I have a 24v off-grid solar project and I just purchased the Multiplus 2 to replace a fried inverter (non-Victron). I am completely off-grid with no plans to connect shore power or a generator. I have a Victron SmartSolar Charge Controller MPPT 150/45 that charges my two 12V SOK LiFePO4 batteries (in series) that are connected into the inverter. I have no need for the charger built into the MultiPlus. The On/Off power switch gives me two settings: charger only or inverter+charger. I really only need inverter-only which is not an option.
I have a few questions:
Will the inverter’s battery charging even engage without A/C-in connected?
If no, then do I ever need to configure the inverter settings to change it from the default (AGM?) batteries to the LiFePO4 battery type? Do I ever need to change any of the other charge settings via VEConfigure and can I skip buying the USB connector altogether?
If yes, does the inverter’s battery charger ever interfere with the SmartSolar charge controller? How do they work together?
The better option would have been an inverter RS (inverter only) (has no ac charger) or a pheonix smart then. They both program over Bluetooth.
Possibly they may have been cheaper? Or maybe your issue was battery bank voltage do you have the possibility of moving to 48v?
You can just hang since you don’t ac charge i guess. But you are missing out and so much more.
You need either the mk3 to usb or a gx with vrm access to program
Inverter only happens when there is no grid input naturally. So not a setting you need. And it can’t charge if there is no charge source.
The inverter and the mppts have zero knowlege of each other unless you buy a GX. As stand alone they will work.
Thanks! I am in the U.S. and needed 120V, 24V with 3000VA of power. The MultiPlus 2 was the most economical option. I went ahead and purchased the mk3 to get my system up and running. The device is, quite frankly, an expensive one-time use item for me and kind of a price-gouge. I find it astonishing that Victron didn’t build-in Bluetooth configuration capability into this more recently-released device. I mean who has portable Windows machines anymore?
I plan to get a GX device too. Thank your for your reply and assistance!
You can use the mk3 device with the VictronConnect app on an Android smartphone to do nearly all programming. Depending on the USB socket on the phone you may need some form.of OTG cable. I am not sure about iPhones and their proprietary connectivity as I use Android.
Yeah the multi2 is an older unit all the newer kits have Bluetooth.
For some applications is still best not to be able to change settings easily. So i think they still have a place.
They also are more than just an inverter. Integration is easier amongst other things.into other systems and control loops. And their own efficiency is far better than any other brand i have used so far of its topology.
You can program over the vrm with the GX remotely. I still prefer to have one personally. If you are buying from a reputable supplier, maybe try get them to update and program for you.
