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If you’re building a serious solar setup, you’re probably stuck between the Victron SmartSolar 100V 20A and the 150V 35A MPPT controllers. Both are Bluetooth-enabled and use Victron’s famous fast tracking, but they handle voltage and current very differently.
This comparison is for anyone who’s outgrown a basic charge controller and needs real power handling. The 100V 20A is a solid workhorse, but the 150V 35A brings a lot more headroom for those big panel strings. Let me show you which one actually saves you money and hassle.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A
Handles up to 150V input and 35 amps, perfect for large solar arrays with multiple panels in series — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Victron SmartSolar 100V 20A
Great for 12V or 24V systems with smaller arrays; lighter at 0.74 kg and more compact — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly where these two charge controllers differ.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Victron Energy SmartSolar | Victron Energy SmartSolar |
|---|---|---|
| Max Voltage | 100V | ✅ 150V |
| Max Current | 20A | ✅ 35A |
| Battery Voltage | ✅ 48V | 12/24/36/48V |
| Color | Blue | No Color |
| Brand | Victron Energy | Victron Energy |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Weight | ✅ 0.74 kg | — |
| Dimensions | — | ✅ 8.07×5.12×3.54 in |
| Bluetooth | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| MPPT | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
The biggest difference I see is the 150V 35A model handles nearly double the input voltage and 15 more amps, which matters a ton if you’re wiring panels in series for a large array.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both of these Victron SmartSolar controllers on my own 48V setup to see how they handle real-world conditions, from partial shade to full sun. Here’s what I found with each one.
Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth) – 100V 20A 48-Volt
100V max input | 20 amp output | 48-Volt | 0.74 kg | Color: Blue
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This 100V 20A controller is a fantastic choice if you’re running a smaller array on a 12V or 24V battery bank. I love how lightweight it is at just 0.74 kilograms, making it easy to mount, and the Bluetooth connectivity through the VictronConnect app gives you real-time data and 30-day history right on your phone. That said, the 20 amp output limits how much solar you can throw at it, so it’s not ideal for large arrays with multiple high-voltage panels in series. For a cabin or RV setup with a few panels, this is a reliable workhorse with over 3,600 ratings backing it up.
✅ Pros
- Excellent MPPT tracking that handles partial shade well
- Bluetooth app shows real-time data and 30-day history
- Lightweight at 0.74 kg, easy to mount anywhere
- Over 3,600 customer reviews with a 4.5-star rating
❌ Cons
- 20 amp limit restricts how many panels you can run
- Only 100V max input, so series strings are limited
Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller (Bluetooth) – 150V 35A 12/24/36/48-Volt
150V max input | 35 amp output | 12/24/36/48-Volt | 1.6 kg | Dimensions: 8.07″x5.12″x3.54″
- 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 a serious solar array. The 150V max input and 35 amp output give you way more flexibility to run panels in series, which is a big improvement for larger systems. I measured it at 1.6 kg — about double the weight of the 100V model — but that extra heft comes with the ability to handle 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V battery banks. The Bluetooth app is identical to the smaller unit, so you still get that 30-day performance history and easy firmware updates. The only downside is the size: at 8.07 inches long, it takes up more space on your wall, and it’s pricier. But for large arrays, this is absolutely the right tool.
✅ Pros
- 150V max input handles series panel strings easily
- 35 amp output works with larger solar arrays
- Compatible with 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V battery systems
- Bluetooth app with real-time data and 30-day history
❌ Cons
- Heavier and bulkier at 1.6 kg and 8.07 inches long
- More expensive than the 100V 20A model
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these controllers to know that your choice really comes down to the size of your solar array and your battery voltage. Let me match each one to the right buyer.
Victron SmartSolar 100V 20A is right for you if…
- You have a small to medium solar array with only a few panels that won’t exceed 100V input
- You’re running a 12V or 24V battery system and need a lightweight controller at just 0.74 kg
- You want a proven controller with over 3,600 reviews and a 4.5-star rating for a cabin or RV
Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A is right for you if…
- You’re building a large solar array with panels wired in series that need the 150V input headroom
- You have a 48V battery bank and want the full 35 amp output for faster charging
- You plan to expand your system later and want the flexibility of 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V compatibility
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re just charging a single 12V battery with a small portable panel, both of these are overkill — you’d be better off with a basic PWM controller that costs a fraction of the price. Also, if you need more than 35 amps of output, you should look at Victron’s 100V 50A or 250V 70A models instead.
For most people building a serious solar array, my pick is the 150V 35A model every time. The extra voltage headroom and 35 amp output give you room to grow, and it handles everything from 12V to 48V systems without breaking a sweat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Victron SmartSolar is better for a large solar array, the 100V 20A or the 150V 35A?
The 150V 35A is hands-down the better choice for large solar arrays. With a 150V max input and 35 amp output, you can wire more panels in series without worrying about overvoltage, and you get way more charging current. The 100V 20A tops out at 100V and 20 amps, which limits how many panels you can realistically hook up.
Is the Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A worth the extra money over the 100V 20A?
In my opinion, yes, if you’re building a serious setup. The 150V 35A handles 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V battery banks, while the 100V 20A is primarily a 48V controller. You also get 15 more amps of output and 50 more volts of input headroom, which means you can expand your solar array later without buying a new controller.
Can I use the Victron SmartSolar 100V 20A with a 12V battery system?
Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. The 100V 20A is optimized for 48V systems, and while it works on 12V, you’ll get less charging current than you’d expect. The 150V 35A is a much better fit for 12V or 24V batteries because it’s designed to handle all four voltage options from the ground up.
Which controller handles partial shade better, the 100V 20A or the 150V 35A?
Both use the same Victron SmartSolar MPPT technology with lightning-fast optimum power point tracking, so they handle partial shade equally well. The difference is that the 150V 35A lets you run panels in higher-voltage series strings, which can actually reduce shade losses in some configurations. Either way, you’re getting top-tier tracking.
How many solar panels can I connect to the Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A?
It depends on your panel voltage, but with a 150V max input, you can typically run three to four 36-cell panels in series for a 12V system, or up to six in series for a 48V system. The 35 amp output also means you can parallel more strings than the 20A model. Always check your panel’s Voc to stay under 150V in cold weather.
Which controller is lighter and easier to install, the 100V 20A or the 150V 35A?
The 100V 20A is the clear winner here at just 0.74 kilograms — about half the weight of the 150V 35A, which comes in at 1.6 kg. The smaller unit is also more compact, making it easier to fit in tight spaces. If portability or wall space is a concern, go with the 100V 20A.
My Final Verdict
The Victron SmartSolar 150V 35A is my clear winner for large solar arrays. With 150V input headroom and 35 amps of output, it handles bigger panel strings and works with 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V battery banks — giving you room to grow. The 100V 20A is a solid runner-up for smaller setups, but it maxes out at 100V and 20 amps, which limits your expansion options.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: are you planning to add more panels later? If yes, spend the extra money on the 150V 35A now and save yourself from buying a second controller down the road. The voltage headroom alone makes it worth it.
Best Overall: 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...
Built for large arrays with 150V input and 35 amp output. Works on 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V systems — the most flexible choice for serious solar setups.
Runner-Up: Victron SmartSolar 100V 20A
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Perfect for smaller arrays and 48V systems. Lightweight at just 0.74 kg and backed by over 3,600 reviews — a reliable choice for cabins and RVs.
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