Victron Energy
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 12V-48V Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth)
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 12V-48V Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth)
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Compact MPPT Charging for 12V to 48V Systems
The Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 combines a 100V solar input, 20A battery charging and built-in Bluetooth in a compact, fanless controller. Unlike many smaller SmartSolar models, it can charge 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V battery systems, making it an especially versatile choice for RVs, boats, communications equipment, off-grid cabins and higher-voltage battery installations.
The controller supports approximately 290W of solar on a 12V battery bank, 580W on 24V or 1160W on 48V. Its advanced MPPT technology continuously adjusts the solar operating point to maximize energy harvest as sunlight, temperature and shading conditions change.
The SmartSolar 100/20 is one of Victron's smallest controllers capable of charging a 48V battery bank. This makes it a practical option for modest 48V solar arrays, communications systems, equipment backup and maintaining larger battery banks without moving to a physically larger controller.
Why You'll Love It
- Built-in Bluetooth monitoring through the VictronConnect app
- Supports 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V battery systems
- Up to 20A of battery charging current
- Maximum 100V PV open-circuit voltage
- Programmable load output with low-voltage protection
- VE.Direct connectivity for Cerbo GX and VRM integration
- Configurable charging for lithium and lead-acid batteries
- Up to 98% conversion efficiency with silent, fanless cooling
- Backed by Victron's 5-year warranty
Built-In Bluetooth Monitoring
Connect directly to the SmartSolar controller using the free VictronConnect app on a compatible phone or tablet. Bluetooth provides convenient access to live operating information, historical solar production and controller settings without requiring a separate display.
- View live PV power and battery charging current
- Monitor PV and battery voltage
- Review daily solar-production history
- Configure charging voltages and battery profiles
- Adjust load-output and streetlight settings
- View warnings, errors and diagnostic information
- Install controller firmware updates
Example VictronConnect status and history screens. The information displayed may vary with the controller, connected equipment and installed firmware.
Solar Array Sizing
The amount of solar power the SmartSolar 100/20 can convert into battery charging depends on the battery-bank voltage.
| Battery System | Nominal Solar Array |
|---|---|
| 12V Battery Bank | Up to approximately 290W |
| 24V Battery Bank | Up to approximately 580W |
| 48V Battery Bank | Up to approximately 1160W |
A compatible 36V battery voltage can also be selected manually through the controller settings. Victron does not publish a separate nominal PV wattage for 36V systems in the primary product datasheet.
The complete solar array must remain below the controller's 100V maximum open-circuit voltage and 20A maximum PV short-circuit current. Solar-panel voltage rises in cold weather, so the array's temperature-corrected Voc must remain below 100V during the coldest expected conditions.
The PV voltage must be approximately 5V higher than the battery voltage before charging can begin. This is particularly important when designing arrays for 36V and 48V battery banks, which generally require multiple panels connected in series to provide sufficient charging voltage.
Battery Cable & Fuse Recommendations
Short, properly sized battery cables help reduce voltage drop, heat and charging losses. The SmartSolar 100/20 accepts flexible copper conductors up to 6mm² or approximately 10 AWG.
| Installation Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Battery Cable | Up to 6mm² (10 AWG) flexible, fine-stranded copper |
| Maximum Terminal Capacity | 6mm² (10 AWG) |
| Battery Fuse | 25A to 30A DC fuse |
| Terminal Torque | 0.75Nm |
Victron specifies a battery fuse between 25A and 30A for the SmartSolar 100/20. The fuse must be installed close to the battery positive connection and must also be appropriately selected to protect the installed cable and meet applicable electrical requirements.
Programmable Load Output
The SmartSolar 100/20 includes a dedicated load output that can automatically disconnect compatible DC loads when battery voltage becomes too low. The disconnect and reconnect settings can be adjusted through VictronConnect, or Victron's intelligent BatteryLife algorithm can manage the load based on available solar energy and recent battery charging history.
| Battery Voltage | Maximum Continuous Load Current |
|---|---|
| 12V | 20A |
| 24V | 20A |
| 36V or 48V | 1A |
Inverters and other high-current equipment should normally be connected directly to the battery through appropriately sized cable, fusing and switching. The controller's load terminals are intended for suitable DC loads within the applicable current rating.
Connect to a Cerbo GX
The integrated VE.Direct port allows the SmartSolar 100/20 to connect to compatible Victron system-monitoring equipment. A separately purchased VE.Direct cable can connect the controller directly to a Cerbo GX, allowing its solar-production and charging information to appear within the GX interface and Victron VRM portal.
Bluetooth remains available for convenient local VictronConnect access, while the wired VE.Direct connection provides continuous integration with the larger Victron monitoring system.
Flexible Battery Charging
The SmartSolar 100/20 uses an adaptive multi-stage charging algorithm that can be configured for a wide range of battery systems. Select an appropriate preset or customize the charging voltage, absorption time, maximum charging current and other parameters through VictronConnect.
The controller can be used with properly configured LiFePO₄, AGM, gel and flooded lead-acid battery systems. Always use the charging settings recommended by the battery manufacturer.
A compatible Smart Battery Sense, BMV-712 or suitably equipped SmartShunt can share battery-voltage and temperature information with the controller through a VE.Smart Network. This can improve charging accuracy when cable voltage drop or changing battery temperature is a concern.
Efficient, Fanless Operation
With peak conversion efficiency of up to 98%, the SmartSolar 100/20 converts available solar energy into battery charging power with minimal losses. Natural convection cooling eliminates fan noise and reduces the number of moving parts in the installation.
The controller can deliver its full rated output current at ambient temperatures up to 40°C. At higher temperatures, charging current may be reduced automatically to protect the controller.
Applications
- 48V battery maintenance and compact solar systems
- RV and motorhome solar installations
- Camper vans and vehicle conversions
- Boats and marine electrical systems
- Off-grid cabins and remote buildings
- HAM radio and communications equipment
- Remote security and monitoring systems
- Service trailers and mobile workstations
- Solar-powered lighting and control systems
- 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V lithium or lead-acid battery banks
Product Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 |
| Victron Part Number | SCC110020160 |
| Supported Battery Voltages | 12V / 24V / 48V automatic selection; 36V manually configurable |
| Rated Charge Current | 20A |
| Nominal PV Power — 12V | 290W |
| Nominal PV Power — 24V | 580W |
| Nominal PV Power — 48V | 1160W |
| Maximum PV Open-Circuit Voltage | 100V DC, including cold-weather voltage correction |
| Maximum PV Short-Circuit Current | 20A |
| PV Start-Up Requirement | PV voltage must exceed battery voltage by approximately 5V to start |
| Maximum Efficiency | 98% |
| Charge Algorithm | Multi-stage adaptive or user-defined |
| Compatible Battery Types | LiFePO₄, AGM, gel and flooded lead-acid with appropriate settings |
| Communication | Built-in Bluetooth Smart and VE.Direct |
| Load Output — 12V / 24V | 20A continuous, programmable |
| Load Output — 36V / 48V | 1A continuous, programmable |
| Power Terminals | 6mm² (10 AWG) maximum |
| Recommended Battery Fuse | 25A to 30A |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +60°C; full rated output up to 40°C |
| Protection Rating | IP43 electronic components / IP22 connection area |
| Dimensions | 100 × 131 × 60mm |
| Weight | Approximately 0.65kg |
| Safety Standards | EN/IEC 62109-1, UL 1741 and CSA C22.2 |
| Warranty | 5 Year |
Specifications are believed to be accurate at the time of publication but may change without notice. While we make every effort to keep product information current, Sapphire Energy cannot guarantee all specifications are complete, error-free or up to date. Please refer to the manufacturer’s documentation if a particular specification is critical to your application. Contact us for help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it charge a 48V battery?
Yes. The SmartSolar 100/20 supports 48V battery banks and can provide up to 20A of battery charging current. Victron lists a nominal PV capacity of approximately 1160W when the controller is used with a 48V battery system.
The solar array must provide enough operating voltage to charge the battery while remaining below the controller's 100V maximum PV open-circuit voltage. This creates a relatively narrow design window, so the individual panel specifications and cold-weather voltage must be checked carefully.
Can it charge a 36V battery?
Yes. A compatible 36V system voltage can be manually selected through the controller settings. It should not be assumed that the controller will automatically recognize a 36V battery bank during initial installation.
Confirm the battery charging requirements and configure the controller before connecting the solar array. The PV array must also provide sufficient voltage to charge the 36V battery without exceeding the controller's 100V limit.
Can I connect more than the nominal solar wattage?
Some array oversizing may be possible because the controller limits its battery charging output to 20A. However, the array must always remain below the controller's 100V maximum open-circuit voltage and 20A maximum PV short-circuit current.
Regularly installing substantially more solar than the controller can use may provide little additional benefit. Contact us with the panel specifications, battery voltage and proposed wiring arrangement if you would like the configuration checked.
Can it charge lithium batteries?
Yes. The SmartSolar 100/20 can charge compatible LiFePO₄ batteries when configured with the appropriate charging profile and voltage settings.
Use the settings recommended by the battery manufacturer. Any required low-temperature charging protection must be supplied by the battery's BMS or another suitable control system.
Does Bluetooth require an internet connection?
No. A compatible phone or tablet connects directly to the controller through Bluetooth for local monitoring, configuration and history review.
Internet access may be needed to download or update VictronConnect, but it is not required for normal local Bluetooth communication.
What is the load output used for?
The programmable load output can power suitable small DC loads and disconnect them when battery voltage becomes too low. It is rated for up to 20A on 12V and 24V systems, but only 1A when the controller is configured for a 36V or 48V battery.
Do not connect an inverter or other high-current appliance to the load output. These devices should be connected directly to the battery through appropriately sized wiring and overcurrent protection.
Can it connect to a Cerbo GX?
Yes. The controller can connect to a compatible Cerbo GX through its VE.Direct port using a separately purchased VE.Direct cable. One cable is required for each VE.Direct device connected to the Cerbo.
This connection allows the controller's solar production and charging information to appear in the GX interface and, when properly configured, the Victron VRM remote-monitoring portal.
What size battery cable and fuse should I use?
The controller accepts flexible copper conductors up to 6mm² or approximately 10 AWG. Cable size must account for the charging current, circuit length, installation conditions and applicable electrical requirements.
Victron specifies a battery fuse between 25A and 30A for the SmartSolar 100/20. Install the fuse close to the battery positive connection and ensure its rating properly protects the installed cable.
Can I install the controller outdoors?
The electronic components are rated IP43 and the connection area is rated IP22. This is not equivalent to a fully weatherproof outdoor enclosure.
Install the controller vertically in a dry, ventilated location protected from direct rain, water spray, condensation and excessive heat. Allow adequate clearance above and below the controller for natural cooling.
What if I need more charging current?
For a 12V or 24V battery system, a larger SmartSolar controller such as the 100/30 or 100/50 can provide more charging current. However, those particular models do not support 36V or 48V batteries.
Higher-current 48V systems require a different SmartSolar model with suitable battery-voltage support. Contact us with your battery voltage and solar-panel specifications and we can help identify the appropriate controller.
What warranty does this product include?
This controller is backed by Victron Energy's 5-year limited warranty, providing substantially longer coverage than many basic solar charge controllers.
If you need troubleshooting or warranty assistance, Sapphire Energy will work with you throughout the process.
Send us your battery voltage, solar-panel specifications and proposed panel arrangement. We'll help confirm controller compatibility, recommend suitable wiring and fuse protection, and identify any additional components required for the installation.
