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HIGH CAPACITY MPPT · RHINOMAX OWNERS

Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/60–250/70 High Capacity Guide

This guide explains how your high-capacity Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/60, 150/70, 250/60 or 250/70 works in your Rhinomax Expedition series camper. It focuses on practical day-to-day use and what “normal” performance looks like. For wiring diagrams, full settings and a complete fault code list, download the full Victron manual below.

Download Full SmartSolar Manual (PDF)

⚙️ Basic Operation (Rhinomax High Capacity)

What this larger SmartSolar does in your camper and how to confirm it’s working as intended.

1

Role in the Rhinomax System

The high-capacity SmartSolar is the main solar charge controller between your larger solar array and the house battery bank. It:

  • Accepts higher PV voltages (up to 150 V or 250 V depending on model).
  • Charges at up to 60 A or 70 A into the batteries.
  • Supports 12 V, 24 V, 36 V and 48 V systems (configured in the settings).

In Rhinomax high-spec and Expedition builds, this unit is paired with larger roof arrays and lithium banks to maximise off-grid autonomy.

2

Normal Daily Behaviour

On a good solar day you’ll typically see the controller:

  • Morning: Wakes when PV voltage rises, enters Bulk charge.
  • Midday: Runs at high current (up to 60 A / 70 A) if the batteries and array demand it.
  • Afternoon: Tapers current as batteries approach full, then switches to Float.

On cloudy or partly shaded days, the ultra-fast MPPT algorithm constantly adjusts to extract maximum power from changing light conditions.

3

Checking Status with VictronConnect

Use the VictronConnect app (Bluetooth or VE.Direct via GX device) to monitor operation:

  • Connect to your SmartSolar 150/60, 150/70, 250/60 or 250/70.
  • Status screen shows PV volts/amps, battery volts/amps and the current charge stage.
  • History screen stores around 30 days of yield, max power and errors.

This is the quickest way to see exactly what your high-capacity solar is doing in real time.

!

Voltage Ranges & Safety

These models accept very high PV voltage. The manual specifies:

  • Max PV voltage: typically 150 V or 250 V depending on the variant.
  • Battery voltage options: 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 V.
  • Auto-detection on first power-up, or manual setting in VictronConnect.

Important: Always connect the battery first, then PV. Never work on the PV side while the array is in full sun unless safely covered and isolated.

🧠 Key Settings & System Design Notes

These are set by Rhinomax or your auto electrician and usually don’t need changing in the field.

1

Battery Voltage & Preset

Under Settings → Battery in VictronConnect:

  • Select the correct system voltage (12/24/36/48 V) as configured in the Rhinomax build.
  • Use the correct battery preset (e.g. Victron LiFePO₄, custom lithium, AGM) with matching absorb/float voltages.
  • Equalisation is usually off for lithium systems.

If you’re unsure, don’t change these values – take screenshots and contact Rhinomax support first.

2

PV Array Design (High Voltage)

These SmartSolar units are designed for high-voltage strings to keep cable size and losses down:

  • Panels are wired in series/series-parallel to stay within the unit’s max PV voltage in cold conditions.
  • Roof and auxiliary arrays are sized to stay within the controller’s wattage and current ratings.
  • Never add extra panels or rewire strings without confirming limits with Rhinomax or your installer.

Exceeding the listed PV voltage can permanently damage the controller.

3

Load Output, Relay & Networking

This family includes advanced features that Rhinomax may use in your system design:

  • Virtual load output & BatteryLife: battery protection logic to reduce deep discharge.
  • Programmable relay: can control external devices (via GX/bus configuration).
  • VE.Smart Networking: shares voltage/temperature with other Victron devices.

These are normally pre-configured and rarely need user changes in the field.

4

Temperature & Voltage Sensing

The controller uses:

  • An internal temperature sensor for temperature-compensated charging.
  • Optional external temp/voltage sensing via VE.Smart or BMV/SmartShunt.

Correct sensing helps maintain accurate charge voltages, especially with long cable runs or high loads.

🔧 Troubleshooting – High Capacity System

Run through these checks before assuming there is a hardware fault.

No or very low solar charge
  • Check basics: Time of day, sun angle, shading, dirty panels, heavy cloud, awnings or gear shading the array.
  • In VictronConnect → Status, verify:
    • PV voltage is well above battery voltage – if not, there’s nothing usable to convert.
    • Charge state (Off, Bulk, Absorption, Float).
    • Any warnings or errors listed at the top of the screen.
  • Confirm all relevant PV and battery isolators/fuses are turned ON and intact.
  • If the controller remains “Off” in full sun with correct wiring, note the error code and contact Rhinomax.
Batteries not reaching full charge
  • Open the History tab in VictronConnect and check daily kWh and peak power.
  • Investigate:
    • Recent run of poor weather / heavy tree cover.
    • Large continuous DC loads (fridges, inverters, A/C, heaters running from battery).
    • Partial shading of one string – on high voltage arrays, even small shadows can hurt yield.
  • Confirm battery presets and absorb/float voltages match the battery spec – not drastically reduced.

If performance still seems wrong, grab screenshots of Status + History and send them to Rhinomax support for analysis.

Controller hot or derating output
  • The unit is designed to run efficiently, but at very high power and high ambient temperatures it may automatically reduce current to protect itself.
  • Ensure it has good ventilation and is not boxed in with no airflow or mounted next to heat sources.
  • Check for error/warning entries related to over-temperature in VictronConnect.

Sustained derating is often environment or installation related rather than a fault with the unit itself.

LEDs or error codes present

The high-capacity SmartSolar uses status LEDs and error codes for:

  • Battery over/under-voltage or temperature issues.
  • PV over-voltage, PV shut-down or reverse polarity.
  • Internal sensor, power stage or terminal over-temperature faults.

In VictronConnect, go to Product info → Errors to see current and historic error codes. Use the full PDF manual for detailed definitions and recommended corrective actions.

🛠️ Preventative Maintenance – High Output Arrays

These steps help keep your large Rhinomax solar system running at full potential.

🧽

Panel Cleaning & Shading Checks

Clean panels regularly with fresh water and a soft brush or cloth. Remove dust, bird droppings and leaf build-up. With higher-voltage strings, even partial shading of a single panel can noticeably reduce total output.

📊

Monitor History After Trips

After extended trips, review the History in VictronConnect to understand typical harvest and peak outputs. Sudden drops in daily yield (with similar conditions) can flag issues early.

🔧

Professional System Checks

Have a qualified auto electrician or Rhinomax service technician periodically check PV/battery cabling, isolators, fuses and terminations for heat, damage or corrosion – particularly important on high-current, high-voltage systems.