I am seeking for an information I’m not able to find on Victron web site.
Does the Multi RS Solar 600 with one tracker (PMR482602000) have ESS features ?
Before buying such unit (I found a good deal on some remaining stock), I would like to be sure it will fit with any needs, one being: when/if needed (insufficient solar during the day or during the next day), charge the battery from grid during cheap energy hours to avoid needing the grid on more expensive period the day after.
It is unfortunate that Victron moved to the “two MPPT” version, remove any and all information related to the “one MPTT legacy version” ( Multi RS Solar 6000/80). So hopefuly, with your feedback, it seems confirmed the “one MPPT” version is capable to be used as a Multiplus 2 (at least to charge the battery)
This feature has been added over time ? (I found past messages stating the Multi RS does not have ESS features)
In the beginning there was confusion over the ESS thing.
But it is not full ESS like the MP2s.
I can change some ESS type settings in the GX just not under the ess menu like you do with the mp2 it is under the device in the device list.
Before you had to do it with BT. Which was also ok
Unsure I will use Node Red or MQTT control from Home Assistant (should, hopefully, such setting be accessible from Home Assistant it will be good, as AC charging trigger is relaying on external data, that I’m unsure to be able to easily grab from Node Red (and those trigger are already in use with my current inverter, so the chnage would only need to move from controling the current inverter to the Multi RS through MQTT)).
Actually, I went on the Multi RS demo on Victron Connect app, and did not find those settings, which was confusing.
I just recently tried Raspberry with Venus OS with my Smartshunt & VE.Direct/USB link. Works fine up to VRM.
Is it correct to assert that I cannot use a Raspberry with Venus OS as a GX device with the Multi RS as only VE.Can can be used for this ? (this is what I understood from the datasheet)
Thanks
guystewart
(Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager))
12
There are distinct differences between the single tracker and dual tracker hardware versions, and this will have direct impact onto which ESS features they each support.
They are not the same in this respect.
Neither model should be considered equivalent to MultiPlus-II in regards to ESS support. It is all quite different, and specific for each model.
Some ESS features were added in to the Multi RS single tracker model, specifically the ability to stay connected to a grid connection without charging, changing modes to keep batteries charged, and to support an AC input connection to power loads when required, or based on certain state of charge.
Other features will not be added to the single tracker model in the future, specifically the ability to export, and maybe others.
This has been a challenge to document clearly, so my apologies for that. I will prepare something more definitive as a reference guide to clarify the situation officially but that will take a bit more time.
It is clear that I prefer to not buy something for potential future feature that will not come. However, the current capabilities of the Multi RS 6000/80 are far from being clear when seeking for them.
I do not care for the export feature, since in France it is a mess (authorizations, contracts, bla bla bla)
My PV production is for my full personal use, either directly to the loads, or to store in the battery + needing to charge the battery from grid when appropriate (since rules are a bit complex for me, I am using Home Assistant with my chinese hybrid inverter today - I’d love to keep it this way, but may switch to Node Red if no other choice).
So it seems the Multi RS single tracker is fitting with my needs.
Should I abuse of your time and refering to my previous message, do you have any feedback to provide me ? Can the Multi RS Single tracker be (easily) seen/controlled using a Rasbperry & Venus OS ?
Yes, it can be easily controlled even through normal user interfaces. See my videos showing the basic ess type controls.
I use node red for other more complex stuff. Also don’t plan on grid feedback so it has been a great buy.
actually, when I mean “easily” from a raspberry + venus OS, I should have written “without complex USB to CAN adapter hard to find & that cost a lot” (I love how easily I plugged my SmartShunt with a VE.Direct USD adapter (DIY for now)).
guystewart
(Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager))
17
I have attached the ESS-like feature support for the single tracker Multi RS as of today.
There is some home assistant users using Victron equipment, you will need to investigate our modifications space for more details, direct support from Victron isn’t available but community support is there.
Indeed VE.Can is the connection required to a GX (or Raspberry Pi), again, limited support from Victron there but I try the modifications space to see what other users are doing.
Apologies for the small print, I wanted it in one shot. Should be able to click to enlarge.
While adding VE.Direct or VE.Bus to Raspberry is fairly easy, CAN is a differ matter from my research. Seems I should route to the cerbo GX and spend 200€ more than expected
Should I buy the Multi RS, my provider is able to sell me the regular Cerbo for only very few Euros on top of the S version, thus would go for the regular unit.
Thanks to both of you.
