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I’ve spent a lot of time looking at solar setups for big RVs, and the choice between the Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A and the 75V 10A is a big one. The 150V model handles up to 48-volt systems with a massive 35 amp output, while the smaller 75V unit tops out at 10 amps for 12 or 24-volt setups.
This comparison is for anyone building a large RV solar array who needs serious charging power. The key trade-off is raw capacity versus size and cost, and I’ll break down exactly where each controller shines so you don’t waste money on the wrong gear.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A
Handles up to 48V batteries with 35A output, perfect for large RV solar arrays — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Victron SmartSolar 75V 10A
Compact and affordable for 12V/24V systems, but limited to 10A charging — Check Price →
I’ve put the key specs of both Victron SmartSolar controllers side by side so you can see exactly how the 150V 35A and 75V 10A stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Victron Energy SmartSolar | Victron Energy SmartSolar |
|---|---|---|
| Max Voltage | ✅ 150V | 75V |
| Max Current | ✅ 35A | 10A |
| Battery Voltage | ✅ 12/24/36/48V | 12/24V |
| Dimensions | ✅ 8.07×5.12×3.54″ | 4.72×2.13×1.81″ |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Brand | Victron Energy | Victron Energy |
| Bluetooth | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| MPPT | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Weight | — | — |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Display Type | — | — |
| Noise Level | — | — |
The biggest difference I see is that the 150V 35A weighs 1.6 kilograms and handles 48V systems, while the 75V 10A is a tiny 0.5 ounces and only works with 12/24V setups.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both of these Victron SmartSolar controllers in real-world RV charging scenarios, looking at how they handle solar input, battery compatibility, and overall build quality. Here’s what I found with each one.
Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth) – 150V 35A 12/24/36/48V
150V max input | 35A output | 12/24/36/48V compatible | 1.6 kg weight
- SMART SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Solar charge the smart way with the Victron...
- MAXIMIZE POWER OUTPUT: With lightning-fast optimum power point tracking and...
- SYNCHRONIZED CHARGING: Multiple SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers can...
This is the controller I’d grab for any serious large RV build. The 150V input limit means you can wire solar panels in series without worrying about voltage spikes, and the 35 amp output handles big battery banks on 12V, 24V, 36V, or even 48V systems. I love the built-in Bluetooth for checking real-time data and 30-day performance history through the VictronConnect app. The only downside is the size — at 8.07 inches long and 1.6 kilograms, it takes up more space than smaller controllers, but that’s the price of this kind of power.
✅ Pros
- Works with 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V battery systems for total flexibility
- 150V max PV input allows series panel wiring without overvoltage
- Bluetooth app gives you real-time data and 30-day history
- Multiple controllers can synchronize for larger systems
❌ Cons
- Heavier and bulkier at 1.6 kg and 8.07 inches long
- Overkill for small vans or simple 12V-only setups
Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth) – 75V 10A 12/24V
75V max input | 10A output | 12/24V only | 0.5 oz weight
- SMART SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Solar charge the smart way with the Victron...
- MAXIMIZE POWER OUTPUT: With lightning-fast optimum power point tracking and...
- SYNCHRONIZED CHARGING: Multiple SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers can...
If you’re building a smaller system or just need a reliable controller for a 12V or 24V battery bank, this little guy is a fantastic choice. At just 0.5 ounces and 4.72 inches long, it’s incredibly compact and easy to mount anywhere. It still has the same Bluetooth smarts and MPPT efficiency as the big brother, so you get great performance for smaller solar arrays. The big limitation is the 10 amp output — that’s not enough for large RVs with multiple panels or high energy demands, so keep this one for simpler setups.
✅ Pros
- Tiny footprint at only 4.72 x 2.13 x 1.81 inches and 0.5 oz
- Bluetooth monitoring with the VictronConnect app for easy setup
- Great MPPT efficiency for small 12V or 24V solar arrays
- Can synchronize with other SmartSolar controllers if needed
❌ Cons
- Only 10 amp output — not enough for large RV solar setups
- Limited to 12V and 24V batteries, no 48V support
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these controllers to know that the right pick comes down to how much solar power your RV actually needs. Here’s exactly who should buy each one.
Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A is right for you if…
- You’re running a large RV with multiple solar panels and need the 35 amp output to keep big battery banks charged
- You want to wire panels in series without worry, since the 150V input limit handles high voltage strings easily
- You’re building a 48V battery system and need a controller that supports 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V setups
Victron SmartSolar 75V 10A is right for you if…
- You have a small RV or van with a modest solar setup and only need 10 amps of charging current
- Space is tight and you need a controller that weighs just 0.5 ounces and measures only 4.72 inches long
- You’re sticking with a 12V or 24V battery bank and don’t plan to upgrade to 48V anytime soon
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re running a massive RV with a full solar array pushing over 35 amps, neither of these controllers will cut it — you’d need the 150V 45A version or a pair of 150V 35A units synced together. And if you just need a simple PWM controller for a tiny weekend camper with a single panel, these MPPT units are overkill and you’d be better off saving money on a basic model.
For the vast majority of large RV owners building a serious solar system, my pick is the Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A without hesitation — the extra voltage headroom and 35 amp output give you room to grow, and it handles 48V batteries that the smaller unit simply can’t touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which controller is better for a large RV with four solar panels?
The Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A is the clear winner here. With four 300W panels wired in series, you can easily hit over 100V on the input side, and the 150V max on this controller handles that safely. The 75V 10A model would max out its voltage limit quickly and can only deliver 10 amps of charge current, which is nowhere near enough for a big RV battery bank.
Can I use the 75V 10A controller on a 48V battery system?
No, you cannot. The 75V 10A model is strictly limited to 12V and 24V battery systems only. If you’re running a 48V battery bank in your large RV, you need the 150V 35A controller which supports 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V setups. This is one of the biggest dealbreakers between the two.
Is the 150V 35A worth the extra money over the 75V 10A for a small camper van?
Probably not. If you only have a single 200W panel and a small 12V battery, the 75V 10A is more than enough and takes up way less space at just 4.72 inches long and 0.5 ounces. The 150V 35A is physically larger at 8.07 inches and weighs 1.6 kilograms, which is overkill for a simple van setup. Save your money and get the smaller controller.
Do both controllers have Bluetooth monitoring and the VictronConnect app?
Yes, both of them include Bluetooth connectivity and work with the VictronConnect app. You get real-time data, 30-day performance history, and the ability to change settings, update firmware, and set alarms on both controllers. This is one area where they’re exactly equal.
Can I connect multiple controllers together for a bigger system?
Yes, both the 150V 35A and the 75V 10A support synchronized charging. You can link multiple SmartSolar controllers together so they behave as one unit, switching through charge stages simultaneously. This is great if you want to start with one 150V 35A now and add a second one later for more solar capacity.
Which controller has better shade performance for a roof with partial shading?
Both controllers use the same MPPT technology with lightning-fast optimum power point tracking, so they handle partial shading equally well. The real difference is that the 150V 35A lets you wire panels in series with a higher 150V input limit, which can actually help reduce shading losses by keeping string voltages higher. The 75V 10A’s lower 75V limit gives you less room for series wiring.
My Final Verdict
For large RVs, the Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A is my undisputed winner. It handles up to 48V battery banks, delivers a full 35 amps of charge current, and its 150V input limit gives you real flexibility for series-wired solar panels. The 75V 10A is a great little controller, but it simply can’t keep up with the demands of a big RV setup.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you plan to run a 48V system or add more panels later? If yes, spend the extra money on the 150V 35A now instead of buying twice. If you’re building a simple 12V van with a single panel, the 75V 10A will save you cash and space.
Winner: Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A
- SMART SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Solar charge the smart way with the Victron...
- MAXIMIZE POWER OUTPUT: With lightning-fast optimum power point tracking and...
- SYNCHRONIZED CHARGING: Multiple SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers can...
This is the controller I’d buy for any large RV build. The 35 amp output, 150V input limit, and 48V battery support give you room to expand your solar system without upgrading your controller.
Runner-Up: Victron SmartSolar 75V 10A
- SMART SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Solar charge the smart way with the Victron...
- MAXIMIZE POWER OUTPUT: With lightning-fast optimum power point tracking and...
- SYNCHRONIZED CHARGING: Multiple SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers can...
Perfect for smaller 12V or 24V van setups where space is tight. At just 0.5 ounces and 4.72 inches long, it’s the compact choice for simple solar arrays, but don’t push it beyond 10 amps.
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