Victron SmartSolar MPPT Comparison
Hands-on review of every model from 75/15 to 250/100. UK 2026.
Pros
- Class-leading 98% peak efficiency
- Built-in Bluetooth with excellent VictronConnect app
- Handles over-panelling safely (30-50% oversize OK)
- 5-year warranty, legendary build quality
- Auto-detects 12V/24V/48V battery voltage
Cons
- Costs 3-5x more than generic MPPTs
- 250V models require VE.Can (more complex setup)
- No screen on unit; must use app
Our Top Picks
SmartSolar 150/35
The Swiss Army knife. Handles 5-6 x 400W panels on 48V. Most popular Victron MPPT for good reason: cheap enough, powerful enough, and the 150V headroom gives you proper string length.
SmartSolar 100/30
The sweet spot for campervans and canal boats. Two to four 100W panels, 12V or 24V battery. Handles most UK van roof layouts without breaking a sweat.
SmartSolar 150/60
The default pick for a 3-bed house on 48V. Handles 8-10 x 400W panels. More headroom than the 150/35 for only ~£100 more. Buy once, never worry about adding panels later.
SmartSolar 75/15
Single small panel for a shed, van, or gate opener. Cheapest way into the Victron ecosystem. Built-in Bluetooth and VE.Direct. Handles a 100-200W panel with room to spare.
Every SmartSolar Model Compared
Click column headers to sort. Highlighted rows are our recommended picks. “--” means that model does not support that battery voltage.
| Model | Max Voc (V) | Max Isc (A) | 12V (W) | 24V (W) | 48V (W) | Connection | Price | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | 15 | 220 | 440 | -- | VE.Direct | £65 | View | |
| 100 | 20 | 290 | 580 | 1,160 | VE.Direct | £90 | View | |
| 100 | 30 | 440 | 880 | -- | VE.Direct | £110 | View | |
| 100 | 50 | 700 | 1,400 | -- | VE.Direct | £155 | View | |
| 150 | 35 | 500 | 1,000 | 2,000 | VE.Direct | £175 | View | |
| 150 | 45 | 650 | 1,300 | 2,600 | VE.Direct | £220 | View | |
| 150 | 60 | 860 | 1,720 | 3,440 | VE.Direct | £280 | View | |
| 150 | 70 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 4,000 | VE.Direct | £340 | View | |
| 150 | 85 | 1,200 | 2,400 | 4,900 | VE.Direct | £410 | View | |
| 150 | 100 | 1,450 | 2,900 | 5,800 | VE.Direct | £490 | View | |
| 250 | 60 | -- | 1,720 | 3,440 | VE.Can | £375 | View | |
| 250 | 70 | -- | 2,000 | 4,000 | VE.Can | £440 | View | |
| 250 | 85 | -- | 2,400 | 4,900 | VE.Can | £520 | View | |
| 250 | 100 | -- | 2,900 | 5,800 | VE.Can | £620 | View |
Prices are approximate UK street prices as of mid-2026. All 250V models require 24V or 48V batteries (not 12V). The 450/100 and 450/200 exist for large commercial arrays but are rarely needed for residential DIY. All SmartSolar models include built-in Bluetooth for the VictronConnect app and a 5-year warranty. As an Amazon Associate, DIY Solar UK earns from qualifying purchases.
Current UK Deals & Bundle Pricing
Real pricing from UK retailers as of August 2026. Bundles often save you £20-50 vs buying the panel and MPPT separately.
Alpha Batteries 75/15 Kit
Best entry-level bundle on the market. Perfect for sheds, gate openers, or learning the Victron ecosystem. Genuine panel and controller, not a knock-off kit. The 75/15 handles a 235W panel with headroom to spare.
Kit available at Alpha Batteries UK - check their site for bundle stock
Simply Split Charge 100/30 Kit
The van-life sweet spot. Genuine 370W panel paired with the 100/30, the perfect controller for campervan and narrowboat setups. Includes all mounting hardware. Cheaper than buying panel and MPPT separately from most retailers.
Kit available at Simply Split Charge - check their site for bundle stock
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 150/35 mean on a Victron MPPT?
The first number (150) is the maximum PV open-circuit voltage the controller can handle. The second number (35) is the maximum charge current in amps it will deliver to the battery. So a 150/35 handles up to 150V from your panels and charges at up to 35A.
Which Victron MPPT for a 48V system?
For a 48V system, the 150/35 is the most popular all-rounder (up to 2kWp). For 3-4kWp, go 150/60 or 150/70. For 5kWp+, the 150/100 or 250/60. Use our free MPPT calculator to size yours exactly.
Can I over-panel a Victron MPPT?
Yes, within reason. Victron MPPTs current-limit at their rated output and won't be damaged by excess PV power as long as you NEVER exceed the max Voc rating. Over-panelling by up to 30-50% is common in the UK to get better winter performance. The MPPT simply caps output to its rated maximum on sunny days.
VE.Direct vs VE.Can: what is the difference?
VE.Direct is a simple serial port used on smaller MPPTs (up to 150/100). It connects to a Cerbo GX or Raspberry Pi via a VE.Direct to USB cable. VE.Can is CAN bus networking used on the 250V models: faster, supports daisy-chaining multiple units, and better for large systems.
Is Victron worth the premium over cheaper MPPTs?
For a system you depend on daily: yes. The build quality, Bluetooth app, efficiency, and community support justify the price. For a shed light or a temporary setup where failure doesn't matter, a £30 EPEver works fine. But if your freezer is on this system, buy Victron. I've seen too many cheap MPPTs fail silently or cook batteries with wrong float voltages.