ENGLISH MPPT solar charger manual SmartSolar MPPT 150/35 & 150/45 04/2022
MPPT solar charger manual Table of Contents 1. Safety precautions ................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. General safety precautions ................................................................................................. 1 1.2. Wiring safety precautions ................................................................................................... 1 2. Introduction ..............................................
MPPT solar charger manual 7.3. Monitoring via the VictronConnect App ................................................................................. 7.3.1. VictronConnect status screen .................................................................................. 7.3.2. VictronConnect history screen ................................................................................. 7.3.3. VictronConnect error reporting ................................................................................. 7.
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.
MPPT solar charger manual The grounding terminal is located in the wiring compartment and is identified by this symbol: Page 2 Safety precautions
MPPT solar charger manual 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.
MPPT solar charger manual 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.
MPPT solar charger manual 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.
MPPT solar charger manual • A GX device • The VRM Portal (GX device or GlobalLink 520 needed) • 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.
MPPT solar charger manual 3.9. 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.
MPPT solar charger manual 3.10. Voltage sensing An optional Smart Battery Sense or battery monitor measures the battery terminal voltage and sends this via Bluetooth using the VE.Smart [28] 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. 3.11. Remote on/off A virtual remote on/off terminal can be created by using the VE.Direct non inverting remote on/off cable. 3.12.
MPPT solar charger manual 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 [8]. 4.1.
MPPT solar charger manual 120 W 12 V 120 W 12 V 240 W 24 V 10 A 120 W 12 V 120 W 12 V 120 W 12 V 120 W 12 V 240 W 12 V 20 A 120 W 12 V 120 W 12 V 480 W 24 V 20 A Examples of series, parallel and series/parallel solar arrays. To help calculate the size of the PV array configuration use the MPPT sizing calculator.
MPPT solar charger manual 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).
MPPT solar charger manual 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.
MPPT solar charger manual 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.
MPPT solar charger manual 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.
MPPT solar charger manual Switch position Suggested battery type Absorption voltage* (V) Float voltage* (V) 14.2 13.5 7 Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo4) batteries 28.4 27.0 56.8 54 Equalize** voltage* (V) Equalize** nominal current percentage n/a n/a Temperature compensation factor* (mV/°C) 0 0 0 * The top value is for 12V systems, the middle for 24V systems and the bottom for 48V systems. ** Equalize is by default disabled.
MPPT solar charger manual 5.2.1. Battery settings Battery voltage The battery voltage is automatically detected at the very first power-up of the solar charger and the battery voltage is set accordingly. Further automatic detection is disabled. If the battery voltage is less than 7V during automatic detection, the battery voltage will be temporarily set at 12V and the automatic detection is rescheduled for the next power-up. The solar charger will not automatically detect a 36V battery.
MPPT solar charger manual • User defined battery presets • Create, modify or delete a user defined preset. This setting uses factory pre-defined presets for a large variety of battery types. These pre-defined charge algorithms are suitable for almost all installations. It is possible to also create user-defined battery presets. The chapter Customize battery charge algorithm [17] explains how to do this. These user defined presets are stored in the VictronConnect app library.
MPPT solar charger manual Only experienced users should configure or edit user defined battery charge algorithms. A wrongly defined battery charge algorithm can lead to battery damage or create unsafe situations. To Modify a basic battery charge algorithm: • Select a preset battery type that is the best match to your battery type. • Change one of the basic charge parameters that are listed on the settings screen. • Configure the required parameters. • The battery preset is now set to "user defined".
MPPT solar charger manual Absorption voltage This setting sets the absorption voltage. Adaptive absorption time This setting enables or disables the adaptive absorption time. • When disabled: The length of the absorption stage is the same each day, the length is determined by the "Maximum absorption time" setting, provided there is enough solar power.
MPPT solar charger manual Sets the re-bulk voltage offset. This offset voltage is used to determine when the float stage stops and the bulk stage starts again, i.e. the charge cycle resets and starts at first charge stage again. An example: If the re-bulk offset is set at 0.1V and the float voltage at 13.8V, the charge cycle will restart once the battery voltage drops below 13.7V (13.8 minus 0.1) for one minute. Equalization voltage This setting set the equalization voltage.
MPPT solar charger manual Temperature compensated charge graph By default, the solar charger uses its internal temperature for battery temperature compensated charging. An internal temperature reading is taken in the morning and then again when the solar charger has been idle for at least one hour, for example when the charger is not actively charging a battery or supplying a load. When the solar charger is part of a VE.
MPPT solar charger manual The available operation modes are: • Always off The load output is always OFF • BatteryLife algorithm: This is a self adapting algorithm to maximize life of the battery. For more information see chapter ???. • Conventional algorithm 1: 12V system: OFF when Vbatt < 11.1V, ON when Vbatt > 13.1V 24V system: OFF when Vbatt < 22.2V, ON when Vbatt > 26.2V 48V system: OFF when Vbatt < 44.4V, ON when Vbatt > 52.4V • Conventional algorithm 2: 12V system: OFF when Vbatt < 11.
MPPT solar charger manual When the streetlight function is enabled a timer program can be created whereby Sunset, Sunrise as well as Midnight can be used as anchor points for the timer program. These anchor points will automatically adjust depending on length of the night as this changes with the seasons. Streetlight control The solar charger controls the streetlight: • Via the TX port together with a VE.Direct TX digital output cable. Also see the TX port settings [25] chapter for more details.
MPPT solar charger manual 1) The dimming feature requires the TX Port function to be configured to one of the "Light dimming" settings. This so the TX port outputs a PWM signal that can be used to dim the light. If the TX port function has not been set to one of the "Light dimming" settings, the dimming options will not appear in the sunset settings menu. Also see the TX port settings [25] chapter.
MPPT solar charger manual The time of midnight is estimated based on solar activity, and depends on your geographical location. Daylight saving times can cause a further deviation between the "solar" and the "clock" midnight. The Mid-point shift function will compensate for these differences. Use 0 to disable the shift (default). The Mid-point shift setting is only relevant when your streetlight setting program uses "Midnight" as a switching moment.
MPPT solar charger manual The functionality of the TX port can be set at: • Normal communication: This is the default setting. Use this function when connecting to a GX device, a VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle, or any other device that needs to communicate with the solar charger via the VE.Direct port. • Pulse every 0.01 kWh: Use this function in combination with an energy meter. The TX port will emit a pulse each time an additional 0.01kWh of energy has been harvested.
MPPT solar charger manual The functionality of the RX port can be set at: • Remote on/off: This is the default setting. This functionality will switch the solar charger on or off via the RX pin. - RX pin to GND will switch the solar charger off. - RX pin floating or to battery positive will switch the solar charger on.
MPPT solar charger manual • Connect with the VictronConnect App to the solar charger. Note that if Bluetooth has been disabled, a connection via its built-in Bluetooth is not possible anymore. In that case use the VE.Direct to USB interface, the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle or VRM to connect to the solar charger. • Select the solar charger from the VictronConnect list.
MPPT solar charger manual • All BlueSolar solar chargers that are connected to a VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle. • The Smart Battery Sense • A BMV or SmartShunt battery monitor equipped with Bluetooth (or VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle) and a optional BMV temperature sensor. • Certain AC chargers • SUN inverter For the product compatibility list see the VE.Smart manual located on the VictronConnect app product page. The VE.
MPPT solar charger manual • If more devices need to be added to this network go to next paragraph and join multiple devices to the network. To join another device to an existing network: • Open the VictronConnect app. Select a device that needs to become part of a VE.Direct network. • Navigate to the settings page by clicking the gear symbol. • Click on "VE.Smart networking". • Click on "join existing". • Select the network the device needs to be joined to.
MPPT solar charger manual Example of a VE.Smart network More information For more information see the VE.Smart Networking manual.
MPPT solar charger manual 6. Operation 6.1. Start up The solar charger will power up as soon as it has been connected to a battery and/or to a solar panel. As soon as the solar charger has been powered up, it can communicate via the VE.Direct port and Bluetooth. The the solar charger's data can be read out and setting configurations can be made using the VictronConnect or the optional display. The solar charger will commence battery charging as soon as the PV voltage is 5V higher than the battery voltage.
MPPT solar charger manual the solar charge controller. Be aware this can result in overcharging your batteries. Please see your battery manufacturer for recommended settings. • Absorption time determined by tail current: In some applications it may be preferable to terminate absorption time based on tail current only.
MPPT solar charger manual 6.6. Maintenance procedure The solar charger does not need regular maintenance.
MPPT solar charger manual 7. Monitoring This chapter describes all various monitoring methods and for each method how to access live data, historic data and errors. 7.1. LED indications The solar charger has three LEDs to indicate operational status, a blue, green and a yellow LED. These LEDs respectively indicate the charge stages bulk, absorption and float, but are also used to indicate other charge situations and fault situations.
MPPT solar charger manual 7.2. Error codes In case of an error, an error code will be displayed via VictronConnect, a display, a GX device or on VRM. Each number corresponds with a specific error. For a full list of error codes and their meaning see the appendix: Charger error code overview 7.3. Monitoring via the VictronConnect App The VictronConnect App can be used to monitor the solar charger, see its historical values and if there are operational warnings or errors.
MPPT solar charger manual Absorption During this stage the solar charger switches to the constant voltage mode, where a pre-set absorption voltage is applied. When the charge current decreases below 2A or if the pre-set absorption time has elapsed, the battery is fully charged and the solar charger will enter the Float stage. Note that when an automatic equalisation is being performed this will also be reported as absorption.
MPPT solar charger manual You can use the charge times to see if the PV array is properly sized for your requirements. A system which never reaches the float stage may need more panels. Or perhaps the load should be reduced? The history can be exported as a comma separated file (CSV) by clicking the three connected dots symbol or the save symbol at the top right of the history screen. The symbol varies, depending on what platform VictronConnect is used.
MPPT solar charger manual 8. Warranty This product has a 5-year limited warranty. This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in this product and lasts for five years from the date of original purchase of this product. To claim warranty the customer must return the product together with the receipt of purchase to the point of purchase.
MPPT solar charger manual 9. Troubleshooting and Support Consult this chapter in case of unexpected behaviour or if you suspect a product fault. The correct troubleshooting and support process is to first consult the common issues as described in this chapter. Should this fail to resolve the issue, contact the point of purchase for technical support. If the point of purchase is unknown, refer to the Victron Energy Support webpage. 9.1.
MPPT solar charger manual Battery voltage Operational state Correct voltage Not powered Correct Voltage Powered, but not charging Action to take There might be a fault with the controller. Contact your Victron dealer or distributor. Connect PV supply and check if battery charging starts. If charging does not start, see chapter: “ Batteries are not charged”. 9.2.
MPPT solar charger manual Be aware that a red cable or positive labelled cable might not necessarily mean that the cable is indeed a positive cable. A wiring or labelling mistake could have been made during installation of the solar charger. The solar charger is not protected against reverse battery polarity and any damage caused by this is not covered under warranty. Reverse battery polarity can in rare occasions be accompanied with a blown battery fuse (one that is located in the battery cable).
MPPT solar charger manual 2. In case the above step is not possible, measure the battery and PV voltages at the solar charger terminals using a multi meter instead. V 3. V Compare both voltages, the PV voltage needs to be 5V higher than the battery voltage for charging to commence. 4. Causes of zero or low PV voltage: Not enough solar irradiance into the solar panels: • Night. • Cloud cover or bad weather. • Shading – see this shading blog story for more information. • Dirty panels.
MPPT solar charger manual The “battery voltage” setting is listed at the top of the battery settings menu. Depending on controller model 12, 24, 36 or 48V can be selected. In case the VictronConnect App is not available and a display is used, refer to the display manual on how to check or change this setting. VictronConnect battery voltage setting 9.2.7. Controlled by an external device The solar charger can be controlled by an external device.
MPPT solar charger manual V 3. Compare the two voltages. 4. If the battery voltage and the controller voltage are not the same, then investigate why this is. Follow the path from the controller to the battery to investigate what could be the cause. Battery supply check 1. Check and verify that all cabling is connected correctly, and that no wiring mistakes have been made. 2. Check if all cable connections are tight while taking maximum torque levels into consideration. 3.
MPPT solar charger manual An overvoltage event can damage the solar charger, depending on how much the maximum PV voltage was exceeded. This damage is not covered by warranty. 9.3. Batteries are undercharged This chapter deals with possible reasons why the solar charger is not sufficiently charging the batteries and the steps you can take to check or remedy the situation. Some signs of undercharged batteries: • The batteries take too long to charge.
MPPT solar charger manual • Battery cables with insufficient cross-sectional area • Badly crimped cable lugs or terminals • Loose terminal connections • Bad or loose fuse(s) For more information on cabling issues and voltage drop see the Wiring unlimited book Battery cable voltage drop check This check can only be performed if the solar charger is in the bulk charge stage and is charging with full current. 1.
MPPT solar charger manual To investigate look at the history tab in the VictronConnect app. The histogram displays how long the batteries have been charged in the Bulk, Absorption and Float stage each day, for the last 30 days. If you click on one of the histogram columns you will see a breakdown of the charge stages. You can use the charge times to see if the PV array is properly sized for your requirements.
MPPT solar charger manual The solar charger automatically detects the battery voltage on first install and after the self-detection is disabled. This can become a problem if a solar charger that came out of a 24V system is now used in an 12V system. In that scenario it will not detect that the system has changed and will keep charging with 24V battery charge voltages, while the connected battery is a 12V battery and the 12V battery will be overcharged.
MPPT solar charger manual To check if the battery is close to its cycle life: 1. Find out how many charge and discharge cycles the battery has been subjected to. Battery lifetime correlates to the number of cycles. 2. Check how deep the battery has been discharge on average. A battery will last for less cycles if deeply discharged, compared to more cycles if discharged less deep. 3. Refer to the battery data sheet to find out how many cycles at what average discharge the battery is capable of.
MPPT solar charger manual VictronConnect history Pmax 9.5.3. Full rated output not reached There are a few reasons why the solar charger is not reaching its full rated output. Some of these reasons have already been explained in the the chapter: “The batteries take too long to charge, are undercharged or charge current less than expected”. Some additional reasons are explained in this paragraph.
MPPT solar charger manual Example of differences in output power at different battery voltages 9.5.5. Mixed PV panel types It is not recommended to connect a mix of different PV panel types to the same solar charger. Only use solar panels that are the same brand, type and model. 9.5.6. PV connections burned or melted Burned or melted PV cables or connections are generally not covered under warranty.
MPPT solar charger manual For more information on system grounding, see chapter 7.7: "System grounding" in the Wiring Unlimited book. The solar charger is non-isolated, the minus of the PV input is at the same potential as the minus of the battery output. 9.6. Communication issues This chapter describes issues that might arise when the solar charger is connected to the VictronConnect app, other Victron devices or third-party devices. 9.6.1.
MPPT solar charger manual The Windows version of the VictronConnect app does not support Bluetooth. Use an Android, iOS or macOS device instead. Or alternatively connect using a VE.Direct to USB interface. • The controller is missing in the VictronConnect device list Some steps to try to resolve this issue are: Press the orange refresh button at the bottom of the VictronConnect device list and check if the solar charger is now listed.
MPPT solar charger manual Status screen - Settings screen - Product info screen 9.7.3. Interrupted firmware update This is recoverable and is nothing to worry about. Just try to update the firmware again. 9.8. Operation issues This chapter describes all remaining troubleshooting suggestions that were not covered in previous chapters. 9.8.1. Unable to operate as a power supply We do not recommend to use the solar charger as a power supply, that is without batteries connected.
MPPT solar charger manual 10. Technical specifications 10.1. Specifications 150/35 and 150/45 MPPT 150/35 Battery voltage MPPT 150/45 12V / 24V / 48V Auto select, 36V: Manual select Maximum battery current 35A 45A 500W 650W Nominal PV power, 24V 1a,b 1000W 1300W Nominal PV power, 36V 1a,b 1500W 1950W 2000W 2600W 35A 45A Nominal PV power, 12V Nominal PV power, 48V 1a,b 1a,b Max.
MPPT solar charger manual 11. Appendix 11.1. Dimensions 100/35 and 150/45 1 2 3 4 6 5 7 8 Dimension Drawing - SmartSolar charge controller SCC020035000 SCC020050200 SCC110050210 SCC115035210 SCC115045212 SCC115045222 A BlueSolar MPPT 150/35 BlueSolar MPPT 100/50 SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 SmartSolar MPPT 150/35 SmartSolar MPPT 150/45 BlueSolar MPPT 150/45 A 186 5.4 176 71 B B 25 122 71.
MPPT solar charger manual 11.2. Charger error code overview This overview lists all possible error codes that can be generated by a solar charger or AC charger. The error codes are displayed on the charger display, remote display or via a connected GX device. Note that not all of these errors might apply to your charger model. Some error types only apply for solar chargers, for AC chargers or are specific only to certain models within a charger group.
MPPT solar charger manual Power terminals overheated, check wiring, including the wiring type and type of strands, and/or fasten bolts if possible. This error will auto-reset. Error 28 - Power stage issue This error will not auto-reset. Disconnect all wires, and then reconnect all wires. If the error persists the charger is probably faulty. Note that this error was introduced in v1.36. So when doing an update, it might look like the firmware update caused this issue; but it doesn't.
MPPT solar charger manual This error only shows when there is solar power available and thus the charger is ready to initiate charging. It does not show at night. In case there is a permanent problem, the error will raise in the morning and clear at night, and so forth. Check the connection between the charger and the BMS. How to reconfigure the charger to standalone mode: The charger automatically configures themselves to be BMS-controlled when they are connected to one; either direct or via a GX Device.
