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SMARTSOLAR MPPT · RHINOMAX OWNERS

Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 & 100/50 Quick Guide

This guide explains how your Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 or 100/50 works in your Rhinomax camper, and what “normal” performance looks like. For wiring diagrams, full settings and full fault code tables, download the complete Victron manual below.

Download Full SmartSolar Manual (PDF)

⚙️ Basic Operation (Rhinomax Edition)

What the SmartSolar does in your camper, and how to check that it’s working correctly.

1

What the MPPT Does

The SmartSolar MPPT is the solar charge controller between your roof (and/or portable) solar panels and the house batteries. It:

  • Converts panel voltage down to the correct battery charge voltage.
  • Tracks the maximum power point (MPPT) to maximise solar harvest.
  • Applies a proper multi-stage charging profile for your battery type.

In Rhinomax campers we typically use the 100/30 or 100/50 models depending on solar array size.

2

Normal Daily Behaviour

On a sunny day you’ll typically see:

  • Morning: MPPT wakes up once PV voltage is high enough, starts Bulk charge.
  • Midday: High charge current (up to 30 A or 50 A depending on model and conditions).
  • Later in day: Current tapers as batteries approach full, then moves to Float.

On cloudy days the controller will constantly adjust to changing light to extract maximum power.

3

Checking Status with VictronConnect

Use the free VictronConnect app (Bluetooth) to monitor and configure the SmartSolar:

  • Connect to “SmartSolar MPPT 100/30” or “SmartSolar MPPT 100/50”.
  • Home screen shows PV volts/amps, battery volts/amps and charge stage.
  • History screen shows the last 30 days of yield and max values.

This is the easiest way to see what your solar is actually doing day-to-day.

!

Automatic Battery Voltage Detection

On first power-up the SmartSolar will auto-detect 12 V or 24 V system voltage based on the connected battery. If the system is changed later, this can be manually set in VictronConnect.

Important: Never power up the MPPT with no battery connected – always connect the battery first, then the solar.

🔌 Key Settings for a Rhinomax Install

These are usually set by Rhinomax or your auto-sparky and rarely need changing.

1

Battery Preset & Charge Profile

Under Settings → Battery in VictronConnect:

  • Select the correct battery type preset (e.g. Victron Lithium / AGM) as configured by Rhinomax.
  • Confirm charge voltages and tail current match the system design.
  • Equalisation is normally off for lithium and many AGM setups.

Avoid changing these without guidance, as incorrect values can under- or over-charge the batteries.

2

PV Array Limits (100/30 & 100/50)

The SmartSolar models covered by this manual support:

  • Max PV voltage: 100 V (open-circuit, cold conditions).
  • Max charge current: 30 A (100/30) or 50 A (100/50).
  • Battery systems: 12 V or 24 V only.

Your Rhinomax solar array is sized to stay within these limits – do not add extra panels without checking with Rhinomax or your installer.

3

Load / “Virtual Load” Output

The SmartSolar uses a virtual load output function (via VE.Direct) rather than a big physical load terminal. In a Rhinomax, this is typically used to:

  • Protect the batteries from over-discharge if configured.
  • Coordinate with other Victron devices via VE.Smart networking (where applicable).

This is all handled behind the scenes and doesn’t usually need user changes.

4

Remote On/Off and Networking

The SmartSolar can be integrated with other Victron gear via:

  • VE.Direct to a GX device or display.
  • VE.Smart networking (Bluetooth mesh) for shared battery voltage/temperature data.
  • A remote on/off signal or BMS control line (in advanced systems).

In Rhinomax builds, these options are pre-configured by the electrical team.

🔧 Troubleshooting & Status

Quick checks to run through if your solar doesn’t seem to be doing what you expect.

No solar charge showing to the batteries
  • Check time of day & conditions: Early morning, heavy cloud, shade or dirty panels can all drastically reduce output.
  • Open VictronConnect and check:
    • PV voltage is above battery voltage (otherwise there’s nothing to convert).
    • Charge state (Bulk / Absorption / Float / Off).
    • Any warnings or errors displayed in the app.
  • Confirm battery fuse and main isolators are ON and that the battery bank is connected.
  • Inspect visible PV cabling and roof junctions for obvious damage (branches, impacts, etc.).
Batteries seem to be under-charging
  • Check the History tab in VictronConnect for daily kWh and max watts.
  • Consider:
    • Recent weather (multiple cloudy/rainy days).
    • High continuous DC loads (e.g. fridges, fans, inverters running all day).
    • Panel shading from awnings, trees or roof-mounted accessories.
  • Confirm the Battery preset is correct and that Absorption/Float voltages haven’t been reduced significantly from Rhinomax defaults.

If performance still seems off, take screenshots of Status + History and contact Rhinomax support – this gives us real data to work with.

Batteries appear over-charging or getting “too hot”
  • Immediately turn off the main battery isolator or PV isolator if you suspect unsafe charging, then contact support.
  • In VictronConnect, verify:
    • The correct battery voltage (12/24 V) is selected.
    • Absorption and Float voltages match your battery manufacturer’s recommendations.
    • Equalisation is disabled unless specifically required for your battery.

Most “over-charge” concerns turn out to be normal absorb voltages, but it’s always better to check.

LEDs / Error codes on the SmartSolar

The SmartSolar has multiple LED indications and error codes for things like:

  • Over-temperature or terminal overheating.
  • PV over-voltage or reversed polarity.
  • Battery voltage out of range.
  • Internal or calibration faults.

The easiest way to read and understand these is via VictronConnect → Product Info → Errors. For the full error list and explanations, refer to the PDF manual linked at the top of this guide.

🛠️ Preventative Maintenance Tips

Simple habits that keep your solar system performing at its best.

🧽

Keep Panels Clean & Clear

Periodically clean the solar panels with fresh water and a soft brush or cloth. Remove leaves, dust, bird droppings and anything that shades the glass – even small shaded areas can significantly reduce output.

📱

Check VictronConnect History

Every so often, open VictronConnect and review the History tab. You’ll quickly see whether daily harvest is in a normal range and can spot issues early (e.g. sudden drop in yield after a storm).

🔩

Inspect Wiring & Terminals

Have a qualified technician periodically inspect PV and battery cabling, fuses and junctions for signs of heat, corrosion or mechanical damage. Tight, clean connections help the controller run cooler and more efficiently.