A more generous input voltage and a third battery step
This Victron Energy SmartSolar stands out from its smaller siblings through two assets: an input accepting up to 100 V and operation at 48 V, in addition to 12 V and 24 V. The charge current is 20 A, and the battery voltage is selected automatically. The built-in Bluetooth lets you check the device from a compatible smartphone or tablet, following the procedure in the manual.
Typical situations
A country house moving to a 48 V bank to limit currents, a mountain shelter fitted with several panels in series, a motorhome whose modules are wired in a string: in each case, a higher input voltage allows more modules in series and lighter cables. On the professional side, think of small measuring stations or solar pumping posts.
Panel power by voltage
- 12 V: 290 W
- 24 V: 580 W
- 48 V: 1160 W
The limit thus moves with the battery voltage, and in practice it decides how many panels you can connect.
Material and dimensions
The plastic housing is 100 x 113 x 60 mm and weighs 650 g. It is a little thicker than an entry-level model, which is mostly noticeable in a narrow cabinet. The electronics are protected to IP43, the connections to IP22: shelter the whole unit from rain and splashes. Self-consumption is 10 mA.
Connection steps
- Choose a vertical, ventilated, dry support.
- Connect the battery before the panels, following the official diagram.
- Calculate the open-circuit voltage of the photovoltaic string, cold included, so that it stays below the 100 V input limit.
- Check via Bluetooth that the battery voltage has been recognised.
Cable sizes, fuses and any connection to the household network are matters for a qualified installer.
What sets it apart
Three supported system voltages, a 100 V input and built-in Bluetooth: enough to accompany an installation that changes voltage over time without having to replace the controller.
Features
- Brand: Victron Energy
- Model: SmartSolar MPPT 100/20
- Charge current: 20 A
- Battery voltage: 12/24/48 V, automatic selection
- Nominal PV power: 290 W (12 V), 580 W (24 V), 1160 W (48 V)
- Input: 100 V
- Output: 12V/290W – 24V/580W – 48V/1160W
- Self-consumption: 10 mA
- Protection: IP43 for electronic components, IP22 for connections
- Dimensions: 100 x 113 x 60 mm
- Weight: 650 g
- Material: plastic
Safety and care
At 48 V more caution is called for: insulate the lugs, never work on live parts and use insulated tools. Dust the housing dry, check the terminal tightness from time to time and store the unit in a dry place if it has to be dismantled. If you are unsure which system voltage suits your project, compare the three power steps above with the panels you have in mind and with the loads you want to run. Moving to a higher voltage later may mean changing the battery bank, so think about future growth before drilling the first hole.
