I recently re-did my system yet again to make more power. I now have (3) Victron Multiplus 24/3000/70 in parallel. That went smoothly and everything is running well. My question is how to hook up my generator for charging. I have only a small Honda 2000 watt generator that I use sparingly in the wi…

I believe it should work if you untick the box in VE Bus System Configurator that says “Switch as group”. I am assuming that you only use the generator and no other grid connection…

I have experience with this type of setup in three phase systems, but not parallel. So you might have to experiment a bit, and the configuration might not allow that. It seems that you would need to connect to the master inverter in any case.

Actually, looking at demo mode in VE Bus System Configurator, it seems you can set each multi as a separate input. Unfortunately, I can’t try it on a physical system.

I went to VE Bus System Configurator and looked for “Switch as group" but I couldn’t find it. I know when I had 2 multi’s in split phase, that option was there in VE System Configurator. Maybe its not there in parallel configuration?

“switch as group” is a feature of split/3 phase and not parallel systems. In parallel systems the input must be connected to ALL inverters in the parallel configuration. The only way you are going to be able to use a 2k generator in your system is either by powering a stand alone charger, or enablin…

I believe you can limit AC input in non-ess systems. I’m not sure about parallel setups though.

AC input limit has minimum setting requirements regardless of single/parallel/multi phase configuration. In the case of the OP the minimum setting for his parallel setup far exceeds the capability of the generator.

Although technically not supported or suggested for off-grid use, ESS has been used in many ‘outside the box’ configurations for various reasons. If all necessary precautions are taken and the system setup appropriately, it would enable a smaller generator to be used in a larger system such as this.…

I really appreciate the help with this. What are the necessary precautions for using ESS off-grid? What would happen if I hooked generator only to master inverter?

Using small generator with parallel systems

DIY

JaVida (Jason ) 2 October 2024 17:23 7

Thanks for the info. I haven’t used ESS and when I just looked into it, it said it shouldn’t be used for off-grid systems. I am off grid. Anybody have any ideas without having to buy a new charger?

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Using small generator with parallel systems

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