Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15

In a nutshell

Small MPPT solar charge controller, 75 V and 15 A, for 12 or 24 V batteries. It uses up to 440 W of panels at 24 V. Ideal for small systems: a shed, a vehicle, a boat or some lights.

It includes a load output for direct-current loads (lights, for example), which switch off by themselves when the battery runs low.

What the two numbers of an MPPT charge controller mean

• The volts (V) are the maximum that the panels connected in series can add up to. On cool mornings the voltage rises a little, so you must leave some margin.
• The amps (A) are the maximum current the controller delivers to the battery. Multiplied by the battery voltage, this current gives the panel power it can use.
• If possible, it is best to work at 24 V: the same device delivers twice as much as at 12 V. This model does not work with 48 V batteries.
• If more panels are connected than it can handle, the controller does not use the excess (excess power does not damage it). But you must never exceed the input voltage: that does break it.

Bear in mind the short-circuit current of your panels: it must not exceed 15 A. For example, a large panel of 16.1 A does not work with this controller; it is for small panels.

About this model (75 V · 15 A)

• Usable power: 220 W at 12 V · 440 W at 24 V.
• Maximum efficiency 98 %.
• Screw terminals up to 6 mm².
• Load output of up to 15 A with automatic low-battery disconnection.
• Bluetooth (VictronConnect app) and VE.Direct.