Victron's solar charge controller range spans from the tiny SmartSolar 75/10 for a single small panel to the massive MPPT RS 450/200 for commercial installations. This buying guide helps you pick the right controller for your system and budget, with UK pricing and real-world recommendations.
Understanding the Model Numbers
Every Victron MPPT model number tells you two critical specs: maximum PV voltage / maximum output current. For example, the SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 accepts up to 100V from the solar panels and outputs up to 30A to the battery.
The maximum solar wattage a controller can handle depends on your battery voltage. At 12V, multiply the output current by approximately 17V (typical MPPT operating voltage) to get theoretical max watts. In practice, Victron publishes recommended maximum PV power for each model.
Budget Picks: Under £100
SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 — Best Entry-Level
The 75/15 is the most popular starter controller. It handles up to 200W at 12V (or 400W at 24V), which covers a single panel or two small panels in parallel. Built-in Bluetooth lets you monitor via VictronConnect. VE.Direct port connects to a Cerbo GX if you add one later.
Best for: Single panel systems, small campervans, caravans. If you're running 100–175W of solar at 12V, this is all you need.
SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 — Slightly More Headroom
The 100/20 accepts higher PV voltage (100V vs 75V), allowing longer series strings. Handles up to 290W at 12V. The higher voltage limit gives you more flexibility with panel choices — you can use a single residential-style 300W panel with Voc up to 100V.
Best for: Systems that might grow beyond a single small panel. A smart choice if you plan to add more solar later.
Mid-Range: £100–£200
SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 — The Sweet Spot
The most recommended controller for campervan builds. Handles up to 440W at 12V (880W at 24V). The 30A output is enough for two 200W panels in parallel, which is a common campervan setup. At this price point, you get the best balance of capability and value.
Best for: Most campervans, caravans, and small boats running 200–400W of solar at 12V.
SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 — For Larger Arrays
When 30A isn't enough. Handles up to 700W at 12V (1400W at 24V). The 50A output suits three or four 200W panels. Same 100V input limit, so you may need panels in parallel rather than series to stay within voltage limits.
Best for: Larger campervans, motorhomes, and boats with 400–700W solar at 12V.
Performance: £200–£400
SmartSolar MPPT 150/35 — Higher Voltage Input
The 150V input opens up series wiring with higher-voltage panels. Two 200W residential panels in series (~80V Voc) fit comfortably under the 150V limit. Series wiring means thinner solar cables and less voltage drop on longer runs. Handles up to 500W at 12V.
Best for: Systems where panels are far from the controller (roof-mounted panels with long cable runs), or when using higher-voltage residential panels.
SmartSolar MPPT 150/60 and 150/70 — High Output
For serious solar arrays. The 150/60 handles up to 860W at 12V; the 150/70 handles up to 1000W at 12V. Both accept 150V input. These are the go-to controllers for motorhomes with 600–1000W solar arrays and larger off-grid installations.
Best for: Motorhomes, large campervans, liveaboard boats, small off-grid cabins with 600–1000W solar.
Premium: £400+
SmartSolar MPPT 250/85 and 250/100
The top of the SmartSolar range. The 250V input handles long series strings of residential panels — three 400W panels in series produce approximately 150V Voc, well within the 250V limit. The 250/100 handles up to 1450W at 12V or 5800W at 48V.
Best for: Large off-grid homes, commercial installations, 48V systems with multiple residential panels.
MPPT RS 450/100 and 450/200
Victron's flagship controllers for large-scale installations. The 450V input accepts very long strings of residential panels. The RS 450/200 handles up to 9600W at 48V with dual tracker inputs. Includes VE.Can connectivity and an LCD display.
Best for: Large off-grid homes, commercial solar installations, multi-kW systems at 48V.
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Max PV (12V) | Max PV (24V) | Max PV (48V) | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75/10 | 145W | 290W | — | Tiny systems | £55–£70 |
| 75/15 | 200W | 400W | — | Single panel, starter | £65–£85 |
| 100/20 | 290W | 580W | — | Small, upgradeable | £90–£115 |
| 100/30 | 440W | 880W | — | Most campervans | £130–£165 |
| 100/50 | 700W | 1400W | — | Larger vans, boats | £200–£250 |
| 150/35 | 500W | 1000W | 2000W | Long cable runs | £180–£230 |
| 150/60 | 860W | 1720W | 3440W | Motorhomes, cabins | £280–£340 |
| 150/70 | 1000W | 2000W | 4000W | Large arrays | £320–£390 |
| 250/85 | 1200W | 2400W | 4900W | Off-grid homes | £430–£520 |
| 250/100 | 1450W | 2900W | 5800W | Large off-grid | £500–£600 |
SmartSolar vs BlueSolar
Victron's SmartSolar range includes built-in Bluetooth for monitoring and configuration via VictronConnect. BlueSolar models are identical electrically but lack Bluetooth — they're slightly cheaper and can be upgraded with a VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle if needed later.
Our recommendation: Buy SmartSolar. The Bluetooth convenience is worth the small premium, and you can always connect to a Cerbo GX via VE.Direct regardless.
How to Choose
- Calculate your total solar wattage — add up the rated watts of all panels you plan to install
- Check the maximum PV power for your battery voltage in the table above
- Choose the smallest controller that fits — there's no benefit to massively oversizing
- Consider future expansion — if you might add more panels later, go one size up
- Check the PV voltage limit — if wiring panels in series, ensure total Voc (with cold correction) stays below the controller's maximum
Use the Victron MPPT sizing calculator to verify your configuration. And use our price comparison tool to find the best prices across UK retailers for any SmartSolar or BlueSolar controller.
