Multiplus question

[JJJJ]

My apologies in advance to regular Multiplus users out there. I know this question will seem very basic but I am just at the beginning of the learning curve on this.

I was considering an all in one unit for some time. In my research however, I was drawn to the conversations on the durability of low frequency inverter technology in handling more demanding loads or surges. That limited the number of units available.

I found myself drawn to another inverter (which I will leave nameless out of respect) which has a strong following and the Multiplus. In discussions however, it appears that the while the first system has very capable hardware, there has been a decline in firmware updates as of late.

The Multiplus system on the other hand appears to be well supported at this time.

Sorry for the long introduction.... Basically I was wondering if this can be set up to use PV first, then battery then AC grid as needed during the day and then shift to battery charge and AC grid at night?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Johnson]

After lurking here for month and seeing how people ditched their other inverters as they broke, I bought a multiplus 24VDC 3000VA 70A 110VAC and have been using/testing it with a max load of 15Amp for a month in a relatively cool environment. I wanted something that would survive in a camper van, be able to charge from grid as well as solar and would accept input from the BMS (SBMS0) to turn off charging when the battery was full and turn of discharging when the battery was empty.

On standby it uses about 20W, when in use, the SBM) uses next to nothing. The multiplus has a hum as well as a fan that comes on at times, I found both annoying, but my wife who had it under her desk for a week said the the sounds did not bother her. In the van att night I will be able to turn it off, so I am not worried.

To program it, you need to buy a dongle, unless you are willing to deal with dip switches, which for me wasn't an option due to poor eyesight. The dongle is not expensive and you can make it yourself for less.

I like the unit because I plan to use it in a campervan, for homes I think there might be better solutions. The multiplus does not (yet) do grid tie, but you can put 2 or more together. I bought it in part because I do like the SBMS0 with the DSSR20 (instead of a mppt charge controller) for small systems where wiring between the solar panel and the battery is short (less than 50 feet) as 10 gauge wire isn't cheap.

Not sure if that answered your question.

 

[LanduytG]

I was going to buy another brand, but the Multplus seemed to be a better deal. Really glad I did. With easy star units on both my a/c units the multiplus will handle it. Not that I'm going to be running both but it's nice to know it can. I ended up using all Victron components. Glad I did. I always feel you get what you pay for.

Greg

 

[HRTKD]

Sorry for the long introduction.... Basically I was wondering if this can be set up to use PV first, then battery then AC grid as needed during the day and then shift to battery charge and AC grid at night?

At least with the Victron Multiplus, since it does not have a built-in solar charge controller, the decision of PV versus battery is dependent upon the watts provided by the PV and the loads.

Typically, the PV power and battery power are wired into a set of common bus bars. Your inverter/charger is then wired to those common bus bars.

As long as the PV power exceeds the loads, the battery power isn't used (at least not enough that you can measure with common equipment).

 

[JJJJ]

This sure sounds like a well designed system. May I ask where people are buying these? I know the internet lists a lot of places but good service is worth a couple more $$$ if it makes life simpler.

 

[rmaddy]

This sure sounds like a well designed system. May I ask where people are buying these? I know the internet lists a lot of places but good service is worth a couple more $$$ if it makes life simpler.

Where to buy?

Advice, experience with dealers selling Victron solar controllers. Specifically the smart solar 100 volt 50 amp model. Give me a recommendation for a good dealer. They all seem to be the same price.

diysolarforum.com

 

[JJJJ]

Perfect. Thank you very much!

 

[K8MEJ]

Perfect. Thank you very much!

J^4,

Check to see you have any local'ish dealers first. I bought mine from Boundless Power Systems in Newark, Ohio. He's an hour away from me, but worth the drive to talk with him, get advice, see his shop, etc. You'll find almost all places that sell Victron keep to Victron's MSRP pricing. However, each VAR tries to differentiate themselves via free shipping, keeping a lot of stock, technical advice, etc. Boundless will give you detailed wiring diagrams for your particular configuration. Getting their advice on sizing for wiring, fusing, component power ratings, etc. is super helpful. I am just a customer and have nothing to gain from my endorsement.