Victron Energy
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/85-Tr VE.Can Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth)
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/85-Tr VE.Can Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth)
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High-Power Solar Charging with VE.Can Integration
The Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/85-Tr VE.Can is a powerful 85A solar charge controller designed for larger RV, marine, off-grid and remote-power systems. It supports solar arrays with an open-circuit voltage of up to 150V and can charge compatible 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V battery banks.
Built-in Bluetooth provides convenient local monitoring and configuration through the VictronConnect app, while VE.Can and VE.Direct connectivity allow the controller to integrate into larger Victron systems. Multiple VE.Can controllers can be synchronized and connected to a Cerbo GX for centralized monitoring and optional VRM remote access.
With up to 85A of battery charging current, the SmartSolar 150/85 can manage approximately 1200W of solar on a 12V battery bank, 2400W on 24V, 3600W on 36V or 4900W on 48V. The controller automatically limits its output when additional PV power is available.
This listing is specifically for Victron part number SCC115085411, which supports 12V, 24V and 48V automatic battery-voltage selection, with 36V available through manual configuration. The newer SCC115085412 version is restricted to 12V and 24V systems.
Why You'll Love It
- Up to 85A of battery charging current
- Supports 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V battery systems
- Handles PV arrays with up to 150V open-circuit voltage
- Built-in Bluetooth monitoring through VictronConnect
- VE.Can connectivity for synchronized multi-controller systems
- VE.Direct port for monitoring and system integration
- Large screw terminals accepting conductors up to 35mm² or AWG 2
- Programmable relay and remote on/off connection
- Optional plug-in SmartSolar Control display
- Configurable charging for lithium and lead-acid batteries
- Up to 98% peak efficiency with fanless cooling
- Backed by Victron's 5-year warranty
Built-In Bluetooth Monitoring
Built-in Bluetooth gives you instant access to your SmartSolar controller through the free VictronConnect app. Monitor performance, review charging history and adjust controller settings from a compatible phone or tablet.
- View live solar-production details
- Monitor battery and PV voltage
- Review daily production and charging history
- Adjust charging profiles and system settings
- Access up to 46 days of stored trend data
Live status and historical solar production in the free VictronConnect app.
Solar Array Sizing
The amount of solar power the SmartSolar 150/85 can convert into battery charging depends on the battery-bank voltage.
| Battery System | Nominal Solar Array |
|---|---|
| 12V Battery Bank | Up to approximately 1200W |
| 24V Battery Bank | Up to approximately 2400W |
| 36V Battery Bank | Up to approximately 3600W |
| 48V Battery Bank | Up to approximately 4900W |
The controller will limit its battery charging current to 85A when additional PV power is available. Some array oversizing may therefore be practical, but the PV voltage and short-circuit current limits must always be respected.
The complete array must remain below 150V open circuit under the coldest expected conditions. Victron specifies 145V as the maximum start-up and operating voltage. Solar-panel voltage rises as temperature falls, so the panel's temperature coefficient must be included when determining how many panels can be connected in series.
The maximum permitted PV short-circuit current is 70A. The PV voltage must also exceed the battery voltage by approximately 5V before charging can begin. After start-up, the controller can continue operating with the PV voltage approximately 1V above battery voltage.
Battery Cable & Fuse Recommendations
The 85A output requires substantial battery cabling and properly selected overcurrent protection. Keep the cables short and use flexible, fine-stranded copper conductors suitable for the installation environment.
| Installation Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Maximum Terminal Capacity | 35mm² or AWG 2 flexible, fine-stranded copper |
| Battery Fuse Range | 100A minimum to 120A maximum |
| Battery and PV Terminal Torque | 2.4Nm |
| Maximum Charging Current | 85A |
Victron specifies a battery-side fuse between 100A and 120A for the SmartSolar 150/85. The fuse should be installed close to the battery positive connection and must be properly selected to protect the installed cable.
VE.Can for Larger Victron Systems
Two VE.Can communication ports allow multiple compatible controllers to be daisy-chained for synchronized charging and centralized system monitoring. Up to 25 controllers can be synchronized through VE.Can, making this model well suited to larger installations with multiple arrays or different roof orientations.
When connected to a compatible Cerbo GX, each controller can be monitored individually while the group coordinates its charging stages. With an internet-connected GX device, system information can also be made available through the Victron Remote Management portal.
VE.Can uses RJ45 UTP communication cables, but it is not ordinary Ethernet networking. The first and last devices on the VE.Can chain require compatible VE.Can terminators. Communication cables and terminators are not included with the controller.
VE.Direct and Optional Display
The controller also includes a VE.Direct port. This can be used for a direct connection to a Cerbo GX, compatible computer interface or optional MPPT Control display. A separately purchased VE.Direct cable is required.
For convenient monitoring directly at the controller, the optional SmartSolar Control display plugs into the front of the unit. This provides local operating information and configuration access without requiring a phone or separate panel-mounted display.
Remote On/Off and Programmable Relay
A two-pole remote on/off terminal allows the controller to be enabled or disabled by compatible external equipment, including supported battery-management systems. This can prevent charging when a managed lithium battery reports that charging must stop.
The built-in programmable relay can respond to alarms or operating conditions. Depending on the system design, it may be used to activate an external warning, control supporting equipment or signal another control system.
This high-current controller does not include the small programmable DC load terminals found on some compact SmartSolar models. DC loads and inverters should be connected to the battery or DC distribution system through appropriately sized wiring, switching and overcurrent protection.
Flexible Battery Charging
The SmartSolar 150/85 uses an adaptive multi-stage charging algorithm with eight pre-programmed profiles and support for a user-defined charging profile. Charging voltages, absorption behaviour, equalization settings and maximum charging current can be configured to suit the battery manufacturer's requirements.
The controller can be used with properly configured LiFePO₄, AGM, gel and flooded lead-acid battery systems. Always confirm that the battery bank can safely accept the available 85A charging current.
A compatible Smart Battery Sense, BMV-712 or suitably equipped SmartShunt can share battery-voltage and temperature information through a VE.Smart Network. This helps the controller compensate for battery-cable voltage drop and changing battery temperature.
Applications
- Large RV and motorhome solar installations
- Boats and marine electrical systems
- Off-grid cabins and remote buildings
- Tiny homes and mobile living systems
- Service trailers and mobile workstations
- Telecommunications and remote monitoring sites
- Multi-controller Victron systems
- 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V battery banks
- Lithium and lead-acid energy-storage systems
- Systems requiring Cerbo GX and VRM integration
Product Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | SmartSolar MPPT 150/85-Tr VE.Can |
| Victron Part Number | SCC115085411 |
| PV Connection | Tr screw terminals |
| Supported Battery Voltages | 12V / 24V / 48V automatic selection; 36V manually configurable |
| Rated Charge Current | 85A |
| Nominal PV Power — 12V | 1200W |
| Nominal PV Power — 24V | 2400W |
| Nominal PV Power — 36V | 3600W |
| Nominal PV Power — 48V | 4900W |
| Maximum PV Open-Circuit Voltage | 150V absolute maximum under the coldest expected conditions |
| Maximum PV Start-Up and Operating Voltage | 145V |
| Maximum PV Short-Circuit Current | 70A |
| PV Start-Up Requirement | PV voltage must exceed battery voltage by approximately 5V to start |
| Peak Efficiency | 98% |
| Self-Consumption | Less than 35mA at 12V; less than 20mA at 48V |
| Charge Algorithm | Multi-stage adaptive with eight presets or user-defined profile |
| Compatible Battery Types | LiFePO₄, AGM, gel and flooded lead-acid with appropriate settings |
| Communication | Built-in Bluetooth Smart, VE.Can and VE.Direct |
| Parallel Synchronized Operation | Up to 25 controllers through VE.Can or 10 through Bluetooth |
| Remote On/Off | Yes, two-pole terminal |
| Programmable Relay | DPST; 4A up to 240VAC, 4A up to 35VDC or 1A up to 60VDC |
| PV Terminals | Up to 35mm² or AWG 2 |
| Battery Terminals | Up to 35mm² or AWG 2 |
| Battery Fuse Range | 100A minimum to 120A maximum |
| Battery and PV Terminal Torque | 2.4Nm |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +60°C; full rated output up to 40°C |
| Protection | PV reverse polarity, output short circuit and over-temperature |
| Protection Rating | IP43 electronic components / IP22 connection area |
| Dimensions | 216 × 295 × 103mm |
| Weight | Approximately 4.5kg |
| 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
Which battery voltages does it support?
Victron part number SCC115085411 supports 12V, 24V and 48V battery banks with automatic voltage selection. A compatible 36V system can be selected manually through the controller settings.
This is important because the newer SCC115085412 version is limited to 12V and 24V systems. Confirm the complete part number when replacing an existing controller or designing a 36V or 48V system.
How much solar can I connect?
Victron lists nominal PV capacities of 1200W on a 12V battery bank, 2400W on 24V, 3600W on 36V and 4900W on 48V. However you can exceed this with careful consideration. The controller limits battery charging current to a maximum of 85A.
The array must always remain below the 150V absolute open-circuit limit, 145V operating limit and 70A maximum PV short-circuit current.
Can I connect more than the nominal solar wattage?
Some array oversizing may be possible because the controller limits its output to 85A. Oversizing can help improve production during weaker solar conditions, but excess available power will be clipped when the controller reaches its output limit.
The PV open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current limits must never be exceeded. Contact us with the panel specifications, battery voltage, location and proposed wiring arrangement if you would like the array checked.
Can it charge lithium batteries?
Yes. The controller can charge compatible LiFePO₄ batteries when configured with the charging profile and voltage settings recommended by the battery manufacturer.
Confirm that the battery bank can safely accept up to 85A of charging current. Any required low-temperature charging protection must be provided by the battery's BMS or another compatible 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 difference between VE.Can and VE.Direct?
VE.Direct is commonly used for a direct point-to-point connection between the controller and a Cerbo GX, computer interface or compatible display.
VE.Can is better suited to larger systems because multiple compatible controllers can be daisy-chained, synchronized and monitored through a single communication network. Up to 25 controllers can participate in a VE.Can system.
Can multiple controllers work together?
Yes. Up to 25 compatible controllers can be synchronized through VE.Can, or up to 10 can be synchronized wirelessly through Bluetooth.
Using separate controllers is especially helpful for arrays facing different directions or experiencing different shading conditions because each controller provides independent maximum-power-point tracking.
Can it connect to a Cerbo GX?
Yes. The controller can connect to a Cerbo GX using either VE.Can or VE.Direct. VE.Can is normally preferred when multiple compatible controllers need to be connected and synchronized.
The required communication cable depends on the chosen connection method. A VE.Direct cable, VE.Can cable and any required VE.Can terminators are sold separately.
What size battery cable and fuse should I use?
The controller accepts flexible, fine-stranded copper conductors up to 35mm² or AWG 2. The required cable size depends on circuit length, charging current, installation conditions and applicable electrical requirements.
Victron specifies a battery fuse between 100A and 120A. Install the fuse close to the battery positive connection and ensure that the selected fuse properly protects the installed cable.
Does it have a load output?
No. This controller does not include the dedicated DC load terminals found on some smaller SmartSolar models.
DC loads and inverters should be connected to the battery or DC distribution system through appropriately sized wiring, switching and overcurrent protection.
What does the remote on/off connection do?
The two-pole remote terminal allows compatible external equipment to enable or disable solar charging. It is commonly used with a supported battery-management system that needs to stop charging when the battery is full, too cold or otherwise unable to accept charge.
It can also be incorporated into a suitable external control system. Confirm the required wiring and operating logic before making the connection.
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 on a non-flammable surface in a dry, ventilated location. Protect it from rain, spray and condensation, and provide at least 10cm of clearance above and below for cooling.
Is a display included?
No separate display is included. The controller can be monitored locally through the VictronConnect app using its built-in Bluetooth connection.
An optional plug-in SmartSolar Control display, external MPPT Control display or Cerbo GX monitoring system can be added separately.
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, review PV voltage in cold weather, recommend suitable wiring and fuse protection, and identify the communication parts required for your installation.
