary
tubular plate
(OPzS)
Rolls AGM
14.7
29.4
58.8
13.8
27.6
55.2
16.5
33.0
66.0
8%
-16
-32
-64
4
PzS tubular
plate traction
batteries or
OPzS batteries
14.9
29.8
59.6
13.8
27.6
55.2
16.7
33.4
66.8
25%
-16
-32
-64
5
PzS tubular
plate traction
batteries or
OPzS batteries
15.1
30.2
60.4
13.8
27.6
55.2
16.9
33.8
67.6
25%
-16
-32
-64
* The top value is for 12V systems, the middle for 24V systems and the bottom for 48V systems.
** Equalize is by default disabled. To enable see chapter Battery settings [18]
MPPT solar charger manual
Page 16 Configuration and settings