diy solar

diy solar

!!! Victron finally released a 5kVA Multiplus-II for 120VAC in the US!

That’s significant!
@42OhmsPA have you yet been able to compare strings with your SRNE and your Victron controller?
Not a direct comparison yet, the Victron array is still aimed different.
Initially I thought the Victron was much better than the SRNE but I think I was judging to quick.... The Victron definitely makes power longer than the SRNE MPPT but it's not usable, a few watts.

I suppose over time that would add up.

I think the SRNE intentionally cuts off sooner and starts up later to make sure there is good usable power (if that makes any sense).


I'll make it a point to rewire 2 panels from the SRNE ground mount mppt to the Victron so they are at least aimed the same to get a more direct comparison.

Hell if I get really ambitious I could throw a string on the old Voltronic hanging on the wall.
 
ah man what a let down guys, it did not start my heat pump but did start the well pump fine, 3/4hp. I did have to remove the soft start the other day because it was acting up, but the EG4 still handled it fine after removing the soft start. It's only a 2.5 ton, 2 stage. Guess i will have to get a soft start once again but they seem to die so soon. Disappointing for a low freq inverter.
 
ah man what a let down guys, it did not start my heat pump but did start the well pump fine, 3/4hp. I did have to remove the soft start the other day because it was acting up, but the EG4 still handled it fine after removing the soft start. It's only a 2.5 ton, 2 stage. Guess i will have to get a soft start once again but they seem to die so soon. Disappointing for a low freq inverter.
What inverter is this?
 
Which EG4 are you referring to?
a pair of 6500s. I had the LVX before that and it was low freq split phase, started the heat pump fine. The victron would be perfect if it could start it without me having to buy another soft start.
 
Oddly enough with 1k watt solar coming in, it started up fine in stage 2. Will have to keep experimenting but still not good since it can't be used at night.
 
Oddly enough with 1k watt solar coming in, it started up fine in stage 2. Will have to keep experimenting but still not good since it can't be used at night.
What size and length are the cables you are using from the battery to the Multiplus II? What about for the EG4s?
 
I do have good news, my previous inverters, EG4's and LVX caused my heat pump to go nuts, and inverter would spike up and down until I turned on a high load like water heater. I fixed the LVX with a cap at the ac output, but I could not fix the EG4's. Enter the Victron, that issue is gone it looks like. I just can't start up the heat pump without solar, which will be remedied with a soft start. Happy camper here.
 
Well after some more testing the heat pump DOES start with the Victron, even with no solar coming. Not sure if it's the heat pump that's at fault. The only change I made was the ac output wire, went from 10awg to a 6awg on the primary. The other inverter was 6awg. Ran out of 6awg...I doubt that was the problem. My compresssor may be the culprit.
 
Either way it’s always best practice to have a soft start. If you have other loads on the inverters it doesn’t make sense to nearly max them out every time the central air kicks on.
 
Either way it’s always best practice to have a soft start. If you have other loads on the inverters it doesn’t make sense to nearly max them out every time the central air kicks on.
Yeah but with all the expeditures...I rarely use it during spring and summer. I use the mini split mostly. The not even 2 year old soft start probably still works but don't really feel like messing with the wiring again. I know that when I took it off the heat pump worked but there was a couple occassions where it didn't work, so who knows. I just know the victron runs the heat pump like it was on AC power. MPP Solar LVX, EG4's, don't buy that junk folks. Signature Solar was no help. Everytime I ran the heat pump on those 2 brands it caused the watts and amps to spike up and down. My heat pump made awful sounds while that was happening. I wasted all that cash that could've been spent on the Victron. The loud chinese junk will work for most but not everyone.
 
@Adam De Lay thanks for your Victron vids! Just setup the control of AC input using the Cerbo relay. Great work! Quite the change from EG4, I could control all that with ease using solar assistant. That's the price you pay for a solid inverter I suppose.
 
@Adam De Lay thanks for your Victron vids! Just setup the control of AC input using the Cerbo relay. Great work! Quite the change from EG4, I could control all that with ease using solar assistant. That's the price you pay for a solid inverter I suppose.
Glad they helped!

That’s one thing I’ve noticed since Victron was designed around mobile/marine installs (with professional installers) in order to make some things work, you have to perform an extra couple steps. Now that also shows the flexibility and customizations of the install.

I’m working on an integration right now from a completely unrelated system and bringing that data into the Victron system. It’s only possible due to the vast customization ability. Its exciting!
 
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