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SmartSolar Control display manual

3. Operation

In this section:

The LCD screen displays the following information:

  • A number reading.

  • The unit of the reading: V, A, W, kWh, h or °C/°F.

  • The type of reading: battery, PV or temperature.

  • State: charge and charge stage indication.

  • Connection indicator and warning indicator.

SmartSolar_LCD_-_full_readout.svg

Full LCD readout

SmartSolar_LCD_-_characters.svg

The digits used to represent letters and numbers

The buttons on the front of the display are used to navigate through the solar charger readings and are used when making solar controller and display settings.They have the following functions:

Button

Action

SmartSolar_button_-_select.svg

Cancel

or

Back

SmartSolar_button_-_setup.svg

Select

or

Conform

SmartSolar_button_-_up_down.svg

Go to next or previous item

or

Increase or decrease value

3.1. Status menu

This menu shows the live solar charger readings. The SmartSolar Control display always starts up in this menu.

Press the - and + button to cycle through all menu items.

Press the - button to see the live data of the solar charger. Each time the - button is pressed, the next parameter will be displayed.

If the + and - button is pressed at the same time for 4 seconds, the auto scroll mode will be activated. The display will continuously cycle through each menu item every 5 seconds. To stop the auto scroll mode, briefly press the "-" or the "+" button.

These menu items will be displayed in order of appearance as indicated in below table:

LCD display

Menu item

Description and notes

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_batt_V_and_A_not_charging.svg
SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_batt_V_and_A_charging.svg

Battery voltage and charge current when no PV is present

Battery voltage and charge current when PV is present

The first number indicates the battery voltage (V), the second number indicates the battery charge current (A).

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_batt_A.svg

Battery charge current

Charge stage: Bulk, Absorption, Float or off.

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_batt_V.svg

Battery voltage

Charge stage: Bulk, Absorption, Float or off.

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_batt_W.svg

Battery charge power

Charge stage: Bulk, Absorption, Float or off.

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_temp_batt.svg

Battery temperature

The temperature is shown

or

A special message is shown:

  • "---" = No sensor information

  • "Err" = Invalid sensor data

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_temp_mppt.svg

Solar charger temperature

The temperature is shown

or

A special message is shown:

  • "---" = No sensor information

  • "Err" = Invalid sensor data

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_pv_A.svg

PV current

Solar array output current

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_pv_V.svg

PV voltage

Solar array output voltage

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_pv_W.svg

PV power

Solar array output power

In addition to above menu items, the following menu items will appear when special conditions occur:

LCD display

Menu item

Description and notes

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_info.svg

Warning message

"Inf" together with a number is displayed. This number refers to an error code, see solar charger manual for the meaning of this code.

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_errror.svg

Error message

"Err" together with a number is displayed. This number refers to an error code, see solar charger manual for the meaning of this code.

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_remote.svg

Remote operation

"remote" is displayed.

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_bms.svg

BMS operation

"bms" is displayed.

The charge stage and if PV is active is indicated by the bottom line of the display:

LCD display

Description

Notes

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_bulk.svg

Bulk charge stage

The first charge stage, the battery is between 0 and 80% state of charge.

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_absorption.svg

Absorption charge stage

The middle charge stage, the battery is between 80% and 100% state of charge.

SmartSolar_LCD_status_-_float.svg

Float charge stage

The last charge stage, the battery 100% state of charge.

3.2. History menu

The history menu shows both the daily and overall solar charger history data. It shows items such as solar yield, battery voltages, time spend in each charge stage and past errors.

To enter and read out the historical menu:

  • Press the SELECT button, while in the status menu.

  • A scrolling text will be visible.

  • Press the + or – button to navigate through the history items.

  • When arriving at the desired history item, press the SELECT button to see the value of that item.

  • If an item contains multiple values, Press + or – button to browse the various values within that item.

    For the daily items it is possible to scroll back to 30 days ago (data becomes available over time), a brief popup shows the day number.

  • To go back to the main history menu, press the SETUP button.

  • To go back to the status menu, press the SETUP button again.

All available history menu items are listed in below table, in the order they appear when scrolling through the items.

Scrolling text

LCD

Description

* When the charger is not active (night time) the bulk, absorption and float icons will be shown as in the table above. When the charger is active only one icon will be shown: the icon corresponding to the actual charge state.

YIELD TOTAL

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_total_yield.svg

The cumulative PV yield since the last history reset.

LAST ERROR

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_total_error.svg

The last 4 errors since the last history reset. Only available if there actually were any error(s):

  • E0 - Total error 0 (most recent)

  • E1 - Total error 2 (shown when available)

  • E2 - Total error 3 (shown when available)

  • E3 - Total error 4 (shown when available)

PANEL VOLTAGE MAXIMUM

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_total_Vmax_PV.svg

The maximum PV voltage since the last history reset.

BATTERY VOLTAGE MAXIMUM

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_total_Vmax_batt.svg

The maximum battery voltage since the last history reset.

YIELD

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_day_yield.svg

The daily PV yield, available for each day for the past 30 days.

BATTERY VOLTAGE MAXIMUM

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_day_Vmax_batt.svg

The daily maximum battery voltage, available for each day for the past 30 days.

BATTERY VOLTAGE MINIMUM

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_day_Vmin_batt.svg

The daily minimum battery voltage, available for each day for the past 30 days.

LAST ERROR

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_day_error.svg

The last 4 daily errors. Only available if there actually were any error(s):

  • E0 - Total error 0 (most recent)

  • E1 - Total error 2 (shown when available)

  • E2 - Total error 3 (shown when available)

  • E3 - Total error 3 (shown when available)

TIME BULK

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_day_time_bulk.svg

Daily time spent in bulk charge stage or in ESS, in minutes, available for each day for the past 30 days. *

TIME ABSORPTION

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_day_time_absorption.svg

Daily time spent in absorption charger stage, in minutes, available for each day for the past 30 days. *

TIME FLOAT

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_day_time_float.svg

Daily time spent in float charge stage, in minutes, available for each day for the past 30 days. *

MAXIMUM POWER

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_day_power_pv.svg

The daily maximum PV power, available for each day for the past 30 days.

BATTERY CURRENT MAXIMUM

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_day_current_batt.svg

The daily maximum battery current, available for each day for the past 30 days.

PANEL VOLTAGE MAXIMUM

SmartSolar_LCD_history_-_day_Vmax_pv.svg

The daily maximum PV current, available for each day for the past 30 days.

3.3. Setup menu

In the settings menu the solar charger and SmartSolar Control settings can be viewed and/or changed.

Caution

Do not change settings unless you know what they are and what the effect of changing these setting can be. Incorrect settings may cause system problems including damage to batteries. When in doubt, seek advice from and experienced Victron Energy installer, dealer or distributor.

To navigate the settings menu:

  • Press the SETUP button for 3 seconds to enter the setup menu.

  • The display will show the text “Menu” and the first menu item is shown via a scrolling text.

  • Navigate to the desired setting by pressing the - or + button.

  • Once arrived at the desired setting press the SELECT button to view the value the setting has been set to.

  • To modify this setting press the SELECT button again, the value will now blink.

  • Press the - or + button to choose the desired value.

  • Press SELECT to confirm the change, the value will stop blinking, and the change is made final.

  • Navigate to the next menu item, or press SETUP to return to the setup menu.

  • To leave the setup menu, press the SETUP button.

Note

Any settings change via the display or the VictronConnect App will override the rotary switch setting. Turning the rotary switch will override settings made with the display or via the VictronConnect App.

All available settings are indicated in below table, in the order they appear when scrolling through the menu, together with a basic description and notes for each setting. For the full description of the solar charger settings refer to the solar charger manual.

Number

Scrolling text

LCD

Desription and notes

01

POWER ON OFF

SmartSolar_menu_-_charging_graph.svg

This setting turns the charger in the solar charger ON or OFF.

02

MAXIMUM CHARGER CURRENT

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_bulk.svg

Sets the maximum charge current (A).

03

BATTERY VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery.svg

Sets the system voltage 12, 24, 36 or 48V.

04

CHARGE ALGORITHM

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery.svg

Sets the charge algorithm.

A preset charge algorithm has been selected via the rotary switch. This setting toggles between the preset algorithm or a USER defined algorithm.

Only when the USER algorithm has been selected, the charge settings in the remainder of the setup menu can be changed.

05

ABSORPTION VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_abs.svg

Sets the absorption voltage (V).

This setting can only be changed when the charge algorithm has been set to USER in setting 4.

06

FLOAT VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_float.svg

Sets the float voltage (V).

This setting can only be changed when the charge algorithm has been set to USER in setting 4.

08

EQUALIZATION VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_equa.svg

Sets the equalization voltage (V).

This setting can only be changed when the charge algorithm has been set to USER in setting 4.

09

AUTOMATIC EQUALIZATION

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_equa.svg

Sets if an automatic equalization should take place and how often this should be. Set to OFF 0 (default) or a number between 1 (every day) and 250 (once every 250 days).

Caution

Do not equalize charge Gel, AGM, VRLA or lithium batteries. Equalization can cause damage to the battery if the battery is not suitable for an equalization charge. Always check with the battery manufacturer prior to enabling equalization.

10

MANUAL EQUALIZATION

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_equa.svg

Initiates a manual equalization (START, STOP).

Only perform a manual equalisation during absorption or float charge stage, and when there is sufficient sunlight.

Press SELECT: the text START will blink, press SELECT again to start equalisation.

The manual equalise duration is 1 hour.

To terminate the equalisation mode prematurely, enter the setup menu and navigate to setup item 10, press SELECT: the text STOP will blink, press SELECT again to stop equalisation.

Caution

Do not equalize charge Gel, AGM, VRLA or lithium batteries. Equalization can cause damage to the battery if the battery is not suitable for an equalization charge. Always check with the battery manufacturer prior to enabling equalization.

11

RELAY MODE

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Sets the relay function:

  • 0 - Relay always off.

  • 1 - High PV voltage, see setup items 16 and 17.

  • 2 - High internal temperature solar charger, above 85°C.

  • 3 - Battery voltage too low, see setup items 12 and 13.

  • 4 - Equalization active.

  • 5 - Error condition present.

  • 6 - Low internal temperature solar charger, below - 20°C.

  • 7 - High battery voltage, see setup items 14 and 15.

  • 8 - Solar charger in float or storage charge stage.

  • 9 - Daylight detection, solar array irradiation.

  • 10 - Load control. The relay switches according to load control mode, see setting 35.

12

RELAY LOW VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery.svg

Sets the low battery voltage alarm activation level (V)

13

RELAY CLEAR LOW VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery.svg

Sets the low battery voltage alarm clear level (V).

14

RELAY HIGH VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery.svg

Sets the high battery voltage alarm activation level (V).

15

RELAY CLEAR HIGH VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery.svg

Sets the high battery voltage alarm clear level (V).

16

RELAY HIGH PANEL VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_pv.svg

Sets the high PV voltage alarm activation level (V).

17

RELAY CLEAR HIGH PANEL VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_pv.svg

Sets the high PV voltage alarm clear level (V).

18

RELAY MINIMUM CLOSED TIME

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Sets the relay minimum closed time (minutes).

20

TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_temp.svg

Sets the temperature charge voltage compensation factor (°C/mV or °F/mV). This is the value per cell. A 12V lead acid battery has 4 cells.

A setting of 0 disables the temperature compensation. Temperature compensated charging is not required for lithium batteries.

This setting can only be changed when the charge algorithm has been set to USER in setting 4.

21

TAIL CURRENT

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_bulk.svg

Sets the tail current (A).

23

MAXIMUM ABSORPTION TIME

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_abs.svg

Sets maximum absorption time (h).

28

REBULK OFFSET VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_bulk.svg

Sets the re-bulk offset voltage (V). This voltage is subtracted from setting 6.

29

LOW TEMPERATURE CHARGE CURRENT

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_temp_bulk.svg

Sets the low temperature charge current (A) for when the temperature drops below 5°C or the temperature as set in setting 30 (A).

30

LOW TEMPERATURE LEVEL

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_temp_bulk.svg

Sets low temperature level at which charging has to stop (°C or °F).

31

BMS PRESENT

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Sets if BMS is present (Y or N).

This setting is automatically set to Y when a compatible BMS is detected.

To revert the solar charger to normal operation (without BMS) set manually to N. For example if the charger is moved to another location were a BMS is not needed.

Caution

Do not set to Y when a BMS is connected to the solar charger's remote on/off terminal.

35

LOAD MODE

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Sets the load control mode the relay (setting 11, value 10) or the VE.Direct port (setting 58, value 4) is using to control a load:

  • 0 - Load output always off

  • 1 - Batterylife algorithm (default)

  • 2 - Conventional algorithm 1 (off 22.2V, on 26.2V)*

  • 3 - Conventional algorithm 2 (off 23.6V, on 28.0V)*

  • 4 - Load output always on

  • 5 - User defined algorithm 1 (off 20.0V, on 28.0V)*

  • 6 - User defined algorithm 2 (off 20.0V, on 28.0V)*

* Settings are for 24V systems, for 12V systems devide by 2, for 24V systems multiply by 2.

36

LOAD LOW VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Sets the load low voltage (V).

37

LOAD HIGH VOLTAGE

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Sets the load high voltage (V).

40

MAXIMUM EQUALIZATION TIME

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_equa.svg

Sets the maximum automatic equalization time (h).

41

EQUALIZATION AUTO STOP

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_equa.svg

Sets if the equalization should stop when the equalization voltage (setting 8) has been reached (Y or N).

42

EQUALIZATION CURRENT PERCENTAGE

SmartSolar_menu_-_battery_equa.svg

Sets the equalization current as a percentage (%) of the maximum charge current setting entered in setting 2.

This setting can only be changed when the charge algorithm has been set to USER in setting 4.

49

BACKLIGHT INTENSITY

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Sets the display's backlight intensity level (0 or 1).

50

BACKLIGHT ALWAYS ON

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Sets when the back light should turn off after the last keypress:

  • ON - Back light is always on.

  • OFF - Back light turns off 60 seconds after the last keypress.

  • AUTO - Back light is only on when the solar charger is charging.

51

SCROLL SPEED

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Sets the scroll speed (1 to 5).

57

RX MODE

SmartSolar_menu_-_connect.svg

Sets the VE.Direct port RX pin mode:

  • 0 - The VE.Direct port is used for on/off control by an external device, such as a BMS. It is an option to connect a BMS to the VE.Direct port, (instead of connecting the BMS to the remote on/off terminal). A VE.Direct non-inverting remote on/off cable is needed.

  • 1 - No function.

  • 2 or 3 - The RX pin is used to de-energize the relay.

    An AND function can be created if the relay function (setting 10) has been set to value 10 and the load control options (setting 35) remain valid. Both the load control and the RX pin must be high (value 2) or low (value 3) to energize the relay.

58

TX MODE

SmartSolar_menu_-_connect.svg

Sets the VE.Direct port TX pin mode:

  • 0 - Normal VE.Direct communication(default). For example to communicate with a Color Control panel (VE.Direct cable needed)

  • 1 - Pulse every 0.01kWh

  • 2 - Light dimming control (pwm normal). A VE.Direct TX digital output cable is needed

  • 3 - Light dimming control (pwm inverted) A VE.Direct TX digital output cable is needed.

  • 4 - Load control mode: the TX pin switches according to the load control mode (setting 35), see note. A VE.Direct TX digital output cable is needed to interface to a logic level load control port.

61

SOFTWARE VERSION

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Displays the firmware version of the solar charger.

62

RESTORE DEFAULTS

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Resets all settings to default.

Press SELECT: the text “RESET” will blink, press SELECT again to reset to original factory settings. The charger will re-boot. The history data will not be affected.

63

CLEAR HISTORY

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Resets all historic data.

Press SELECT: the text “CLEAR” will blink, press SELECT again to erase the history data. Note that this takes a few seconds to complete.

64

LOCK SETUP

SmartSolar_menu.svg

Locks settings (Y or N).

67

TEMPERATURE UNIT

SmartSolar_menu_-_temp.svg

Sets the temperature unit to °C or °F (CELC or FAHR)