ENGLISH

Isolated SmartSolar MPPT RS

SmartSolar MPPT RS 450|100 & 450|200

Rev 13 - 05/2024
This manual is also available in HTML5.
 Isolated SmartSolar MPPT RS

Table of Contents
1. Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Meaning of icons ............................................................................................................ 2

2. General Description ................................................................................................................. 3

2.1. Features ...................................................................................................................... 3
2.2. Interfacing and Communications .......................................................................................... 3
2.3. Setup options ................................................................................................................ 4

3. Installation ............................................................................................................................. 5
3.1. Location of the MPPT ....................................................................................................... 5
3.2. MPPT grounding, detection of PV array insulation faults & Earth fault alarm notification ........................... 6
3.3. Battery and battery lead requirements .................................................................................... 6
3.4. Solar input wiring ............................................................................................................ 7
3.5. Solar array configuration .................................................................................................... 8
3.5.1. MPPT RS example PV configuration ........................................................................... 9
3.6. Cable connection sequence .............................................................................................. 10
3.7. Synchronised parallel operation ......................................................................................... 10
3.8. Energy Storage System (ESS) ........................................................................................... 11
3.9. User I/O ..................................................................................................................... 11
3.9.1. Remote on/off connector ....................................................................................... 11
3.9.2. Programmable relay ............................................................................................ 11
3.9.3. Voltage sense .................................................................................................... 11
3.9.4. Temperature sensor ............................................................................................. 11
3.9.5. Programmable analog/digital input ports ..................................................................... 12
3.9.6. User I/O terminal diagram ...................................................................................... 12
3.9.7. User I/O functions ............................................................................................... 12

4. VictronConnect setup, configuration and operation ........................................................................ 13

4.1. Setup ........................................................................................................................ 13
4.2. Overview page ............................................................................................................. 14
4.3. Settings page .............................................................................................................. 16
4.4. Product info ................................................................................................................ 17
4.5. Battery ...................................................................................................................... 18
4.6. Solar ........................................................................................................................ 21
4.7. Relay ........................................................................................................................ 21
4.8. Display ...................................................................................................................... 23

5. Operation ............................................................................................................................ 24
5.1. Startup and shutdown procedure ........................................................................................ 24
5.1.1. Startup ............................................................................................................ 24
5.1.2. Shutdown ........................................................................................................ 24
5.2. Device display ............................................................................................................. 24
5.3. Protections and automatic restarts ...................................................................................... 25
5.3.1. High battery voltage ............................................................................................. 25
5.3.2. High temperature ................................................................................................ 25
5.4. Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 25

6. Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................... 26
6.1. Troubleshooting and support ............................................................................................. 26
6.2. The solar charger is unresponsive ...................................................................................... 26
6.3. Solar charger is off ........................................................................................................ 26
6.3.1. PV voltage is too low ............................................................................................ 27
6.3.2. Disabled in the settings ......................................................................................... 28
6.3.3. Reverse PV polarity ............................................................................................. 28
6.3.4. Safety relays are closed. ....................................................................................... 28
6.3.5. PV input fuses blown ........................................................................................... 29
6.4. Solar charger externally controlled ...................................................................................... 29
6.5. Batteries are not being charged ......................................................................................... 30
6.5.1. Battery is full ..................................................................................................... 30
6.5.2. Battery not connected .......................................................................................... 30
6.5.3. Battery settings too low ......................................................................................... 32
6.5.4. Reverse battery polarity ........................................................................................ 32
 Isolated SmartSolar MPPT RS

6.5.5. Reverse PV polarity ............................................................................................. 32

6.6. Batteries are undercharged .............................................................................................. 32
6.6.1. Insufficient solar ................................................................................................. 33
6.6.2. Too much DC load .............................................................................................. 33
6.6.3. Battery cable voltage drop ..................................................................................... 33
6.6.4. Wrong temperature compensation setting ................................................................... 34
6.7. Batteries are overcharged ................................................................................................ 34
6.7.1. Battery charge voltages too high .............................................................................. 34
6.7.2. Battery unable to deal with equalization ...................................................................... 34
6.7.3. Battery old or faulty ............................................................................................. 34
6.8. PV problems ............................................................................................................... 35
6.8.1. PV yield less than expected .................................................................................... 35
6.8.2. Full rated output not reached .................................................................................. 36
6.8.3. Mixed PV panel types ........................................................................................... 36
6.8.4. MC4 connectors wrongly connected .......................................................................... 36
6.8.5. PV connections burned or melted ............................................................................. 36
6.8.6. Optimisers cannot be used ..................................................................................... 36
6.8.7. Ground current .................................................................................................. 36
6.8.8. PV voltage too high ............................................................................................. 37
6.9. Communication problems ................................................................................................ 37
6.9.1. VictronConnect app ............................................................................................. 37
6.9.2. Bluetooth ......................................................................................................... 37
6.9.3. VE.Direct port .................................................................................................... 38
6.10. Error code overview ..................................................................................................... 39

7. Technical Specifications .......................................................................................................... 44

7.1. Compliance ................................................................................................................ 45

8. Appendix ............................................................................................................................. 46
8.1. Appendix B : Block Diagram ............................................................................................. 47
8.2. Appendix C : Example system schematic and wiring diagram ....................................................... 48
8.3. Appendix D : Dimensions ................................................................................................. 49
 Isolated SmartSolar MPPT RS

1. Safety Instructions

ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD

Please read this manual carefully before the product is installed and put into use.

This product is designed and tested in accordance with international standards. The equipment should be used for the designated
application only.

Refer to the specifications provided by the manufacturer of the battery to ensure that the battery is suitable for use with this
product. The battery manufacturer's safety instructions should always be observed.

Protect the solar modules from incident light during installation, e.g. cover them.

Never touch uninsulated cable ends.

Use only insulated tools.

Connections must always be made in the sequence described in the installation section of this manual.

The installer of the product must provide a means for cable strain relief to prevent the transmission of stress to the connections.

In addition to this manual, the system operation or service manual must include a battery maintenance manual applicable to the
type of batteries used. The battery must be placed in a well-ventilated area.

SELECTION OF WIRE CONDUCTORS

Use flexible multistranded copper cable for the battery and PV connections.

The maximum diameter of the individual strands is 0,4mm/0,125mm² (0.016 inch/AWG26).

A 25mm² cable, for example, should have at least 196 strands (class 5 or higher stranding according to VDE 0295, IEC 60228
and BS6360).

An AWG2 gauge cable should have at least 259/26 stranding (259 strands of AWG26)

Maximum operating temperature: ≥ 90°C

Example of suitable cable: class 5 “Tri-rated” cable (it has three approvals: American (UL), Canadian (CSA) and British (BS)).

In case of thicker strands the contact area will be too small and the resulting high contact resistance will cause severe
overheating, eventually resulting in fire.

RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH

The internals can carry a 400-500V DC voltage even when the product is off!

Input and/or output terminals may still be dangerously energized, even when the equipment is switched off. Always disconnect all
power connections (e.g. the battery, DC solar isolator, etc) and wait at least 5 minutes before carrying out work on the product.

The product has no internal user-serviceable components. Do not remove the front plate or operate the product if any panels
have been removed. All servicing must be undertaken by qualified personnel.

Please read the installation instructions in the installation manual before installing the equipment.

This is a Safety Class I product (supplied with a protective grounding terminal). The chassis must be grounded. Whenever it is
likely that the grounding protection has been damaged, the product must be turned off and secured against unintended operation;
please contact qualified service staff.

Non-isolated inverters shall be provided with installation instructions that require PV modules that have an IEC 61730 Class A
rating.

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If the maximum AC mains operating voltage is higher than the PV array maximum system voltage, then the instructions shall
require PV modules that have a maximum system voltage rating based upon the AC mains voltage.

Environment and Access

Ensure that the equipment is used under the correct ambient conditions. Never operate the product in a wet or dusty
environment. Never use the product where there is a risk of gas or dust explosions. Ensure there is adequate free space for
ventilation above and below the product and check that the ventilation vents are not blocked.

Installation of this product must in a location that restricts access by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory
or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning
use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.

The connections to live parts should be covered after installation.

Enclosure Symbols

Symbol on the enclosure

Caution, risk of electric shock

Refer to the operating instructions

IP21 Protected from touch by fingers and objects greater than 12 millimetres. Protected
from condensation.

European conformity

Regulatory compliance mark for Australia & New Zealand

1.1. Meaning of icons

The icons printed on the product have the following meaning:

Icon Meaning

Caution, risk of electric shock

Refer to the operating instructions

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2. General Description

The MPPT RS is a solar charge controller intended to operate with a PV voltage of between 65-450V and designed to charge a
48V battery bank.

2.1. Features
Ultra-fast Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

Especially in case of a clouded sky, when light intensity is changing continuously, a fast MPPT algorithm will improve energy
harvest by up to 30% compared to PWM charge controllers and by up to 10% compared to slower MPPT controllers.

Advanced Maximum Power Point Detection in case of partial shading conditions

If partial shading occurs, two or more maximum power points may be present on the power-voltage curve. Conventional MPPTs
tend to lock to a local MPP, which may not be the optimum MPP. The innovative SmartSolar algorithm will always maximize
energy harvest by locking to the optimum MPP.

Outstanding conversion efficiency

Maximum efficiency of 96%. Full output current up to 40°C (104°F).

Flexible charge algorithm

Fully programmable charge algorithm, and eight preprogrammed battery presets.

Extensive electronic protection

Over-temperature protection and power derating when temperature is high.

Isolated PV connections for additional safety

Full galvanic isolation between PV and battery connections provide additional overall system safety.

Optional external voltage and temperature sensor

Wired connections are available for battery voltage and temperature sensing. The Solar Charger uses these measurements to
optimize its charge parameters. The accuracy of the data it transmits will improve battery charging efficiency, and prolong battery
life. The Smart Battery Sense and other VE.Smart networking features are not currently supported.

2.2. Interfacing and Communications

VE.Direct port and two VE.Can ports

Either communications port type can be used for a wired data connection to a GX device (e.g. Cerbo GX, Color Control GX) PC
or other devices. Note that only one port can be used at a time.

Device Display

A 4 line LCD back-lit display shows operational information including battery levels, solar yield, and system icons.

User I/O connector:

• Aux 1, 2 input

• Programmable relay

• Battery voltage sense (Vsense)

• Battery temperature sense (Tsense)

• Remote H & Remote L - Configurable

Bluetooth Smart built-in

The wireless solution to set-up, monitor and update the controller using Apple and Android smartphones, tablets or other
compatible devices.

Configuring and monitoring with VictronConnect

Configure with the VictronConnect app. Available for iOS, Android devices, as well as macOS and Windows computers. A
VE.Direct to USB accessory is required for Windows systems; enter VictronConnect in the search box on our website and see the
VictronConnect download page for details.

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2.3. Setup options

Adaptive three step charging

The Charge Controller is configured for a three step charging process: Bulk – Absorption – Float.

A regular equalization charge can also be programmed.

Bulk- During this stage the controller delivers as much charge current as possible to rapidly recharge the batteries.

Absorption - When the battery voltage reaches the absorption voltage setting, the controller switches to constant voltage mode.
When only shallow discharges occur the absorption time is kept short in order to prevent overcharging of the battery. After a deep
discharge the absorption time is automatically increased to make sure that the battery is completely recharged.

Additionally, the absorption period is also ended when the charge current decreases to less than 2A.

Float - During this stage, float voltage is applied to the battery to maintain a fully charged state.

Optional external voltage and temperature sensor

Wired connections are available for battery voltage and temperature sensing. The Solar Charger uses these measurements to
optimize its charge parameters. The accuracy of the data it transmits will improve battery charging efficiency, and prolong battery
life.

The Smart Battery Sense and other VE.Smart networking features are not currently supported.

Remote on-off input

Remote L functions as ‘allow to charge’ in case lithium battery is selected and remote H functions as ‘allow to discharge’. Use
smallBMS for the RS with Victron lithium batteries.

Programmable relay

Can be programmed (with a smartphone) to open or close on an alarm, or other events.

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3. Installation

3.1. Location of the MPPT

For best operating results, the MPPT should be placed on a flat vertical surface. To
ensure a trouble free operation, it must be used in locations that meet the following
requirements:
a) Do not expose to water, rain or moisture.
b) Do not place in direct sunlight. Ambient air temperature should be between -20°C
and 40°C (humidity & 95% non-condensing).
c) Do not obstruct airflow. Leave at least 30 centimeters clearance above and below
the MPPT.
When the unit is running too hot, it will shut down. When it has reached a safe
temperature level the unit will automatically restart again.

Figure 1. Thermal image of MPPT RS heat zones required for

clearance.

This product contains potentially dangerous voltages. It should only be installed under
the supervision of a suitable qualified installer with the appropriate training, and
subject to local requirements. Please contact Victron Energy for further information
or necessary training.

Excessively high ambient temperature will result in the following:

· Reduced service life.
· Reduced charging current.
· Reduced peak capacity, or shutdown of the MPPT.
Never position the appliance directly above lead-acid batteries. The MPPT RS is
suitable for wall mounting. For mounting purposes, a hook and two holes are provided
at the back of the casing. The device must be fitted vertically for optimal cooling.
For safety purposes, this product should be installed in a heat-resistant environment.
You should prevent the presence of e.g. chemicals, synthetic components, curtains or
other textiles, etc., in the immediate vicinity.

Try and keep the distance between the product and the battery to a minimum in order to minimise cable
voltage losses

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3.2. MPPT grounding, detection of PV array insulation faults & Earth fault alarm
notification
The RS will test for sufficient resistive isolation between PV+ and GND, and PV- and GND.

In the event of a resistance below the threshold (indicating an earth fault), the inverter shuts down and disables the ac outputs
(mppt keeps charging the battery as this has no impact on safety due the isolation to the battery side).

If an audible alarm and/or email notification of this fault is required, then you must also connect a GX device (such as the Cerbo
GX). Email notifications require an internet connection to the GX device and a VRM account to be configured.

The positive and negative conductors of the PV array must be isolated from ground.

Ground the frame of the PV array to local requirements. The ground lug on the chassis should be connected to the common
earth.

The conductor from the ground lug on the chassis of the unit to earth should have at least the cross-section of the conductors
used for the PV array.

When a PV resistance isolation fault is indicated, do not touch any metal parts and immediately contact a suitably qualified
technician to inspect the system for faults.

The battery terminals are galvanically isolated from the PV array. This ensures that PV array voltages cannot leak to the battery
side of the system in a fault condition.

3.3. Battery and battery lead requirements

In order to utilize the full capacity of the product, batteries with sufficient capacity and battery cables with sufficient cross section
should be used. The use of undersized batteries or battery cables will lead to:

• Reduction in system efficiency.

• Unwanted system alarms or shutdowns.

• Permanent damage to system.

See table for MINIMUM battery and cable requirements.

Model 450/100 450/200

Battery capacity lead-acid 200 Ah 400 Ah
Battery capacity lithium 50 Ah 100 Ah
Recommended DC fuse 125 A - 150 A 250 A

Minimum cross section (mm2) per + and - connection terminal 0-2m 35 mm2 70 mm2
2-5m 70 mm 2 2 x 70 mm 2

Consult battery manufacture recommendations to ensure the batteries can take the total charge current of the
system. Decision on battery sizing should be made in consultation with your system designer.

Use a torque wrench with insulated box spanner in order to

avoid shorting the battery.
Maximum torque: 14 Nm
Avoid shorting the battery cables.

• Undo the two screws at the bottom of the enclosure and remove the service panel.

• Connect the battery cables.

• Tighten the nuts well for minimal contact resistance.

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3.4. Solar input wiring

The MPPT RS 450/100 and the MPPT RS 450/200 Solar charge controllers are available with two different options for PV cable
connection methods.

• The "- Tr" version has screw terminal blocks inside. The PV cables pass through glands on the bottom of the unit and the lower
cover must be removed to access the terminal blocks inside.

• The "- MC4" version has MC4 connectors presented on the bottom of the unit. The bottom cover does not need to be removed
to connect the PV cables.

For the "- Tr" version, the terminal block screws should be tightened to a torque of 1.2Nm.

The MPPT 450/100 - MC4 version has two male and female pairs of MC4 connectors - one pair per tracker.

Side-by-side comparison of the MPPT RS 450/100 - MC4 (left) and MPPT RS 450/100 - Tr (right).

The MC4 connectors are pre-wired, whereas the "- Tr" version has screw terminal blocks, PV wires pass through cable glands at
the bottom of the unit.

The MPPT 450/200 - MC4 version has four male and female pairs of MC4 connectors - one pair per tracker.

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Side-by-side comparison of the MPPT RS 450/200 - MC4 (left) and MPPT RS 450/200 - Tr (right).

The MC4 connectors are pre-wired whereas the "- Tr" version has screw terminal blocks, PV wires pass through cable glands at
the bottom of the unit.

3.5. Solar array configuration

The MPPT RS must keep the individual tracker inputs isolated from each other. That means one solar PV array per input, do not
attempt to connect the same array to multiple tracker inputs.

The maximum rated voltage of the solar charger is 450 V. A PV overvoltage event will damage the solar
charger. This damage is not covered by warranty.

In case the PV array is located in colder climates the PV array can output more than its rated Voc. Use the MPPT sizing calculator
on the solar charger product page to calculate this variable. As a rule of thumb, keep an additional 10% safety margin.

The maximum operational input current for each tracker is 18 A.

MPPT PV inputs are protected against reverse polarity, to a maximum short circuit current of 20 A for each tracker.

Connecting PV arrays with a higher short circuit current is possible, up to an absolute maximum of 30A, as long as connected
with correct polarity. This outside of specification potential allows for system designers to connect larger arrays, and can be useful
to understand in case a certain panel configuration results in a short circuit current just slightly above the maximum of the reverse
polarity protection circuit.

Solar PV input cable insulation should be removed to allow 12 mm of exposed copper into the PV attachment point on the MPPT.
It should not be possible to come into contact with any exposed copper wiring, the fit must be clean without any stray strands.

BEWARE that the product warranty will be void if a PV array with a short circuit current larger than 20 A array
is connected in reverse polarity.

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The MPPT RS must keep the individual tracker inputs isolated from each other. That means one solar PV
array per input, do not attempt to connect the same array to multiple tracker inputs.

When the MPPT switches to float stage it reduces battery charge current by increasing the PV Power Point voltage.

The maximum open circuit voltage of the PV array must be less than 8 times the minimum battery voltage when at float.

For example, where a battery has a float voltage of 54.0 volts, the maximum open circuit voltage of the connected array cannot
exceed 432 volts.

Where the array voltage exceeds this parameter the system will give a "Over-charge Protection" error and shut down.

To correct this, either increase the battery float voltage, or reduce PV voltage by removing PV panels from the string to bring the
voltage back within specification.

3.5.1. MPPT RS example PV configuration

This is an example of an array configuration. The decision on the specific array configuration, sizing and
design for your system should be made in consultation with your system designer.

Table 1. PV Array Example

Panel Type Voc Vmpp Isc Impp # of panels Max String Voltages Power total per
string
Victron 260W 36.75 V 30 V 9.30 A 8.66 A # 1 - 11 # 1 - 404 V 2850 W
(60 cell) #2 - 8 # 2 - 304V 2080 W

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Figure 2. MPPT RS PV example diagram

11 x 270W 60 cell panels in 8 x 270W 60 cell panels in

series – 418 Voc series – 304 Voc

418V and 304V DC PV Distribution

3.6. Cable connection sequence

First: Confirm correct battery polarity, connect the battery.

Second: if required, connect the remote on-off, and programmable relay, and communications cables

Third: Confirm correct PV polarity, and then connect the solar array (if incorrectly connected with reverse polarity, the PV voltage
will drop, the controller will heat up but will not charge the the battery).

3.7. Synchronised parallel operation

Several charge controllers can be synchronised with the CAN interface. This is achieved by simply interconnecting the chargers
with RJ45 UTP cables (bus terminators needed, see section 3.6).

The paralleled charge controllers must have identical settings (e.g. charge algorithm). The CAN communication ensures that the
controllers will switch simultaneously from one charge state to another (from bulk charge to absorption for example). Each unit
will regulate its own output current, depending on the output of each PV array and cable resistance.

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In case of synchronized parallel operation, the network icon will blink every 3 seconds on all paralleled units.

The PV inputs should not be connected in parallel. Each charge controller must be connected to its own PV array.

3.8. Energy Storage System (ESS)

An Energy Storage System (ESS) is a specific type of power system that integrates a power grid connection with a Victron
Inverter/Charger, GX device and battery system. It stores solar energy into your battery during the day for use later on when the
sun stops shining.

Please refer to the following manual how to setup an ESS:

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ess:start

3.9. User I/O

3.9.1. Remote on/off connector

The remote on/off connector has two terminals, the “Remote L” and the “Remote H” terminal.

The SmartSolar MPPT RS ships with the remote on/off connector terminals connected to each other via a wire link.

Note that for the remote connector to be operational, the main on/off switch on the solar charger needs to be switched to “on”

The remote on/off connector has two different operational modes:

On/off mode (default):

The default function of the remote on/off connector is to remotely switch the unit on or off.

• The unit will switch on if “Remote L” and the “Remote H” are connected to each other (via a remote switch, relay or the wire
link).

• The unit will switch off if “Remote L” and the “Remote H” are not connected to each other and are free floating.

• The unit will switch on if “Remote H” is connected to battery positive (Vcc).

• The unit will switch on if “Remote L” is connected to battery negative (GND).

2-wire BMS mode:

This feature can be enabled via VictronConnect. Go to “battery settings” and then to “Remote mode”. (see attached image)

Set the remote mode from “on/off” to “2-wire BMS”.

In this mode, the “load”, “load disconnect” or “allowed to discharge” signal and the “charger”, “charger disconnect” or “allowed
to charge” signals from a Victron lithium battery BMS are used to control the unit. They respectively turn the inverter off in case
discharge is not allowed, and turn the solar charger off if charging is not allowed by the battery.

• Connect the BMS “load”, “load disconnect” or “allowed to discharge” terminal to the Inverter RS Smart “Remote H” terminal.

• Connect the BMS “charger”, “charge disconnect” or “allowed to charge” to the unit Inverter RS Smart “Remote L” terminal.

3.9.2. Programmable relay

Programmable relay which can be set for general alarm, DC under voltage or genset start/stop function. DC rating: 4A up to
35VDC and 1A up to 70VDC

3.9.3. Voltage sense

For compensating possible cable losses during charging, two sense wires can be connected directly to the battery or to the
positive and negative distribution points. Use wire with a cross-section of 0,75mm².

During battery charging, the charger will compensate the voltage drop over the DC cables up to a maximum of 1 Volt (i.e. 1V
over the positive connection and 1V over the negative connection). If the voltage drop threatens to become larger than 1V, the
charging current is limited in such a way that the voltage drop remains limited to 1V.

3.9.4. Temperature sensor

For temperature-compensated charging, the temperature sensor (supplied with the unit) can be connected. The sensor is isolated
and must be fitted to the negative terminal of the battery. The temperature sensor can also be used for low temperature cut-off
when charging lithium batteries (configured in VictronConnect).

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3.9.5. Programmable analog/digital input ports

The product is equipped with 2 analog/digital input ports, they are labelled AUX_IN1+ and AUX_IN2+ on the removable User I/O
terminal block.

The digital inputs are 0-5v, and when a input is pulled to 0v it is registered as 'closed'

These ports can be configured in VictronConnect.

• Unused: the aux input has no function.

• Safety switch: the device is on when the aux input is active.

• AC IN connect: only connect to AC input when AUX input is active. An example of when this might be useful is to disable AC
input grid charging during an expensive time of use tariff period.

You can assign different functions to each aux input. In case the same function is assigned to both aux inputs then they will be
treated as an AND function, so both will need to active for the device to recognise the input.

3.9.6. User I/O terminal diagram

Figure 3.

User I/O Connector is located on bottom left side of connection area, diagram shows 3 perspectives. Left Side - Top - Right Side

3.9.7. User I/O functions

Table 2. User I/O Functions - See Installation Section for more details.
Numbe Connection Description
r
1 Relay_NO Programmable relay Normally Open connection
2 AUX_IN - Common negative for programmable auxiliary inputs
3 AUX_IN1+ Programmable auxiliary input 1 positive connection
4 AUX_IN2+ Programmable auxiliary input 2 positive connection
5 REMOTE_L Remote on/off connector Low
6 REMOTE_H Remote on/off connector High
7 RELAY_NC Programmable relay Normally Closed connection
8 RELAY_COM Programmable relay common negative
9 TSENSE - Temperature Sensor negative
10 TSENSE + Temperature Sensor positive
11 VSENSE - Voltage Sensor negative
12 VSENSE + Voltage Sensor positive

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4. VictronConnect setup, configuration and operation

4.1. Setup
The following steps are necessary to successfully connect the SmartSolar MPPT RS via Bluetooth and the VictronConnect app:

1. Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your SmartSolar MPPT RS.

Bluetooth is enabled by default.

If Bluetooth has been diabled before then you'll

need to connect to the SmartSolar MPPT RS
using a VE.Direct to USB interface and the
VictronConnect app to enable it again.

2. Download and install the VictronConnect app from the App Store or
Google Play.

3. Open the VictronConnect app and scroll through the list of devices
for the SmartSolar MPPT RS.

4. Tap on it to launch the pairing dialog. Enter the default pairing code
which is either 000000 or is a unique PIN printed on the serial
number sticker of the SmartSolar MPPT RS.
It is strongly advised, when prompted, to change the default PIN to a
different one of your choice.

5. Once pairing is successful then the Overview page will be displayed.

VictronConnect setup, configuration

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4.2. Overview page

The main overview page provides at-a-glance information of the SmartSolar MPPT RS. It is divided into three tabs:

• Status: Instant readout of the basic state of the MPPT charger.

• History: View up to the last 30 days of solar and battery data.

• Trends: Review current trend data.

Status tab:
• Solar: Total solar power of all trackers.
The details of each tracker are shown below the total, including
Voltage, Power and Current.

• Battery: Shows the battery Voltage, charging current and state.

• Relay: Displays the the state of the relay contacts, Open or Closed.
If the relay mode is set to manual, then the Open or Closed state can
also be controlled here.

More detailed state information:

In case the SmartSolar MPPT RS is not charging, an information tip will
appear below the "State" field.
Tap this information field to bring up a popup window which will provide
more information and some troubleshooting tips.

VictronConnect setup, configuration

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History tab:
• Up to 30 days of historic data is displayed.

• Bar graphs show the solar yield in kWh. The shaded areas highlight
the time spend in the different charging stages.

• The "Solar panel" area records the total solar yield in kWh, maximum
PV power and voltage.

• Maximum and minimum battery voltages are stored in the "Battery"

section.

• If any errors were raised that day then they are shown with an orange
circle.

• Lifetime total energy produced by the connected SmartSolar MPPT

RS. The totals can be reset and so "Since reset" keeps the record
yield since then.

• To export the graph as a .csv you can tap the triangular three dot icon
at the top of the graph area. You'll then be presented with various
methods by which to share the .csv (e.g. email, WhatsApp etc.).

Tap the fragmented square icon in the top left of

the graph area to rotate the graph. This will allow
you to see a wide view of the graph with more days
displayed at once.

Trends tab:
• Two different data points can be selected using the drop down menus
just above the graph.

• A graph will be rendered according to the selected parameters.

VictronConnect setup, configuration

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4.3. Settings page

The Settings menu is accessible by pressing the cog wheel from the top right of the Overview page.

The following menu options are available:

• Battery: Adjust the charging parameters for the battery

• Solar: Switch PV optimisation on or off and set custom names for each
PV tracker

• Relay: Select from a variety of relay modes for the internal relay.

• Display: Choose how the LCD backlight behaves and preferred

temperature unit.

Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the settings page to
perform the following actions:
• Import settings from file: Import previously saved settings from a file
in the settings library.

• Save settings to file: Save the current settings to a file which will
be stored in the settings library. This file can be used as a backup to
restore settings on this EV Charging Station NS or to easily apply the
same settings to another one.

• Share settings: Share the settings file via email or other social apps
which may be in use on the Android or iOS device for example.

• Product info: Displays the EV Charging Station NS model number

and serial number. There is also a switch to enable or disable
Bluetooth. See the Product info section for more information.

• Reset to defaults: Reset all settings to the factory defaults. This will
mean that any customised settings will be lost and setup will need to
be performed again or imported from a previously saved settings file.

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4.4. Product info

To get to the Product info page, tap the 3 vertical dots icon from the
Settings page.
• Product: Shows the product name and the model number.

• Serial number: Shows the serial number of the SmartSolar MPPT RS.

• NEMA2000 device instance: Displays the network device instance

number for this particular device.

• Pin code: The Pin code is hidden but it can be changed using the
change button to the right.

• Custom name: Change the friendly name of the SmartSolar MPPT

RS.

• Firmware: Displays the current firmware version running on the

SmartSolar MPPT RS.

• Bootloader: The bootloader version.

• Bluetooth: Enable or disable the Bluetooth functionality of the

SmartSolar MPPT RS.

Note that if you disable Bluetooth then connection

to this device via Bluetooth will not longer be
possible after you return to the Device list or exit
the VictronConnect app. You'll need to connect
using a VE.Direct to USB interface in order to
enable Bluetooth again.

• Instant readout via Bluetooth: Enable this setting to display the most
important data of the SmartSolar MPPT RS on the Device list page.

• Instant readout details: Tap "SHOW" to see the encryption data used
for the Instant readout.

• Lock product settings: Use this option to lock the settings of the
SmartSolar MPPT RS with a password. This will prevent others from
changing critical settings without the password.
Tap "Add lock" to proceed to the "Lock product settings" page.
• Product settings password: Supply a password which will be used
to unlock the product settings.

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4.5. Battery
The Battery settings page allows adjustment of all of the parameters
related to the battery which is connected to the SmartSolar MPPT RS.
Some options will be greyed out if a fixed battery preset is selected. A
"User defined" battery preset will allow all of the settings to be adjusted.
• Battery voltage: This option is always greyed out for the SmartSolar
MPPT RS because it is only a 48V product.

• Max charge current: Adjust the maximum current that the SmartSolar
MPPT RS will deliver to its battery terminals. By default, this is set to
the maximum value. You may wish to reduce this if, for example, you
have a smaller battery connected which cannot accept the maximum
charge current.

• Charger enabled: Toggle this setting to enable or disable the charger.

The batteries will not be charged if this setting is disabled.

• Battery preset: Use this to select the battery charge algorithm.

• Built-in preset: Select one of the built-in presets (Normal, High and
LiFePO4 2-wire BMS).

• User defined: All parameters can be customized manually.

• Select preset: Select a type from the VictronConnect app battery

presets.

• Create preset: Create a new custom battery preset in the

VictronConnect app.

• Edit presets: Edit an existing battery preset in the VictronConnect

app.

• Remote mode: Configure what is connected to the REMOTE_L and

REMOTE_H inputs on the user connector.
• Remote on/off: A simple on/off switch to turn the SmartSolar MPPT
RS on or off.

• 2-wire BMS: Use a wired BMS with allow-to-charge and allow-to-

discharge signals like the SmallBMS. Note if 2-wire BMS is selected,
then the unit will not start up until one is connected.

• Expert mode: This on/off toggle enables editing expert settings

in case your equipment has special requirements. See "Expert
mode" [20] section for details.

• BMS controlled: This item is only visible in case the unit is

controlled remotely by a BMS. This is automatically enabled when the
SmartSolar MPPT RS detects that it is connected to a system with a
BMS. Click this field to change.
A confirmation box will pop up. Select "OK" to reset BMS control. The
SmartSolar MPPT RS will no longer be controlled by a BMS. BMS
control will be automatically enabled the next time it is connected to a
system which has a BMS.

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Charge voltages:
• Absorbtion voltage: Set the absorbtion voltage.

• Float voltage: Set the float voltage.

• Equalization voltage: Set the equalization voltage.

Equalization:
• Automatic equalization: Set-up the frequency of the auto equalize
function. Available options are between 1 and 250 days.
Equalization is typically used to balance the cells in a lead battery,
and also to prevent stratification of the electrolyte in flooded batteries.
Whether (automatic) equalization is necessary, or not, depends on the
type of batteries, and their usage. Consult your battery supplier for
guidelines.
When the Automatic equalization cycle has initiated, the charger
applies an equalization voltage to the battery as long as the current
level stays below the equalization current percentage setting of the
bulk current.
In the case of all VRLA batteries and some flooded batteries,
automatic equalization ends when the voltage limit (maxV) has been
reached, or after a period equal to (absorption time/8) - whichever
comes first.
For all tubular plate batteries and also for the user-defined battery
type, automatic equalization will end after a period equal to (absorption
time/2).
For the lithium battery type, equalization is not available.
When an automatic equalization cycle is not completed in one day, it
will not resume the next day. The next equalization session will take
place according to the interval set in the 'Auto Equalization' option.
When an automatic equalization cycle is not completed in one day, it
will not resume the next day. The next equalization session will take
place according to the interval set in the 'Auto Equalization' option.

• Manual equalization: Tap "Start now" to begin equalization

immediately. The duration is limited to 1 hour. This should only be
initiated when absorbtion or float stages and when there is sufficient
sunlight.

Voltage compensation:
• Temperature compensation: Many types of battery require a lower
charge voltage in warm operating conditions, and a higher charge
voltage in cold operating conditions.
The configured coefficient is in mV per degree Celsius for the whole
battery bank, not per cell. The base temperature for the compensation
is 25°C (77°F), as shown in the chart below.
With a temperature sensor installed to the User I/O connection
block; the actual battery temperature will be used for compensation;
throughout the day.

Battery limits:
• Low temperature cut-off: This setting can be used to disable
charging at low temperatures as required by lithium batteries.
For lithium Iron Phosphate batteries this setting is preset at 5 degrees
Celsius, for the other battery types it is disabled. When creating a user
defined battery the cut-off temperature level can be adjusted manually.

VictronConnect setup, configuration

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When "Expert mode" is enabled, the following additional settings will

become available:
Bulk:
• Re-bulk voltage offset: Set the voltage offset that will be used over
the float voltage setting that will determine the threshold that the
charge cycle will restart.
For example, a Re-bulk voltage offset off 0.4V and a float voltage
setting of 54.0 V, the voltage threshold that will be use to restart the
charge cycle will be 53.6 V. In other words, if the battery voltage drops
below 53.6 V for one minute, the charge cycle will restart.

Absorbtion:
• Absorbtion duration: Select "Fixed" or "Adaptive". When you tap on
the box to the right a detailed explanation for each option will pop up.

• Maximum absorbtion time: Set the absorption time limit. Only

available when using a custom charge profile.

• Tail current: Set the current threshold that will be used to finish
absorption phase before the maximum absorption time expires. When
the battery current gets below the tail current for one minute, the
absorption phase will end. This setting can be disabled by setting it
to zero.

Equalization:
• Equalization current percentage: Set the percentage of the Max
charge current setting that will be used when equalization is
performed.

• Equalization current percentage: Set the percentage of the Max

charge current setting that will be used when equalization is
performed.

• Maximum equalization duration: Set the maximum time that the

equalization phase will last.

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4.6. Solar
This page allows setting the Partial shading detection algorithm and
giving each tracker a custom name.
PV optimisation:
• Partial shading detection: The default setting is enabled. It is
recommended to leave this setting enabled. In some specific solar
installations it may need to be disabled.

PV trackers names:
• Each tracker can be given a custom name. The column on the left
will always display the tracker number and the column on the right will
show the custom name if given.
The custom name will also be shown on the LCD on the front of the
SmartSolar MPPT RS.
Tap on the row to set a custom name.

4.7. Relay
A programmable relay is available in the SmartSolar MPPT RS. The
contacts are accessible via the User I/O terminals. See the User I/O
functions table for the pinout.
• Relay mode: By default, the box is empty. Tap in the box to select or
change the mode of operation for the relay.

• Minimum closed time: Defines the minimum amount of time that the
relay will be closed after meeting a closure condition. This prevents
quickly changing conditions from opening and closing the relay too
often.

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Relay mode
One of several relay modes can be selected from the list:
• Relay always off: The relay is always off and will not operate under
any condition, there are no other configurable options. Use this option
if you don't plan to use the relay.

• Panel voltage high: The option will switch the relay on and off based
upon user defined high parameters.
• Panel high voltage: The relay switches ON when this value is
exceeded.

• Clear panel high voltage: The relay switches OFF then the panel
voltage falls below this value.

• High temperature (dimming): This option switches the relay ON

when the charger output current is reduced due to high temperatures.
Use this option to for example switch an external fan.

• Battery voltage low: This user defined option switches the relay on
when the battery voltage falls too low, This can be used to disconnect
loads to prevent further discharge when the battery is low.
• Battery low voltage relay: Switches the relay ON when the battery
voltage falls below the set value.

• Clear battery low voltage relay: Switches the relay OFF when the
battery voltage rises above the set value.

• Equalization active: This option switches the relay ON when the

manual equalization mode is active.

• Error state: This option switches the relay ON when there is an error.

• Defrost option (temp < -20°C: This option switches the relay ON
when the Charger temperature falls below -20 degrees Centigrade.

• Battery voltage high: This user defined option switches the relay
ON when the battery voltage exceeds a set value. This option could
be used to switch a load on when the battery goes above a certain
voltage.
• Battery high voltage relay: Switches the relay ON when the battery
voltage exceeds this level.

• Clear battery high voltage relay: Switches the relay OFF then the
battery voltage falls below this value.

• Float or storage state: This option switches the relay ON when the
charger is in the float or storage state. In float state the battery could
be considered full and so the a load such as a water heater could be
switched on to use excess solar energy.

• Day detection (panels irradiated): This option switches the relay ON

whilst the solar panels are providing energy. This can be used as a
simple day or night detection, for example to switch outdoor lighting off
or on using the NC contact of the relay.

• Manual control: Use this option to control the relay manually from the
Settings - Relay page or from the Overview page.

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4.8. Display
These settings define the behaviour of the front panel LCD backlight and
the temperature unit that it will display.
• Display backlight: Set up whether the front panel LCD backlight will
be on or off.
• Always off: The backlight will always be off.
The LCD may still be readable under strong ambient light but it will
not emit light.

• Always on: The LCD backlight is always on making it easy to read

at a glance at any time.

• Automatic: The LCD backlight is only on when the device is active.

• Temperature unit: Select which temperature unit will be used by the

front panel LCD.
• Celcius: Temperature is displayed in °C.

• Fahrenheit Temperature is displayed in °F.

This setting only affects the temperature unit on the

front panel LCD.

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5. Operation

5.1. Startup and shutdown procedure

Note: This presumes the correct installation procedure has been followed, and battery and PV polarity was tested and confirmed
to be correct by the installer. These polarity tests are essential as part of installation, but should not be necessary as part of the
normal start up and shut down procedure.

5.1.1. Startup
Quickly connect the DC side load breaking fuse or isolation to provide DC power to the battery terminals of the unit.

Switch on PV array connection to the unit.

Switch on the unit using the on/off switch located on the bottom left hand underside of case, switch toward yourself for ON
position.

When powering up, the screen will display the product details, firmware version, and if any start up errors are detected.

Operation will then commence (if correctly configured).

5.1.2. Shutdown
Switch off the unit using the on/off switch located on the bottom left hand underside of the case. Switch away from yourself for
OFF position.

Switch off the PV array connection to the unit.

Quickly disconnect the DC side load breaking fuse or isolation providing DC power to the battery terminals.

Note: dangerous residual voltages may still exist inside the product and at the terminals after shutdown. Never open the product
casing, or touch bare terminals.

5.2. Device display

The unit has an LCD screen that displays operational information. The screen cycles through the relevant displays every few
seconds.

Startup Screen

When the units is first switched on it will display firmware, serial number and model details for severals while the unit performs
self tests.

Battery:

Battery Power, Current, DC voltage, Temperature (*). Battery state (e.g. discharging, bulk, absorption, float, etc).

(*) These items are only visible if the data is available.

Solar 1

Solar Power, Voltage and Current, kWh daily and total Yield.

Additional MPPT Solar Trackers

Additional solar trackers will display the same values as above where available on additional screens.

Errors, Warnings and Alarms

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The system will display code notifications as required. See troubleshooting section for additional information.

In the top right of the display are other system information icons.

Communicating on any interface (e.g., Bluetooth, VE.Can,

etc.)

Bluetooth Enabled, Icon colour changes when connected

MPPT Active

(Blinking) Error or Warning

Battery, fill corresponds with voltage, blinks when empty

5.3. Protections and automatic restarts

5.3.1. High battery voltage

Reduce DC input voltage and/or check for a faulty battery- or solar-charger in the system. After shutting down due to a high
battery voltage, the unit will first wait 30 seconds and then retry operation as soon as the battery voltage has dropped to
acceptable level.

5.3.2. High temperature

A high ambient temperature or enduring high charge current may result in MPPT reducing output and eventually shutting down to
over temperature. The MPPT will resume once the temperature falls to within specification.

5.4. Maintenance
The solar charger does not need regular maintenance. Unqualified users should not attempt to open the product casing.

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6. Troubleshooting

6.1. Troubleshooting and support

For unexpected behaviour or suspected product faults, refer to this chapter.

Start by checking the common issues described here. If the problem persists, contact the point of purchase (Victron dealer or
distributor) for technical support.

If you're unsure who to contact or if the point of purchase is unknown, refer to the Victron Energy Support webpage.

6.2. The solar charger is unresponsive

The solar charger is unresponsive (inactive) if the display is not illuminated, there is no charging activity, and it is not
communicating with the VictronConnect app via Bluetooth or the VE.Direct port.

If the unit is active, the display is active or can communicate with the VictronConnect app via Bluetooth or the VE.Direct port.

For the solar charger to be active, it must be powered either via the battery or the PV terminals (or both), and the unit must be
switched on.

In case the solar charger is not active, follow these steps to try to remedy this situation:
• The solar charger does not have an on/off switch. It will activate as soon as one (or both) of the battery or PV terminals are
powered.
The voltage of the battery or the PV terminals needs to be above the minimum voltage as specified in the technical
specifications chapter.
For instructions on how to check the voltage, see the below "Battery and PV terminal voltage check" procedure.

Battery and PV terminal voltage check procedure:

WARNING – A dangerous voltage can be (or is) present on the solar charger electrical terminals; only perform
this procedure if you are a trained electrical technician.

• Use a multimeter set to DC voltage mode.

• Measure the voltage between the positive and negative battery terminals.

• Measure the voltage between the positive and negative PV terminals.

• Confirm that the battery or the PV voltage is at least above the minimum voltage as specified in the technical specifications
chapter.

If the battery and PV terminals do not have a sufficient voltage:

• Check the battery and PV supply cables.

• Check the fuses and circuit breakers.

• Check if all connections are tight.

• Is the battery voltage sufficiently high enough? If not, charge the battery with an auxiliary charger.

• Is the PV voltage sufficiently high enough? Is there a problem with the PV array, or is it night?

If the unit remains unresponsive after confirmation of a sufficient battery or PV voltage:

• Consider the solar charger to be faulty.

6.3. Solar charger is off

If the solar charger is off, the VictronConnect app will indicate this. and

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To find out the reason why the solar charger is off, click on the "Why is
the charger off?" text.

A pop-up window will appear with some of the explanations and possible
remedies.

Reasons why the solar charger is off:

• There is insufficient PV power.

• The settings being edited on an external display

• The charger is disabled in the settings.

• The charger is disabled by remote or BMS.

• Low lithium battery temperature.

• Safety relays are closed.

• PV input fuses blown.

6.3.1. PV voltage is too low

The solar charger will commence charging when the PV voltage is a minimum of 120V. Once charging has commenced, the PV
voltage must remain higher than 65V for charging to continue.

Voltages above 50V are generally considered to be dangerous. Check your local electrical safety regulations
as to the exact regulations. Dangerous voltages should only be handled by a qualified technician.

1. Use the VictronConnect app, a solar charger display or a GX device to check the battery voltage and PV voltage.

2. In case the above step is not possible, measure the battery and PV voltages at the solar charger terminals using a multimeter
instead.

3. Compare both voltages. The PV voltage needs to be a minimum of 120V to start up, and also 80V to continue operation.

Causes of zero or low PV voltage:

• Not enough solar irradiance into the solar panels:

• Night.

• Cloud cover or bad weather.

• Shading.

• Dirty solar panels.

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• Seasonal differences.

• Wrong orientation and/or inclination.

• Problems with a panel or panel wiring:

• Mechanical or electrical issue with an individual panel (or multiple panels).

• Wiring problems.

• Blown fuses in the installation.

• Open or faulty circuit breakers.

• Splitters or combiners issues, or these are used in an incorrect way.

• PV array design issues:

• Solar array wiring configuration mistake - not enough panels in a series string.

• Reverse PV polarity:
• The positive and negative have been swapped when connected to the controller, read next paragraph: “Reverse PV polarity”.

6.3.2. Disabled in the settings

The charger has been disabled in the settings.

Check the VictronConnect app settings - battery page to ensure that the
charger has been enabled.

6.3.3. Reverse PV polarity

As long as the unit is installed within the published specifications, the PV input is protected internally against PV reverse polarity.

In the case of reverse PV voltage, the solar charger will not indicate an error.

The only way to detect reverse PV voltage is by the following signs:

• The controller is not charging the batteries, the charge current is zero.

• The controller is getting hot.

• The PV voltage is zero, or close to zero.

If this is the case check for reverse polarity using a multimeter by ensuring that the positive PV cable is connected to the positive
PV terminal, and the negative cable is connected to the negative terminal.

Measuring PV voltage at the PV terminals of a solar charger should only be performed by an electrical
technician.

6.3.4. Safety relays are closed.

Safety relays, which are visible in the service compartment at the PV inputs, may have closed. This only happens if the
SmartSolar MPPT RS has protected its self from a hazardous situation.

If a flag on top of the relays indicates the "C" position then it is closed. When the relays are closed the PV array is short circuited
to stop PV power from entering the SmartSolar MPPT RS. The PV fuses or circuit breakers in the installation may open.

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The fault cannot be cleared nor reset. The relays have closed to prevent further damage due to the internal fault.

The SmartSolar MPPT RS should be returned to the supplier.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESET THE SAFETY RELAYS. THE RELAYS HAVE CLOSED TO PROTECT FROM
A HAZARDOUS SITUATION.

6.3.5. PV input fuses blown

If the fuses close to the PV input terminals are blown then the MPPT will be off.

The fuses will blow if a fault has occurred inside the SmartSolar MPPT RS. In this case you should return the unit to the supplier.

Do not attempt to replace the fuses. The fuses will blow due to a fault being present inside the unit.

6.4. Solar charger externally controlled

The solar charger can be controlled by an external device. The external device can stop or reduce the charge current to the
battery. This is not a fault but expected behaviour.

Managed batteries or an inverter/charger with an external control system like, for example, an ESS system, can control the solar
charger via a GX device. The battery dictates if charging is allowed, and when charging is allowed, what charge voltage and
currents are used. If external control is active this will be displayed in the VictronConnect app and also on the GX device.

The VictronConnect app indicating that the charger is externally

controlled.

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6.5. Batteries are not being charged

This chapter describes situations where the charger is active, but the batteries are not being charged.

The VictronConnect app indicates that the charger is active and the
charge voltage is correct, but the charge current is zero, or close to zero.

There are a number of reasons why this can happen, namely:

• The battery is full, and no more current is needed.

• The solar charging is not connected to the battery (cable, fuse or circuit breaker issues).

• Wrong configuration (voltage or current set too low).

• The charger is externally controlled (ESS or DVCC). See the Solar charger externally controlled [29] chapter.

• The battery temperature is too high and temperature-compensated charging is active or set incorrectly, see the Wrong
temperature compensation setting [34] chapter.

• Reverse PV polarity.

• Reverse battery polarity.

6.5.1. Battery is full

Once the battery is full the solar charger will stop charging or will greatly reduce the charge current.

This is especially the case when at the same time the DC loads in the system are not consuming any power from the battery.

To find out what the state of charge (SoC) of the battery is, check the battery monitor (if present), or alternatively, check what
charge stage the controller is in. Also, observe that the solar cycle is (briefly) progressing through these charge stages at the
beginning of the daily charge cycle:

• Bulk stage: 0-80% SoC.

• Absorption stage 80-100% SoC.

• Float or storage stage: 100% SoC.

Be aware that it can also be possible that the solar charger thinks the battery is full, while in reality, the battery is not full. This can
occur when the charge voltages have been set too low, causing the solar charger to prematurely switch to the absorption or float
stage. For more information see the Battery settings too low [32] chapter.

6.5.2. Battery not connected

For the solar charger to be able to charge the battery it needs to be connected to the battery.

It might look like the battery is connected because the solar charger is able to operate without a battery connected and the
VictronConnect app will show a battery voltage and a charge stage, but the charge current is zero or close to zero.

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Possible causes of a disconnected battery:

• Loose or missing battery cables.

• Loose cable connections or badly crimped cable terminals.

• A blown (or missing) fuse in the battery supply cable.

• Open (or faulty) circuit breaker in the battery supply cable.

• Missing or incorrectly wired battery cables.

Battery voltage check

1. Use the VictronConnect app, a connected display or a GX device to read the solar charger battery voltage or use a
multimeter to measure the battery voltage at the terminals of the controller.

Measuring battery voltage at the battery terminals of a solar charger should only be performed by a
qualified electrical technician.

2. Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the battery terminals.

3. Compare the two voltages.

4. If the battery voltage and the controller voltage are different, then investigate why this is. Follow the path from the controller to
the battery to investigate what could be the cause.

Battery connection 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. Check if all cable lugs or cable terminals have been crimped correctly.

4. Check fuses and/or circuit breakers.

If a blown fuse is found, first ensure that the battery polarity has been correctly wired before replacing the
fuse. See next paragraph for more information on reverse battery polarity.

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6.5.3. Battery settings too low

• In the VictronConnect app, navigate to the solar charger "Settings"

menu and select the "Battery" menu.

• Check if the "Max. charge current" value is set correctly and

corresponds with the battery manufacturer's recommendation.

• Check that the battery charge voltages are set according to the battery
manufacturer's specifications.

6.5.4. Reverse battery polarity

Reverse polarity is when the positive and the negative battery cable have been accidentally swapped. The battery negative has
been connected to the positive solar charger terminal and the battery positive has been connected to the negative solar charger
terminal.

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.

Always verify the battery polarity before reconnecting the battery wires to the solar charger.

6.5.5. Reverse PV polarity

As long as the unit is installed within the published specifications, the PV input is protected internally against PV reverse polarity.

In the case of reverse PV voltage, the solar charger will not indicate an error.

The only way to detect reverse PV voltage is by the following signs:

• The controller is not charging the batteries, the charge current is zero.

• The controller is getting hot.

• The PV voltage is zero, or close to zero.

If this is the case check for reverse polarity using a multimeter by ensuring that the positive PV cable is connected to the positive
PV terminal, and the negative cable is connected to the negative terminal.

Measuring PV voltage at the PV terminals of a solar charger should only be performed by an electrical
technician.

6.6. 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.

• The batteries are not fully charged at the end of the day.

• The charge current from the solar charger is less than expected.

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6.6.1. Insufficient solar

Check if the solar charger reaches the float charge stage each day.

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.

A system that never reaches the float stage could have the following issues:

• Not enough solar panels.

• Too much load.

• A problem with the array causing it to have a reduced power output.

• For more potential reasons see paragraph: “PV power or yield less than expected”.

System spending all its time in bulk with breakdown of charge stages - System in bulk and absorption

6.6.2. Too much DC load

The solar charger does not only charge the batteries, it also provides power for the system’s loads.

The battery will only be charged when the power available from the PV panels exceeds the power being drawn by the loads in the
system, like lights, fridge, inverter, and so on.

If the system battery monitor is correctly installed and configured you can see how much current is going in (or out) of the battery
and the solar charger will tell you how much current the solar array is generating.

A positive sign alongside the current reading means that current is flowing in to the battery, while a negative sign means that
current is being drawn from the battery.

6.6.3. Battery cable voltage drop

If there is a voltage drop over the battery cables, the solar charger will output the correct voltage, but the batteries will receive a
lower voltage which can potentially lead to undercharged batteries. A voltage drop in excess of 2.5% is unacceptable.

The voltage drop will cause the following:

• Battery charging will take longer.

• The battery receives a too-low charge voltage.

• There is a loss of charge power.

• The battery cables heat up.

The voltage drop is caused by the following:

• 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 must be performed while the charger is charging with a full current. Typically best done in the morning. Use the
VictronConnect app to check the output current.

1. Measure the voltage on the battery terminals of the solar charger using the VictronConnect app or a multimeter.

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2. Measure the battery voltage on the terminals of the battery using a multimeter.

3. Compare the two voltages to see if there is a voltage difference.

6.6.4. Wrong temperature compensation setting

If the temperature compensation coefficient is set incorrectly, the batteries can be undercharged or be overcharged. The
temperature compensation can be set via VictronConnect or via a display.

To find out the correct temperature compensation coefficient setting for your battery, refer to the battery documentation. When in
doubt use the default value of -64.80mV/°C for lead acid batteries and disable the temperature compensation setting for lithium
batteries.

6.7. Batteries are overcharged

Batteries that are being overcharged are very dangerous! There is a risk of battery explosion, fire or acid
leakage. Do not smoke, create sparks or have open flames in the same room as where the batteries are
located.

Overcharging batteries will cause battery damage and can be caused by:
• Incorrect charge voltage settings.

• Applying equalization while the battery is not suitable for equalization.

• High current and undersized batteries.

• Battery faults.

• Too high current, while the battery is not accepting charge anymore because of aging or prior mistreatment.

6.7.1. Battery charge voltages too high

If the battery charge voltages are set too high this will cause the batteries to overcharge.

Check if all the battery charge voltages (absorption and float) are set correctly.

The charge voltages have to match the recommended voltages as stated in the battery manufacturers documentation.

6.7.2. Battery unable to deal with equalization

During equalization, the battery charge voltage will be quite high and if the battery is unsuitable to be equalized, the battery will be
overcharged.

Not all batteries can be charged with equalization voltages. Check with the battery manufacturer if the battery you are using
needs a periodic equalizing charge.

Generally speaking, sealed batteries as well as lithium batteries don’t need and therefore should not be equalized.

6.7.3. Battery old or faulty

A battery that is at the end of its service life or has been damaged by incorrect use, can be prone to being overcharged.

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A battery contains a number of cells that are connected in series. When a battery is old or has been damaged, a likely scenario is
that one of these cells is not operational anymore.

When the faulty battery is charged, the damaged cell will not accept charge and the remaining cells will receive the broken cell’s
charge voltage and thus will be overcharged.

To fix this, replace the battery. In case of multiple battery system replace the whole battery bank. It is not recommended to mix
batteries of different ages in one battery bank.

It is hard to tell what has exactly happened to a battery during its lifetime. The solar charger will keep 30 day of battery voltage
history. If the system also contains a battery monitor, or if the system is connected to VRM, the battery voltages and the cycle
history of the battery can be accessed This will give a complete picture of the battery history and it can be determined if the
battery is near the end of its service life or has been abused.

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. Compare
this with the battery history and determine if the battery is near the end of its service live.

To check if the battery has been misused:

1. Check if the battery has been totally discharged at all. Total and very deep discharge will damage a battery. Check the battery
monitor setting history on the VRM portal. Look for the deepest discharge, the lowest battery voltage and the number of full
discharges.

2. Check if the battery has been charged with a too high voltage. Very high charge voltage will damage the battery. Check the
maximum battery voltage and the high voltage alarms in the battery monitor. Check if the measured maximum voltage has
exceeded the battery manufacturer recommendations.

6.8. PV problems
This chapter deals with the remaining solar problems that were not already discussed in the earlier chapters.

6.8.1. PV yield less than expected

Check the solar charger history in the VictronConnect app. Check the total maximum power (Pmax) for each day. Does this match
the array power?

To find the potential solar yield per day for a specific PV array size in a specific geographical location, use the MPPT sizing
calculator on the solar charge controller product page.

These are some of the reasons why the array is generating less power than expected:

• Low sun angle, seasonal differences or morning/evening.

• Cloud cover or bad weather.

• Shading from trees or buildings.

• Dirty panels.

• Incorrect orientation and/or inclination.

• Broken or faulty solar panel(s).

• Issues with wiring, fuses, circuit breakers, wiring voltage drop.

• Bad splitters or combiners, or these are used in an incorrect way.

• Part of the PV array not working.

• PV array design issues.

• Solar array configuration mistakes.

• The batteries are too small, or getting older, and have a reduced capacity.

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The VictronConnect App can be used to see what the maximum PV

power was for any of the last thirty days. This information could be used
to diagnose problems with less than expected PV power or daily yield.

6.8.2. 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.

6.8.3. 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.

6.8.4. MC4 connectors wrongly connected

For a detailed explanation of how to connect MC4 connectors, MC4 splitters and MC4 combiners, see the Wiring unlimited book,
chapter: “Solar panels”.

6.8.5. PV connections burned or melted

Burned or melted PV cables or connections are generally not covered under warranty. In most case this is due to any of the
following reasons:

Solar cable

• Cables with rigid core wire or rigid strands used.

• Cables where the core wire has been soldered.

• Cable too thin - remember that the current will be higher when the PV voltage is lower. For more information on cable thickness
see the Wiring Unlimited book.

6.8.6. Optimisers cannot be used

Do not use solar panels with optimisers together with the solar charger.

Nearly all optimisers contain an MPPT or other tracking mechanisms and this interferes with the MPPT algorithm in the solar
charger.

6.8.7. Ground current

The system should not have a current flowing to ground under normal operation.

If a ground current is detected, first investigate all the equipment connected to that system and check for ground faults.

Next, check how many connections to ground the system has. There should only be a single point in the system connected to
ground . This should be at the battery.

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For more information on system grounding, see the "System grounding" chapter in the Wiring Unlimited book.

The connection between PV DC and battery DC is fully galvanically isolated.

6.8.8. PV voltage too high

The PV voltage should never exceed the maximum rated PV voltage of the solar charger. The maximum PV voltage rating is
printed on the front or on the side of the housing of the controller, and in the product specification sheets.

The solar charger stops charging if the PV voltage exceeds the maximum rated PV voltage. At the same time, it will display an
overvoltage error #33, and will fast blink its absorption and float LED.

Charging will not recommence until the PV voltage has dropped 5V below the rated maximum voltage.

When investigating a high voltage issue, also look at the history of the VictronConnect app, solar charger display or GX device.
Check the highest PV voltage for each day (Vmax) and also look for past overvoltage warnings.

Check the open circuit voltage (Voc) rating of the PV array. Ensure that it is less than the maximum rated voltage of the solar
charger. Use the MPPT sizing calculator on the solar charger product page. In case the PV array is located in cold climates or if
the night temperature drops close to or below 10°C the PV array can output more than its rated Voc. As a rule of thumb, keep an
additional 10% safety margin.

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.

6.9. Communication problems

This chapter describes issues that might arise when the SmartSolar MPPT RS is connected to the VictronConnect app, other
Victron devices or third-party devices.

6.9.1. VictronConnect app

For operational issues of the VictronConnect app, like the app will not run or is unable to connect to the solar
charger, see the generalVictronConnect manual.

6.9.2. Bluetooth
Please note that it is highly unlikely that the Bluetooth interface is faulty. The problem is most likely caused by something else.
Use this chapter to quickly rule out some of the common causes of Bluetooth issues.

For a full troubleshooting guide see the VictronConnect manual.

• Check if Bluetooth is enabled

It is possible to enable/disable Bluetooth in the product settings. To re-enable:
Connect to the solar charger via the VE.Direct port.
Navigate to the controller settings and then to "product info".
Re-enable Bluetooth.

• Check if the controller is powered-up

Bluetooth is active as soon as the solar charger is powered-up.

• Check that Bluetooth is in range

In open space the maximum Bluetooth distance is about 20 meters. In a build-up area, inside a house, a shed, a vehicle or a
boat this distance can be a lot less.

• The Windows VictronConnect app does not support Bluetooth

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 app device list

Some steps to try to resolve this issue are:
Press the orange refresh button at the bottom of the VictronConnect app device list and check if the solar charger is now listed.
Only one phone or tablet can be connected to the solar charger at any given time. Make sure no other devices are connected
and try again.
Try to connect to another Victron product, does this work? If that also does not work, there probably is an issue with the phone
or tablet.
Rule out any issues with the phone or the VictronConnect app by using another phone or tablet and try again.

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If still unresolved, refer to the VictronConnect app manual.

• PIN code lost

If you have lost the PIN code, you will need to reset the PIN code to its default PIN code. This is done in the VictronConnect
app:
Navigate to the device list of the VictronConnect app.
Enter the solar charger's unique PUK code as printed on its product information sticker.
Click on the option symbol next to the solar charger listing.
A new window will open which allows you to reset the PIN code back to its default: 000000.

• How to communicate without Bluetooth

In case Bluetooth is not functional, turned off or unavailable, the VictronConnect app can still communicate via the unit’s
VE.Direct port. Or, if the unit is connected to a GX device, the VictronConnect app can communicate via VRM. For more
information see the VictronConnect app chapter.

6.9.3. VE.Direct port

These are not common and if this occurs it is probably due to one of these issues listed in this paragraph.

Physical cable connector or data port issues Try a different VE.Direct cable and see if the unit will now communicate. Is the
connector inserted properly and deep enough? Is the connector damaged? Inspect the VE.Direct port, are there bent pins? If this
is the case, use long nose pliers to straighten the pins, while the unit is unpowered.

VE.Direct TX port issues Check the “TX port function” setting in VictronConnect. Does the set function match the application it is
being used in. To test if the TX port is operational check its functionality using a TX digital output cable.

VE.Direct RX Port issues Check the “RX port function” setting in VictronConnect. Does the set function match the application it
is being used in. To test if the RX port is operational check its functionality using a VE.Direct non-inverting remote on/off cable.

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6.10. Error code overview

The error codes are displayed on the VictronConnect app, display or connected GX device.

For the most up-to-date version of this list see this link: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/mppt-error-codes.

Note that not all of these errors might apply to your product. Some error types only apply to solar chargers,
DC-DC chargers or AC chargers or are specific only to certain models within a charger group.

Error 2 - Battery voltage too high

• This error will auto-reset after the battery voltage has dropped. This error can be due to other charging equipment connected to
the battery or a fault in the charge controller.

Error 3, Error 4 - Remote temperature sensor failure

• Check if the T-sense connector is properly connected to a remote temperature sensor. Most likely cause: the remote T-sense
connector is connected to the BAT+ or BAT- terminal. This error will auto-reset after proper connection.

Error 5 - Remote temperature sensor failure (connection lost)

• Check if the T-sense connector is properly connected to a remote temperature sensor. This error will not auto-reset.

Error 6, Error 7 - Remote battery voltage sense failure

• Check if the V-sense connector is properly connected to the battery terminals. Most likely cause: the remote V-sense connector
is connected in reverse polarity to the BAT+ or BAT- terminals.

Error 8 - Remote battery voltage sense failure (connection lost)

• Check if the V-sense connector is properly connected to the battery terminals.

Error 11 - Battery high ripple voltage

• High DC ripple is usually caused by loose DC cable connections and/or too thin DC wiring. After the inverter has switched off
due to high DC ripple voltage, it waits 30 seconds and then restarts.
After three restarts followed by a shutdown due to high DC ripple within 30 seconds of restarting, the inverter will shutdown and
stops retrying. To restart the inverter, switch it Off and then On.
Continuous high DC ripple reduces the inverter life expectancy

Error 14 - Battery low temperature

• The charger is stopped to avoid charging LiFePO4 batteries at low temperature as this damages the cells.

Error 17 - Controller overheated despite reduced output current

• This error will auto-reset after charger has cooled down. Check the ambient temperature and check for obstructions near the
heat sink.

Error 18 - Controller over-current

• This error will auto-reset. If the error does not auto-reset disconnect the charge controller from all power-sources, wait 3
minutes, and power up again.
Possible causes for an over-current on the battery terminals:
• switching on/off a very large load on the battery side.

• sudden change in irradiance causing a temporary over-power in the mppt.

• overloading the inverter ac output.

Possible solutions:
• if possible provide adequate cooling for the unit, a cooler unit can handle more current.

• reduce the load on the inverter.

• charge the battery before using the inverter, at higher battery voltages the same amount of power requires less current.

Error 20 - Maximum Bulk-time exceeded

• For solar chargers:
The maximum bulk time protection is a feature that was in the chargers when they were just released (2015 or earlier) and later
the feature was removed.
If you do see this error, then update to the latest firmware.
If you then still have the error, perform a reset to factory defaults of the configuration, and reconfigure the solar charger.

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Error 21 - Current sensor issue

• The current measurement is out of range.
Disconnect all wires, and then reconnect all wires, to make the charger restart. Also, make sure the minus on the MPPT charge
controller (PV minus/Battery minus) is not bypassing the charge controller.
This error will not auto-reset.
If the error remains, please contact your dealer, there might be a hardware defect.

Error 22, Error 22 - Internal temperature sensor failure

• The internal temperature measurements are out of range.
Disconnect all wires, and then reconnect all wires, to restart the unit.
This error will not auto-reset.
If the error remains, please contact your dealer, there might be a hardware defect.

Error 27 - Charger short circuit

• This condition indicates an over-current condition on the battery side. It can occur when a battery is attached to the unit using
a contactor. Or in case the charger starts up without a battery connected but connected to an inverter that has a large input
capacitance.
This error will auto-reset. If the error does not auto-reset disconnect the charge controller from all power-sources, wait 3
minutes, and power up again. If the error persists the charge controller is probably faulty.

Error 29 - Over-Charge protection

• This error will auto-reset once the battery voltage drops below the float voltage. To protect the battery from over-charging the
battery is disconnected.
Possible causes:
• over-sized PV array configuration, if there are too many panels in series the battery voltage cannot be reduced any further.
Consider wiring more PV panels in parallel to reduce the voltage.

• configuration issue, check if the battery settings match with the installation (especially absorption and float voltage settings).

• another charger in the system raises the battery voltage above the expected level.

Error 33 - PV over-voltage
• This error will auto-reset after PV-voltage has dropped to safe limit.
This error is an indication that the PV-array configuration with regard to open-circuit voltage is critical for this charger. Check
configuration, and if required, re-organise panels.

Error 34 - PV over-current
• The current from the solar-panel array has exceeded the maximum allowed current.
This error could be generated due to an internal system fault.
Disconnect the charger from all power-sources, wait 3 minutes, and power-up again. If the error persists the controller is
probably faulty, contact your dealer.

Error 35 - PV over-power
• Applies to the MPPT RS, Inverter RS and Multi RS products.
Please upgrade your firmware to at least v1.08 as the issues causing this error have been addressed.
If you are using firmware v1.08 or newer this error indicates that the internal dc voltage is too high. This error will auto-reset.
If the error does not auto-reset disconnect the charge controller from all power-sources, wait 3 minutes, and power up again. If
the error persists the charge controller is probably faulty.

Error 41 - Inverter shutdown (PV isolation)

• PV panel isolation resistance too low. Check the PV array cabling and panel isolation, the inverter restarts automatically once
the issue is resolved.

Error 42 - Inverter shutdown (PV isolation)

• The ground leakage current in the PV array exceeds the allowed 30mA limit. Check the PV array cabling and panel isolation.
Check the installation and restart the unit using the power-switch.

Error 43 - Inverter shutdown (Ground Fault)

• The voltage difference between Neutral and Ground is too high.
Inverter or Multi (not connected to the grid):
• The internal ground relay is activated but the voltage over the relay is too high. The relay might be damaged.

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Multi (connected to the grid):

• The ground wire in the installation is not present or not connected properly.

• Line and Neutral are swapped in the installation.

This error will not auto-reset. Check the installation and restart the unit using the power-switch.

Error 50, Error 52 - Inverter overload, Inverter peak current

• Some loads like motors or pumps draw large inrush currents in a start-up situation. In such circumstances, it is possible that
the start-up current exceeds the over current trip level of the inverter. In this case the output voltage will quickly decrease to
limit the output current of the inverter. If the over current trip level is continuously exceeded, the inverter will shut down: wait 30
seconds and then restart.
The Inverter can supply more power than the nominal power level for a short time. If the time is exceed the inverter stops.
After three restarts followed by another overload within 30 seconds of restarting, the inverter will shutdown and remain off. To
restart the inverter, switch it Off, then On.
If the error persists reduce the load on the AC out terminal by switching off or disconnecting appliances.

Error 51 - Inverter temperature too high

• A high ambient temperature or enduring high load may result in shut down to over temperature. Reduce load and/or move
inverter to better ventilated area and check for obstructions near the fan outlets.
The inverter will restart after 30 seconds. The inverter will not stay off after multiple retries.

Error 53 - Inverter output voltage

• If the battery voltage is getting low and a large load is applied to the AC output the inverter is unable to maintain the proper
output voltage. Re-charge the battery or reduce the AC loads to continue operation.

Error 54 - Inverter output voltage

• If the battery voltage is getting low and a large load is applied to the AC output the inverter is unable to maintain the proper
output voltage. Re-charge the battery or reduce the AC loads to continue operation.
If the error immediately pops up when switching on the inverter (without load) on a full battery the cause is most likely a broken
internal fuse.

Error 55, Error 56, Error 58 - Inverter self test failed

• The inverter performs diagnostic tests before it activates its output. In the case that one of these tests fails an error message is
displayed and the inverter does not turn on.
First try to restart the inverter, by switching it Off, and then On. If error persists the inverter is probably faulty.

Error 57 - Inverter ac voltage on output

• There is already AC voltage on the AC out terminal before switching on the inverter. Check that the AC out is not connected to
a mains outlet or to another inverter.
This error will not auto-reset. Check the installation and restart the unit using the power-switch.

Err 59 - ACIN1 relay test fault

• Automatic checking of the disconnect means failure. This usually indicates a broken relay (sticky contact) in the AC input stage.

Information 65 - Communication warning

• Communication with one of the paralleled chargers was lost. To clear the warning, switch the charger off and back on.

Information 66 - Incompatible device

• The controller is being paralleled to another controller that has different settings and/or a different charge algorithm.
Make sure all settings are the same and update firmware on all chargers to the latest version.

Error 67 - BMS Connection lost

• This error shows when the charger is configured to be controlled by a BMS, but does not receive any BMS control messages.
In that situation, the charger stops charging by reducing its output voltage to the battery base voltage (12V/24V/36V/48V). This
is a safety mechanism, the reason to still enable the output is to allow a system to self-recover from a battery low situation.
Solar Chargers only show this error when there is solar power available and thus the device is ready to initiate charging. It does
not show at night. And in case there is a permanent problem, the error will raise in the morning and clear at night, and so forth.
Solution: check the connection between the charger and the BMS.
How to reconfigure the charger to standalone mode:
Our Chargers and Solar Chargers automatically configure themselves to be BMS-controlled when they are connected to one;
either direct or via a GX Device. And that setting is semi-permanent: power cycling the charger will not reset it.

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When removing charger from such system, and reusing it in a system without BMS, that setting needs to be cleared. Here is
how to do that:
• Chargers with LCD display: go into the setup menu, and change setting ‘BMS’ from ‘Y’ to ‘N’ (setup item 31).

• Other chargers: reset the charger to factory defaults with VictronConnect, and then reconfigure it.

Error 68 - Network misconfigured

• Applies to SmartSolar/BlueSolar chargers VE.Can (FW version v1.04 or higher) and SmartSolar VE.Direct chargers (FW
version v1.47).
To clear the error on the SmartSolar VE.Direct chargers update the FW version to v1.48 or higher.
To clear the error on the SmartSolar/BlueSolar chargers VE.Can, update the software. If the error persists, it will be because
the charger is connected with both a VE.Direct cable and on VE.Can. That is not supported. Remove one of the two cables.
The error will disappear and the charger will resume normal operation, within a minute.
Background:
Error 68 indicates that the charger detects multiple conflicting network sources, with the same priority, trying to send the same
information to the charger. VE.Can and VE.Direct interfaces have both the same priority level, and BLE (using VE.Smart
Networking) has a lower priority.
Having a higher priority level means that, if the same information (e.g. Battery voltage sense) is being received from both
VE.Can and BLE (using VE.Smart Network) by the charger, the information on VE.Can will be used and the one coming from
BLE will be ignored.
Now, if the same information is being received from two interfaces that have the same priority level (as VE.Can and VE.Direct),
the charger does not know how to prioritize those, causing error 68 to be triggered.

Error 69 - Network misconfigured

• Applies to Inverter RS and Multi RS models. Firmware versions 1.11 and higher.
This error indicates an issue in the configuration. There are units present on the same can bus that have different system
configurations. Please ensure that all units are set to either “Single Phase” or “Three Phase”. All units will remain off until the
configuration is fixed, after which the units will resume operation.

Error 70 - Network misconfigured

• Applies to Inverter RS models. Firmware versions 1.11 and higher.
The Inverter RS model used cannot be paired with a Multi RS and/or Transfer Switch. Only Inverter RS models with a
production code newer than HQYYWW can be used for this purpose. Only the incompatible Inverter RS units will remain off.

Error 71 - Network misconfigured

• Applies to Inverter RS and Multi RS models. Firmware versions 1.11 and higher
There are units present with incompatible firmware on the can bus. Make sure that all units are updated to the same firmware
version. All units will remain off until the until the firmwares are updated, after which the units will resume operation.

Error 114 - CPU temperature too high

• This error will reset after the CPU has cooled down. If the error persists, check the ambient temperature and check for
obstructions near the air inlet and outlet holes of the charger cabinet. Check manual for mounting instructions with regard to
cooling. If error persists the controller is probably faulty.

Error 116 - Calibration data lost

• If the unit does not work and error 116 pops up as the active error, the unit is faulty. Contact your dealer for a replacement.
If the error is only present in the history data and the unit operates normally this error can be ignored safely. Explanation: when
the units power up for the very first time in the factory, it does not have calibration data and an error 116 is logged. Obviously
this should have been cleared, but in the beginning units left the factory with this message still in the history data.
SmartSolar models (not the BlueSolar models): upgrading to v1.4x firmware is a one-way trip, you cannot go back to an older
firmware version once you upgrade to v1.4x. Reverting to older firmware gives error 116 (calibration data lost), this can be fixed
by re-installing the v1.4x firmware.

Error 117 - Incompatible firmware

• This error indicates that a firmware update did not complete, so the device is only partially updated. Possible causes are:
device out of range when updating over the air, a cable got disconnected or power was lost during the update session.
To fix this the update needs to be retried, download the correct firmware for your device from the Victron Professional Portal
When your GX device is connected to VRM, you can do a remote firmware update using this firmware file. You can do this via
the VRM website or using the VRM tab in VictronConnect. VictronConnect can also be used together with the firmware file to
update using a Bluetooth connection.
The procedure to add the file to VictronConnect and start the update is described here: 9. Firmware updates

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Error 119 - Settings data lost

• The charger cannot read its configuration, and stopped.
This error will not auto-reset. To get it working again:
1. First, restore it to factory defaults. (top right in Victron Connect, click on the three dots)

2. Disconnect the charge controller from all power-sources

3. Wait 3 minutes, and power up again.

4. Reconfigure the charger.

Please do report this to your Victron dealer and ask him to escalate it to Victron; as this error should never happen. Preferably
include firmware version and any other specifics (VRM URL, VictronConnect screenshots or similar).

Error 121 - Tester fail

• If the unit does not work and error 121 pops up as the active error the unit is faulty, contact your dealer for a replacement.
If the error is only present in the history data and the unit operates normally this error can be ignored safely. Explanation: when
the units powers up for the very first time in the factory, it does not have calibration data and an error 121 is logged. Obviously
this should have been cleared, but in the beginning units left the factory with this message still in the history data.

Error 200 - Internal DC voltage error

• The unit performs internal diagnostics when activating its internal DC-DC converter. This error indicates that something is
wrong with the DC-DC converter.
This error will not auto-reset. Check the installation and restart the unit using the power-switch. If the error persists the unit is
probably faulty.

Error 201 - Internal DC voltage error

• Applies to the MPPT RS, Inverter RS and Multi RS.
This “Internal DC voltage measurement error”, is raised in case an internal (high-) voltage measurement does not match certain
criteria.
First, make sure to update the firmware to v1.08 or later. The limits were too strict in earlier versions. And it could trigger falsely
during MPPT start-up in the morning and MPPT shutdown in the evening.
If the error still occurs after updating to v1.08 or later, then it means that a measurement circuit inside the unit is broken.
This error will not auto-reset. Check the installation and restart the unit using the power-switch. If the error persists, even after
above mentioned firmware update, the unit is most likely faulty and must be sent in for repair/replacement.

Error 202 - Internal GFCI sensor error

• The sensor used to measure residual current did not pass the internal self test.
This error will not auto-reset. Check the installation and restart the unit using the power-switch. If the error persists the unit is
probably faulty and must be sent in for repair/replacement.

Error 203, Err 205, Err 212, Err 215 - Internal supply voltage error
• The unit performs internal diagnostics when activating its internal voltage supplies. This error indicates that something is wrong
with an internal supply voltage.
This error will not auto-reset. Check the installation and restart the unit using the power-switch. If the error persists the unit is
probably faulty.

Page 43 Troubleshooting
 Isolated SmartSolar MPPT RS

7. Technical Specifications

Isolated SmartSolar MPPT 450/100-Tr 450/100-MC4 450/200-Tr 450/200-MC4

RS
CHARGER
Programmable charge voltage Minimum: 36 V
range Maximum: 60 V (8)
Charge voltage'absorption' Default : 57.6 V (adjustable)
Charge voltage 'float' Default : 55.2 V (adjustable)
Maximum charge current 100 A 200 A
Battery temperature sensor Included
Battery voltage sense Yes
SOLAR
Maximum DC PV voltage 450 V
Start-up voltage 120 V
MPPT operating voltage range 65 – 450 V (1)
Number of MPP Trackers 2 4
Maximum operational PV input 18 A per tracker 16 A per tracker 18 A per tracker 16 A per tracker
current
Max. PV short circuit current 20 A per tracker
reverse polarity protection (2)
Maximum DC output charging 4000 W per tracker 4000 W per tracker
power 5760 W total 11520 W total
Maximum PV array size per 7200 Wp (450 V x 20 A)
tracker (3)
PV Isolation fail level (4) 100 kΩ
GENERAL
Synchronised Parallel Yes, up to 25 units with VE.Can
Operation
Programmable relay (5) Yes
Protection (6) c, d, e
Data Communications VE.Direct port, VE.Can port & SmartSolar Bluetooth (7)
Bluetooth frequency 2402 – 2480 MHz
Bluetooth power 4dBm
General purpose analog/digital Yes, 2x
in port
Remote on-off Yes
Operating temperature range -40 to +60°C (fan assisted cooling)
Humidity (non-condensing) max 95%
Environmental condition Indoor type 1, conditioned
Suitable for wet locations No
Pollution degree PD2
Maximum altitude 2000m
Over voltage category OVCII
ENCLOSURE
Material & Color steel, blue RAL 5012

Page 44 Technical Specifications

 Isolated SmartSolar MPPT RS

Isolated SmartSolar MPPT 450/100-Tr 450/100-MC4 450/200-Tr 450/200-MC4

RS
Protection category IP21
Battery-connection Two M8 bolts
Power terminals PV input Screw terminal MC4 Connectors Screw terminal MC4 Connectors
blocks 2.5....16m2 blocks 2.5....16m2
Weight 7.9 kg 13.7 kg
Dimensions (hxwxd) 442 x 310 x 127 mm 487 x 435 x 147 mm
STANDARDS
Safety EN-IEC 62109-1, EN-IEC 62109-2
Country of Origin Designed in The Netherlands, Made in India
1) MPPT operating range is also constrained by battery voltage - PV VOC should not exceed 8xbattery float voltage. For
example, a 52,8V float voltage results in a maximum PV VOC of 422,4V. See Solar array configuration [8] for further
information.
2) A higher short circuit current may damage the controller if PV array is connected in reverse polarity.
3) Max. 450 Voc result in appr. 360 Vmpp, therefor the maximum PV array is appr. 360V x 20A = 7200Wp
4) The MPPT RS will test for sufficient resistive isolation between PV+ and GND, and PV- and GND. In the event of a

resistance below the threshold, the unit will stop charging, display the error, and send the error signal to the GX device (if
connected) for audible and email notification.
5) Programmable relay which can be set for general alarm, DC under voltage or genset start/stop function. DC rating: 4A up

to 35VDC and 1A up to 70VDC

6) Protection key:
c) battery voltage too high
d) battery voltage too low
e) temperature too high
7) The MPPT RS is not currently compatible with VE.Smart Networks
(8)The Charger set-point (float and absorption) can be set to max 60 V. The output voltage at the charger terminals can be
higher, due to temperature compensation as well as compensation for voltage drop over the battery cables. The maximum
output current is reduced on a linear basis from full current at 60V to 5A at 62V. The equalization voltage can be set to max
62V, the equalization current percentage can be set to max 6%.

7.1. Compliance
SIMPLIFIED EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY: Hereby, Victron Energy B.V. declares that the SmartSolar MPPT RS is
in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet
address: https://ve3.nl/7R.

UK PSTI STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE: We, Victron Energy B.V., confirm that our product SmartSolar MPPT RS complies
with the security requirements outlined in Schedule 1 of The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (Security
Requirements for Relevant Connectable Products) Regulations 2023. The official Statement of Compliance can be downloaded
from https://ve3.nl/7R.

Page 45 Technical Specifications

 Isolated SmartSolar MPPT RS

8. Appendix

Page 46 Appendix
 Isolated SmartSolar MPPT RS

8.1. Appendix B : Block Diagram

Page 47 Appendix
 Isolated SmartSolar MPPT RS

8.2. Appendix C : Example system schematic and wiring diagram

11 x 270W 60 cell panels in 8 x 270W 60 cell panels in

series – 418 Voc series – 304 Voc

AC Input Supply - Either

Critical AC Loads Grid Generator

MultiPlus ACin
ACout

ACin ACout1

ACin ACOut1

418V and 304V DC PV Distribution

Grid - ACin

ACout
MultiPlus - ACout
AC

MultiPlus - ACin
Distribution

ACout1 Acin ACout2

L PE N L PE N L PE N

Both Communications cables shown in diagram,

USE ONLY ONE of either VE.Can or VE.Direct
connections

48V Battery*
* minimum float voltage of 52.3V (PV voltage ÷ 8)

Page 48 Appendix
 Isolated SmartSolar MPPT RS

8.3. Appendix D : Dimensions

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Dimension Drawing - SS MPPT 450/100

SCC145110510 SmartSolar MPPT RS 450/100-MC4
A A

310.4 127
7.5
4x 6

32.5 6.2(3x)

B 43.4 B

98.3
55

87.5 87.5

442.3 350

C C

103.5
26.3

D
4.1 D
119.2 175

265

E
127 E

Dimensions in mm

F
F
Rev00

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Dimension Drawing - SmartSolar MPPT RS

SCC145120510 SmartSolar MPPT RS 450/200-MC4
A A

435.3 147.0
7.5

6(4x)
B 6.2(3x) B

30
44.8
98.3
55

487.1
120 120
376
C C

115.4
25

138.2
D
5.1 240 D

388

147.0
E
E

Dimensions in mm

F
F
Rev01

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Page 49 Appendix