Dc Load Too High; Battery Cable Voltage Drop - Victron energy SmartSolar MPPT 150/60 Manual

• Solar charger is unable to reach full output. Refer to the
Please note that this information does not apply to an ESS system. An ESS system will continuously be in the bulk charge stage
while connected to the grid.
Left: Example of a system that is spending all its time in the bulk stage. Right: Breakdown of the charge stages - The system

8.6.2. DC load too high

The solar charger not only charges the batteries but also supplies power for the system's DC loads, such as lights, refrigerators,
inverters, inverter/chargers and more.
Battery charging occurs only when the power generated by the PV panels exceeds the power consumed by the system's DC
loads.
To check the PV array's power generation and load power usage:
To check the PV array's power generation and load power usage:
• If the system includes a properly installed and configured battery monitor, you can monitor the current flowing in (or out) of the
battery, while the solar charger indicates the current generated by the solar array.
• Use a current clamp and compare the current flowing from the solar charger into the battery and the current flowing from the
battery into the DC system.
• A positive sign alongside the current reading indicates current flowing into the battery, whereas a negative sign suggests
current being drawn from the battery.

8.6.3. Battery cable voltage drop

If the battery cables experience a voltage drop, the solar charger will produce the correct voltage, but the batteries will receive a
lower voltage, potentially leading to undercharged batteries. An excessive voltage drop of more than 2.5% is unacceptable.
The voltage drop can result in the following:
• Longer battery charging times.
• Battery receiving a charge voltage that is too low.
• Loss of charge power.
• Increased heat in the battery cables.
The voltage drop can be caused by:
• Battery cables with insufficient cross-sectional area.
• Poorly crimped cable lugs or terminals.
• Loose terminal connections.
• Faulty or loose fuse(s).
For more information on cabling issues and voltage drop, refer to the
Battery cable voltage drop check
Make sure that the charger is charging with the full current, preferably in the morning. Use the VictronConnect
Step 1
app to confirm the output current.
Page 54
MPPT solar charger manual
Solar charger not achieving full output [57]
spends time in bulk and in the absorption stage.
Wiring Unlimited
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Troubleshooting