Victron Multiplus II & Pylontech Home Storage Battery. A real Tesla Powerwall alternative
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- Опубліковано 3 чер 2022
- Does the Victron system perform as I hoped?
Was my list of wants and needs fulfilled?
Battery has been live during May so I now know how it really performs compared to what I hoped for. Is it still the ultimate Home Storage Battery solution and can it compete withe the brilliant Tesla PowerWall?
System / Components and links / referrals
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Ecoflow Delta Mini 882wh 1400w portable battery power station
Ecoflow Delta link:
uk.ecoflow.com/collections/po...
Solar config
PV all JA solar 9.2kwp
14X280w (3.68kw Solis)
8X300w (2.0kw Solaredge)
4x450w (1.8kw) Solis
3x370w (1.1kw) Solis
Myenergi Zappi 1, Eddi and Hub
Battery:
Victron Multiplus II 48/5000
Cerbo GX
5 x Pylontech Us3000C
ET112 meter on the solar AC out
EV: Mini Electric Cooper SE Level 3 in midnight black and Chester grey leather
OCTOPUS energy referral link....
share ** £50 credit each **
🐙🔌share.octopus.energy/pink-ros...
⚡Instavolt App referral : £5 free charging each
⚡driver.emsp.instavolt.co.uk/r...
Twitter: @EVPuzzle
My recommendation for solar/battery installer:
Power Different
Hethel Engineering Centre
Chapman Way
Hethel
NR14 8FB
Tel: 01603 406052
email: kris@powerdifferent.co.uk
www.powerdifferent.co.uk/ - Наука та технологія
Thanks for such useful information. I have an almost identical system (off grid in Portugal) and am just starting to use it so your videos are so helpful for us. Keep up the great work 👍🏻
Fantastic update, I’ve been following your channel for a long time and it’s great to see your progress. I’m trying to spec a similar system, so the how spec a system guide would be most welcome. Thanks again for the update.
Good to see your getting the Pylon batteries Modular design gives you great flexibility.
Very timely. Thank you. Looking at BSS and asking the same questions as your first video. Based on your experience looks like I shall go for Victron + Pylon. Probably 4 units due to inverter threshold but was thinking of going over anyway to avoid being short. A sizing video would be great.
I have built my own energy management system to divert excess PV to the immersion but the recent and expected energy price increases means I need do more. I expect the lead times have gone up since you ordered!
Just about venture into the world of solar. Haven't done it before as it was a "new" tech. I have your obsession with data so useful to get a realistic view of the performance of your system. Thanks
Thanks really Informative I've just started my research into getting a domestic battery system, and look forward to that up coming vid
Excellent update Nigel, thanks
Extre3mely interesting and YES please do the sizing video. I am right at the start of my journey and sizing is exactly what is boggling my mind 🙂
ive just had 3 of those batteries installed on a 3kw pv system. so much fun fiddling with the app.
Very interesting update. Looking forward to the sizing video.Thank you.
It's on my list to produce ..
Thanks Nigel - very informative as usual. Would definitely like a video on how to calculate battery storage - have had a couple quotes from installers but their estimates seem a bit random. Cheers
Hi, battery size depends what your objectives are. I have a heat pump, so thought the more the better, but in winter there is no significant solar production, and therefore charge the batteries on an off peak tariff. The longest off peak period I could get was 5 hours, so I sized my batteries for 5 hours at maximum charging. In summer my solar panels completely charge the batteries and then export, but I can’t afford any more. So I’ve ended up with 6 x 3.2kWh batteries, just under 20kWh. I don’t use 20kWh in summer, but in winter use 40kWh, so it’s a compromise.
@@Muppetkeeper Hi MK, thanks for helpful reply. Hadn't thought about off-peak charging capacity in winter and so far only really considered what solar I'm not able to use and could therefore be usefully stored. So much to think about in this game! Practically, to start with I think it will come down to what I can afford, then assess overtime and increase number of batteries later if budget allows. Interestingly both installers quoted for 7.2kW - maybe this in industry norm for a standard house (or they had 3 pylontech 2.4kW batteries going spare!!). ☺
@@timf7268 there is a very good chance that they are selling what they think they can get. No one has anything in stock these days.
Great video and thanks for sharing :) Looking forward to the next video.
I certainly would be interested in those figure as we are about to go down that road and you have sold me on the batteries.
Great video nigel very informative 👍. I think as you say doing a video on how to size batteries for a home install would be fantastic. I'm installing a ground source heat pump ev charger etc and will have it running of the same setup you have. But would be fantastic to know exactly what is involved. Thanks again for your insightful videos much appreciated 🙏
Thanks - yes very interested in sizing calcs etc. Videos much appreciated
Excellent solution, I'm glad to see that you are happy with your Victron solution as am preparing to fit all the components already purchased, all Victron including the 5000/50 multi, Victron shunt, distribution, and Cerbo GX so I was listening carefully to both of your videos before installing it all including my 12 x 400w 10A Perlight Modules. I cannot fit more modules in the garden because the hedges on both sides would shade too much but I might eventually install more on the roof of the annexe that I am currently building. As far as storage is concerned, I was looking at the 48V 100Ah LifePO4 battery Built-in BMS 5.12kWh from vladsmall and see how it performs after which I might stretch to one or two more. However, living alone, I don't seem to use more than 1.5kwh on a daily average over the 365 days although I will need more when my lab is ready. I hope to see your next video soon about the capacity meanwhile thans once again 🙏and keep up the good work 😉
Very interesting video and set up. I can understand the desire to minimise grid import to zero, but in reality I find it adds up to little cost with my "cheaper" system vs the additional cost it would take to remove the issue - a cost benefit thing to take into account really. On days where the battery lasts all day (almost always at the moment) I import between 0.8 and 1.5KwH a day (not counting off peak use). About 20p at current rate, or say 45p when rates go up. It's a trade off.
Great to hear things have worked out for your setup and your choice. Always good to have a spare battery - you will use it going forwards I'm sure.
Got there in the end. Would've been so much simpler to just buy a powerwall of course but then I'd have paid Vat as it would've been in ages ago before the vat change 🤣
@@EVPuzzle at least you have full control over your system and if you choose can add additional packs at a sensible price.
Yep although prices have shot up neay 20% save as vat saving.. Coincidence?
@@EVPuzzle blatant profiteering
@@EVPuzzle I thought you still had to pay VAT on just a battery systems? I thought you only did not pay VAT on a solar & battery system?
I'm planning on building a similar setup (but without the PV at this stage) and use Octopus Go to charge the battery. A video on battery capacity and a more in-depth video of how it all bolts together would be most useful.
Thanks, Nigel for your video series. My Fox System is soon to be going in and I did a lot of work on the sizing. i don't want to size for the worst-case winter's day 16 kWh (excluding EV charging) but provide ESS to cover the base load and then some ie what I would need on an average spring/autumn day with my 4.8 kW PV. I'm happy to export during the day or charge my 10.5 kWh SunAmp Heat Battery (Heat Store for DHW) in summer and in winter and top up the ESS and Heat Store from off-peak EV tariff in the winter. The PV calculation is that it should meet 50% of my current annual consumption needs and I also have invested in Wind-Farm co-operative to meet the other 50%. The Windfarm element means it wouldn't pay me to eliminate Grid import as I need this to collect on the Wind-farm payout.
Hi Nigel, your last few videos have completely changed the landscape cot what I thought I needed. The obvious choice for most people is a Powerwall + Gateway. I have a 7.4kw solar and a 6000va 3phase inverter and looking to get some battery storage. I have checked with energy monkey who are quite local and stock all the components in your video. My consumption apart from normal household is a 3phase ASHP and Zappi so looking to do your solution on each phase and possibly add some more solar panels. I stumbled across your channel as I was originally looking at GivEnergy this makes more sense as I can place the batteries in the loft, fairly evenly spread out the weight. Thanks for the heads up on all of this, keep the videos coming.
Glad to have helped. Handy having energy monkey near by. Decent prices
Best video for filling in my vast gaps of knowledge on what to get etc. Have you made the video about what size battery you need? I need that video 😁
No Im scripting it this week hopefully after the monthly stats video.
Test driving MG4 and cupra born getting in my way
@@EVPuzzle perfect I look forward to it
Very nice. Thank you.
I have been lucky enough to get my hands on a 5th US3000C. I'll install it when I get a chance. I think 17kWh will cover my needs too.
Awesome, hope it wasn't too expensive
Brilliant video. Very informative.
Could you perhaps produce a video going through the precise wiring schematic and actual installation for someone who wanted to repeat your installation?
Keep it up!
Andy
Sorry I'm not an engineer or electrician so out my depth giving physical install advice. Victron give.lots of install examples online to follow.
Great video really useful thanks very much
Fantastic update. thanks. Wonder if you could share a diagram of how it’s setup and explain the various blue boxes. Looking forward to some seasonal updates to see how it performs.
Sorry Alan, I asked if Nigel could do a diagram, but before I started reading the comments, so hadn't seen that you'd already asked.
Very informative thanks a ton ❤
Many thanks for your info…and yes please “how do you work out storage for a particular home”..video would be very helpful…again,many thanks..
Great video, thanks
Thanks Nigel you must feel very satisfied, years of work delivering a competent system. As you say, everyone needs to work out the the storage solution that meets their needs. If you can do a video on sizing that would probably be well received. Another subject that I find people are confused by and it is not helped by a lack of experienced installers is understanding the system at the next level of detail. Anything further on listing the components used and maybe a more detailed schematic of the system would help a lot of people. I suspect there is still reluctance with a lot of people in starting a conversation with a supplier because they don't want to look dumb. Perhaps they need to go back through your past shows but you know how people are!
Anyway what I really wanted to say was CONGRATULATIONS on winning at the EV Puzzle. I suspect you won't stop perfecting but a little self congratulation is well deserved. 👍👌
Very kind mate, it does feel like we're getting there. It's a strategy and if I keep taking steps, even small ones in the right direction, well soon be way ahead of the game.
I'll Wait until everything is perfect before releasing a schematic as there are few aspects that's arent to be rcommended and I'd like to get those sorted first.
@@EVPuzzle One question. Did you find Victron's information provided the guidance on their system you needed or did you or your installer have to do a lot of design work?
I decided most of the design myself following research, Victron helped with a coupleOf queries mainly about the physical mains wire size, width of cable as the 100amp stuff doesn't connect directly to the Victron
Agree. It’s a market that needs more support as it’s easy for installers to confuse you. NMC vs LiFePO4, AC vs DC, islanding or not, impacting FITs or not, etc. clearly lots being learned and sounds like good advice from Victron too.
As always thanks for sharing your experience Nigel. I would like to see how a video on the sizing of a battery storage system. Also, curious as to how your battery temperatures were / are in the current heatwave?
It's won't be long now, notes made, video to film...
Great video Nigel. yes please to a battery sizing etc vid, the winter will be a big test for battery sizing and to have an option increase if need be will be key in my view and to bare in mine your inverter selection /capability or even to have 2 inverters if your demand is to high for one inverter. there is so many things and maybes. was it hard to find an installer to install a Victron, i spoke to one and it was a sharp intake of breath response. i won't be having solar but invested in a wind turbine. fingers crossed my Niro will arrive in a few months. thanks
Welcome to the big battery club Nigel
Our Powerwall takes 1.4 kw from the grid each month as it checks connection to the grid daily. It gives 5 kw peak power but doesn’t give you much control on when you want to charge the battery from the grid during the winter (as John Tisbury referred to)
You have more capacity, (you can’t have too much), you have similar peak output and far more control over it and can add even more capacity if you wish.
As soon as the solar starts to diminish in the autumn you will soon escape from your current ‘lazy’ ways.
You're right, we always want more
Hey Nigel, really enjoy the comprehensive videos, thank you for sharing the insights!
Yes please, I would be interested in the sizing guide.
Also can you advise on how easy the isolation switch was to implement, 2 installers advised me against it, which I thought strange.
Cheers
Bryan
Sometimes they insist the DNO fit the isolation switch as it needs the main fuse off. Glad you enjoy the videos👍
I’d appreciate whatever information you have coming!
I’m still a couple years out but love learning! I follow Andy on UA-cam outback garage!
Thank you
Hello Nigel. We have the same battery setup, less the cabinet - went for the self spacing brackets for cooling etc, and its in the loft out of the way. Sofar invertor. All installed hassle free since November. Great VFM. BR Mark
Wow 5 in the loft hope that's spread over a few joists 😉
Great system. Isn't it
@@EVPuzzle We live in a bungalow and the joists are 6x2, even so, they are sat on the joists over the porch brick piers. Yes, it is a great system - you forget how much you have been exporting over the years. This way, you are getting every last drop of the electricity generated. My wife cant keep up when using the washing machine, dishwasher etc, but she draws the line at ironing :)
@@xyredmax hello
We are planning for the Victron with pylontect batteries. Would you put the batteries in the loft if you were doing it again and where is Victron located?
@@anthonycain6643 Hello You have to remember that we live in a bungalow with a high roof pitch and strong joists - I have located the batteries on the joists over the porch brick peers. Also, our mains comes in at this point, so connection to the DB is easy. The SoFar invertor is next to the batteries
I love data, sounds like a great solution
Hi Nigel, another great video.... good to get the update on the previous battery installation video and it's great to hear that it is going so well.
Just preparing the G99 and ensuring I've got all the components I need for an almost identical install. Can I just check a couple of things with you, please?
- Somewhere (maybe in the comments?) you mentioned that the 100 amp mains cables won't fit directly into the inverter, due to cable sizes, I think. How did you overcome this?
- What is the purpose of including a lynx DC distributor and where have you integrated this into your system?
Thanks Nigel, keep up the great work. There are so many people who appreciate all that you're doing!
We used the consumer unit wiring which isn't so thick . Victron recommend splitting it into two cables rated 50a but we didn't need to in the end .
This is where sparky knowledge is key know cable ratings etc
As we had 5 batteries that meant two stacks as they go in 4s. Lynx enabled seperate cables and less heat in the cables ...I believe. Belt and braces
Do keep in mind that the Multiplus-ii 48/5000 is only rated for 50amps of throughput though.
Great review. I have the original PureDrive 5kwh unit (a rebranded Victron Multi II 48 3000 and Venus GX) which I am minded now to swap out the 5kwh battery with Pylontech batteries to expand its capacity as it runs out every day. looks like a straight swap and pretty straightforward and reuses the Victron components I have in the Puredrive. I guess the 3000 unit means the peak power will be the same (I have it limited to 2400W). The battery sizing review would be very useful - but I have an idea of where to start as I have my import figures for the last year (with a 5kwh battery).
Having that multiplus in there is a huge bonus
Hi Nigel. For a UK resident this goes a long way to solving the ‘puzzle’.
Yes, a capacity video would be good and given our climate, more relevant than the US channels which go on about air con with seemingly endless sunshine!🙂. With regard to climate and battery performance/ longevity- is your garage heated (how?). Sorry if I’ve missed that. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
No just a normal garage with a dark courted garage door that is a bit of a heater in summer. Batteries are fine in there, I've never seen them get too low in the 3 years I've been running batteries
@@EVPuzzle Thank you very much. The reason I asked is that I’m in Scotland and over night temperatures hover around freezing for at least a month in Winter. The most convenient location for batteries etc is an outhouse. I’ve never checked what the temperature inside it is (not enough data!!😀) but assumed it would be less than ideal. Now have to decide whether to just go ahead and put the batteries there or wait til I’ve monitored the temperature properly! Like you I have no mains gas and you are inspiring me to believe that I can make my home warm via self generated electricity. I really appreciate, not just the figures, but the ethos behind it. Thanks, again 👍
Hello I have just added a further 4 kW solar PV system to give us 8 kW combined. It is liberating have so much electricity generation ( during the summer period)
I’ve just come across this channel on my hunt to get the best system. Is it possible for you to do a full breakdown on where the system was bought and how to instal everything, what can be done ourselves and what needs to be done by a professional? I’m still learning and it would help people like me who don’t have much knowledge on the technical side follow what you have done. Even a series would be much appreciated. Many thanx
Glad you found us. None of my install is DIY although it is possible with the right skills . I used an installer for everything as it means I'm certified and safe .
All my components are listed in the description but I'll will produce a diagram soon and a video describing how it all connects . Victron have lots of great videos on this and Will Prowse does too. I'm not the best for electrical installation as I'm not an expert. My skill is in the design and data side , interpreting what's needed
It makes sense now to go the battery storage route. Really can’t see energy prices falling anytime soon, if at all.
Was thinking the same, especially if they end up rationing power during the day.
Well certainly not in Europe. EU will go offline regarding gas from Russia. And households need to get off the gas towards heatpumps and LNG is then used for heavy industries.
I have a 3.3Kw Growatt battery but have a hot tub too so I need to increase my battery size, so yes a video on battery sizing would be interesting. Also what make is your Grid Isolation switch (in the event of power failure.) Thanks for the Video
Another requirement some users may have is location of a supplier. I live in SW London but there seem to be no local Victron product suppliers the nearest being in the Medway area (75 mins), Hampshire (60 mins) or Essex (90 mins). It has surprised me that in the south east (~20 million potential customers) there are just 4 suppliers. The midland and north have many suppliers and there even 2 in your neck of the woods. I wonder if this will have an impact on the availability of people available locally to help with an install.
Another interesting video, thanks.
We've had a Tesla PW on order since January, and it most likely won't be with us for another few months yet. We would look at alternatives, but as far as I've been able to determine, it's the only system that can be mounted outside - which, due to where our power enters the house, is our only option. The thermal management too, is important to us - again, as part of the outdoor positioning of the batteries.
If the PW isn't forthcoming in the next few months, do you know of any alternatives that can be mounted outside? And are easily scalable? (It is likely that we'll end up with 2 PW's due to our high daily usage). These'll be connected to a 9kW solar array.
Where did you purchase your batteries....you found the cheapest source I reckon....cheers love your posts. Helping us all through the maze.
Very interesting content, thanks.
A video on battery size would be very useful, having spent the last 6 months trying to get some quotes I’ve come to realise that DIY maybe the way forward (with the help of an electrician). G
That's the exact route I have gone.
Kit arrived recently and I have been testing with it, and have built up a good understanding of all the settings/connectivity/BMS/NodeRed/HomeAssistant.
Finding an installer who knows, or is prepared to install Victron has been hard. I think I found a solution through....I spoke to a sparky (friend of friend) who would like to make a move into energy storage, but he is in a catch22 as he doesn't have experience with battery/inverter, so would struggle to get customers.....and no ESS customers means no experience.
Anyway, I am hoping that between us we can have a low cost installation, and he can gain the experience(photos/casestudy for website)
Remember you need MCS certificate if you want to export and be paid under SEG
@@EVPuzzle I have no solar, so this will be redeploying Octopus 5p electricity during the day.
So think I should be OK with just G99. (Although happy for you to point out anything that u may be missing)
Please do the video on sizing batteries.
yes please for battery sizing, just started process of ordering a home system with 2 of your batteries but should I stretch to 3🤷🏼♂️🙂
Hi Nigel, I too would be interested in a video on how to calculate battery storage, currently taking daily winter usage of 15kw as my guide. Hope to get my G99 this month, only taken 3.5 months. No luck on getting a Smart Meter as we have a semi concealed gas meter (like all modern houses) Bulb says they can't take on these jobs at the moment. They won't do just the Elec. Meter. So it looks like I'll be unable to get a discounted tariff to go with our EV later this year. But on the bright side the DNO delay enables us to get a GivEnergy Hy 5 Gen 2 with a 3.6kw charge/discharge
Battery sizing vid would be much appreciated.
Hi Nigel, I'm loving these very useful videos. I have almost the same setup as you, not as many PV panels but the Victron with 5 Pylontech US3000Cs soon to be 7.
You said you might make a video about the paralel DC system you have operating to reduce the ramp up and down on the AC side? I'd be really intersted in a circuit diagram if you have one please and finding out more about how your DC side operates? I've been searching all over the internet. I'm loosing upwards of 1kw per day to ramp up and down and I'm going to have an emergency breaker panel installed to allow me to use the batteries and solar during power cuts. We were off mains for 6 days last year and had no electricity despite the sunny days and the batteries being half full. Sorry to hear about the Kia. Have you decided on a replacement? My daughter has a Ioniq5 which shes very pleased with. Thanks again,
Chris
Thanks for your kind words.
Move as much of your home loads as you dare to the AC OUT side of the Victron for critical loads , that'll improve ramp up down for those loads.
You will find that those battery packs are in reality well over the stated KWH capacity, this is how they can boast 95% discharge which would actually kill a lithium battery cell. Similarly charging to 100% will be well under 100% in the internal cells. This is done to reduce stress on the cells and increase lifespan. Cheap battery packs don't do this for obvious reasons and their lifespan is severely reduced because of it. You have a pretty good setup there, quality components that cost more but will be far more reliable. The Victron inverter is also one of the best with many useful features not found on cheaper alternatives.
I agree good manufacturers build resilience in. I can't wait to try some full charge and discharges to se that capacity we really have
I have the Multiplus but the GX version. I'm just playing at the moment and it is wired purely on the input only, I only have a 4kW array of solar PV.
I am using a CT clamp to measure the total mains input and found that if the Victron batteries are fully charged and am producing enough solar to allow the Zappi to start charging on Eco++ then when a cloud comes over then the Victron will keep the minimum charge rate on the car going, so by moving the CT clamp to measure just my consumer unit and not the Zappi it stops the Victron from powering the Zappi. Somewhere in that explanation could be the solution you're after
That's exactly as it should work, my wiring is a little unique lol so needs a few adjustments, won't be long and it'll all be perfect
Thank you for the update, great work again, Is the system still meeting all your needs, now April 2024?
Battery and energy wise yes it's comfortably covered all peak usage. The surprising thing has been how much automation has been possible helping with saving sessions . It's really pleasing to have a flexible interface to control the battery fully. Sadly some systems don't offer simple controls let alone advanced ones. Victron was a really good choice if I say so myself
I really enjoyed watching your experience with the System. We recently switched to pylontech Batteries and are running Victron Gear for a couple Years now.
It is working really good !
Since we are using the Batteries in a ESS System, could you explain how you wired the Multi to take care of the Loads when the Grid fails ?
Thank you in advance.
Best Regards from Munich/Germany
Very interesting video just as I’m about to order my battery. You stopped me from going for a Growatt set up. Did you do your own installation or did you pay for it? Because this adds to the overall total cost.
Many thanks for making this very interesting.
Great to see. What did you end up using for the battery shelf mounting, I've been struggling to find suitable shelves in stock too.
Adjustable 1u side rails from Linxcom on ebay, looking at better options though as I could only get 2 shelves in
Thanks Nigel, very informative as always. Just a quick query, was the reason you went for 5 x US3000C's rather than 3 x US5000's?
Weight per unit and I didn't know much about the 5000s. Think they're harder to find too
Hi, I would be really interested in the battery capacity video, I came to solar with little knowledge and have learnt since installation and now want to reduce my power exporting as much as possible but, don’t want to overspend on capacity that won’t be used, having said that the system has only been in for 3 months and I have no experience of winter. So need some guidance, many thanks for your detailed information I am a bit of a data geek, many thanks and regards.
Hi ,thanks for providing best ideas ,just could be possible to get information from where you get cabinet for batteries,
Excellent video - thank you. Can I ask you or anyone here, if there are any advantages of choosing 5 x us3000 compared to 3 x us5000 batteries. Price per kw is cheaper for the 5000 option, but intrigued to hear your view.
Hi Nigel do all of your panels feed in to this system? If so would you not have considered applying for permission to get a 5kw or 7kw inverter? Or is there more involved in this ? Thanks enjoyed watching your video
Being AC connected my solar is completely seperate to my battery but they all interact. I did consider bigger inverter options or two smaller parallel inverters but felt this was optimum for us without going crazy. It was easy to get carried away
As usual a brilliant video thank you where do you get the batteries from I'm having problems finding a good supplier
Wholesalers on Google . CCL or energy monkey are ok
Hi Nigel, I have 4.8 KW PA Solar Panels across three roofs, This controlled by a Luxpowertek Hybrid invertor than also connects to my pylontech 2400s (4.8KWH). The slightly dissappointing thing is that the luxpowertek invertor only updates every 5 minutes.We a building a new house and I would like to have a system that gives me as close to realtime monitoring of the batteries. So your Victron multi plus caught my attention, however when I looked into it I found that it is an off grid battery invertor. So I am not sure whether it would make sense as we will be grid tied.
Hi, thanks for the system update. A question on your battery SOC monitoring. Does it take into account the depth of discharge (DOD) of the battery? For example, my battery may indicate it is 100% full, but with say, a DOD of 20%, it has a usable capacity of 80%. I scaled my monitoring system so that it reads more correctly, i.e 100% SOC = 100% usable and 20% SOC = 0% usable. It gives me a much better view of how much charge I have left.
For me 100% represents the voltage set for the charging to stop so my headroom isn't shown.
I prefer to see 10% as 10% . Not sure if I can calibrate it to show zero
Thanks for this. I love Victron kit having worked with it on my son’s narrowboat. I also use their software on a raspberry pie to monitor my home battery/solar system. One question I have regarding your inverter is when the demand exceeds the max output of inverter does it top-up the excess from the grid OR does it switch over to grid to supply all the demand? My current home inverter switch’s over to grid for all the demand and then reverts back to battery when demand reduces. I would prefer it just to top-up and continue to use batteries so curious about your Victron?
Yikes, no the Battery tops up and never wholly goes back to the grid
Very interested in the battery sizing issue.. our potential daily use is around 21KwH, but this summer we had one really hot day when it went To 39. Haven’t got solar yet and want to make sure I specify what we need and enough for EV charging in due course
Great video. Good to hear another UK owner's view on Pylontech batteries.
Can you confirm that cost? Did that include your installers bill? How much did the installer supply and what did you purchase yourself? How much was installed yourself?
Cheers!
Installer purchased most, I bought the cabinet.
Yes price includes install, batteries were only £945each but they've gone up since, inverter under £1300 when shopping around
Hi Nigel, great video with useful information, currently planning my Victron based ESS system. I see you have a stack of 5 US3000C batteries, can I ask what size cable between the first battery and the inverter was used and does it get warm at all, did you use a DC fuse for protection? Thanks
Installer went for the Lynx just in case of warm cables, not sure on length but it's under a meter
Thanks for all the great content.
Do you have an ET112 on the grid at all or just the solar output.
How is the Victron measuring export ? Is it just a CT clamp ?
Et112 on both grid and solar
Hi Nigel, thanks for the update, that was excellent, I keep on learning things from your videos. Do you think you would be willing and able to put up a wiring diagram of your system, showing every component including your solar panels. I would really love to see that. As for your next video, my thoughts on sizing are, we use between 8-10kw a day, so I want 30kwh of storage, in the hope that with what little solar we get in the winter, this capacity will get us though a cloudy 4-6 days, as I'm sure we will get some solar to either use directly or top up the batteries. Cheers Nige, keep up the excellent work.
Wow 30kwh that's really knocking grid use on the head
@@EVPuzzle Hopefully.
30KWH of Pylontech? Or something else?
@@gavinnoname1424 Hi Gavin. I've always liked the Givenergy batteries, they are the cheapest on the market and look much nicer than the Pylontech ones. I went to the Fully charged show and spoke with Givenergy who assured me they have sorted the ramp up/down issue. But to be honest I'm not that bothered. Nigel makes some good points about the Pylontech. 30kwh sounds a lot, but as I'm also going to install air to air heat pumps, multi head, x2, and a Mixergy tank, our electricity usage will go up significantly, so 30kwh won't be a crazy amount, and probably won't buy us as long as I'd like through the winter months.
@@HOMEAROMAS I am not too familiar with the Givenergy range but if I recall their batteries can only be used with their own inverter.
Have you considered doing a DIY battery?
I went down the route of purchasing 16x 280ah LifePo4 batteries and a BMS. Which cost £1,800 delivered.
This gives me a 13KWH battery for under £2K.
....or 26Kwh for £4K
Really good informative video, interesting how it copes over the winter. Who did you use for your Zappi install?
Anglian car chargers did mine but myenergi have a listed of. Approved installers online
@@EVPuzzle thank you for the information, just looking for a trusted installer in Norfolk.
Interested in the battery storage video. Just moving into a house with air source heat pump so I will be all electric heating which must be a big draw on capacity
It can be v based on size of house. Friend has ashp 6kw in 3 bed modern home and it ticks over 600-700w. I hear some though are very greedy. Ours A2A ticks over 300-400w when up to temp
Hi Nigel, I have noticed that the installer of your eddi hasn’t given the recommended space around it. Does it not affect it? Great videos. Dave from Sudbury.
Not that I've noticed . Hardly any heat off it to be concerned about
thank you for th VDO
is that 15KW really enough if you charge your car ?My Car has a 55KWh battery and the coming one has a 77KWh battery, 15KWh seems a bit low
Im building a 50KWh 3 phase system currently to support the cars and the house ( 15-20 KW per day usage w/o the cars or even heating)
Nice setup, we just installed the same setup 3 weeks ago, albeit 2 less batteries but more are on their way. I’m guessing you didn’t install a ET112 grid meter if all your loads are running off the ac out of the inverter. Think you will need one of these for your batteries to feed into the grid, the multi will fully know what’s going on with loads on the ac in side of the inverter then. We’re currently not using the ac out, everything is on the input. There is a 2-3 second ramp time when high loads come on. Looking forward to seeing how it behaves when we make use of the ac out. The cables are in, just need a consumer unit reworked.
Yes unless ALL your loads and feeds are in the output of the Victron then you need the ET112
I’ve just diy installed pretty much the same system and fitted the et112 so it can see the total house load
Hi Did you install the system yourself or get in a contractor? would be very interested in the battery storage sizing calculations
Great video Nigel. Could you put a diagram together to show how it fits together?
It's on my list to do
Great video as always. Do you mind sharing where did you get that cabinet from please.
Leicester company Linxcom
Can I ask how you prioritise power distribution into the Eddie/battery?
Did you have to put an additional CT on the the battery connected back to the Eddie/Myenergi hub (pg 31 of Eddie manual)
Grid setpoint and export margin settings plus CT Clip position
Hi, may i ask does your setup still use the grid power even if your batteries are full ?
Hi Nigel, thanks for all the videos. Im looking at a similar set-up. Could you do a video on ramp up and ramp down using a Victron GX Touch 50 - Cerbo display - showing live system data. If you do not have a Victron GX Touch 50 then I believe you can see the same information using your phone. Im interested in seeing the reaction time for ramp up/down when you add or remove a load from your system. Maybe do some small items 100w lights, and some bigger items ie kettle / hot water cylinder. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Alan
If it comes up here maybe but it's not the cards right now
Could you please let us know all the Victron parts used apart from the Multi, ET112 and Cerbo GX please? Thank you.
How do you isolate from the grid for maintenance, ie fitting new MCBs to the main fuse board for instance?
I've been interested in victron for a while. However, where can I find an installer? They don't seem to cover the country well at all.
We've been watching your videos with interest. We are in the process of installing a Victron Multiplus 48/5000 along with pylontech batteries US5000 x 2. We are looking for a cabinet to store the batteries and wondered what size of cabinet you have ie how much air circulation is required around them. Any advice appreciated. Many thanks, Diane
Air between the batteries is preferred but not essential it seems . I'm using an 18 u cabinet, should've been 20u± ideally
@@EVPuzzle Thanks Nigel, that's very helpful.
Thanks for the video Nigel, I used this and info from the Victron Community forum to arrive at a system based on a Multiplus ii 48/10000, 4x Pylontech US5000C batteries circa 19kwh, Cerbo GX, Cerbo GX Touch 50, Current sensing transformer and and this week my electrical supply has switched to EDF GoElectric 35 which gives me 5hrs low rate overnight. I don’t have PV as my roof isn’t ideal so a grid assist ESS using off peak to charge my batteries and discharge to power my daytime use aims to give me the best immediate bang for my £s spent. I am trying to define the precise configuration I need for the install as there seems to be one or two key variations and was wondering if you have any advice or direction you could point me in? All the best and thank you.
Woah 48/10000 a big beast . Just a pointer but make sure it's ESS qualified if it's a UK compliant device otherwise you might need a device to satisfy the DNO with export etc .
I recall my installer saying one of the bigger muktipluses wasn't certified. Probably works ok just not certified yet. Think all the quattros were ok.
Only saying just in case , best to be sure before buying
I wonder if you have done any calculations for Solar v Additional battery storage (instead of the Solar panels)?
It must now be compared using the low 7.5p/Kwh 4 hour (12:30-04:30) using Octopus GO tariff.
How much can a UK home draw into batteries in those 4 hours?
Octopus uses 100% renewable supply, so green credentials OK.
thanks for presenting your experiences with batteries so clearly :)
if you don't mind a couple of q's slightly off topic -
- would you still consider a setup such as this to make sense if only available elec source was a tariff with cheap night rates?
- if you expected to move house in under 5 years would you still consider this worthwhile?
Yes on the if tariff question and yes if I was moving in 5 years. Worst case you take it with you , best case you add value .
At some point solar PV will add serious value . Even if valuers dont cater for it you can borrow more as your outgoings are much less.
@@EVPuzzle thanks. yes great point about borrowing power
+1 vote for the sizing video please - personally would be interested in any thoughts you may have on a minimal viable starter setup for PV + battery
.
Hi, really informative video thank you.
Are you on 3 phase there or did you need a g99 to the DNO? I would like to put in a 5kw inverter but it does seem an expensive risk to pay out with the possibility that the DNO might say no.
Apply first is always best
Hi Nigel, interesting conversation. Did you get your Zappy not seeing your battery issue sorted? Also I was confused about your explanation of your consumer unit being all on AC out1 (the protected side of the Multiplus 2). My understanding is that the 50A capacity of the Multiplus 2 is total draw across AC out 1 and 2, and that the total draw of AC out 1 when the grid is offline is only 20A. can I assume that you have not had a power outage and tried to turn on multiple high voltage loads (eg cooker, water heater and aircon)? Take care D
I've not been bothered so far tbh. I know what I need to do though should it bother me going forwards.
Myenergi currently shows zero house use when the battery is covering the house load which is sort of reasonable. Only down is side is house usage values do not include battery use until the next day when battery charging counts as house use which is does as its either Grid or solar energy going into a device connected to the house.
One day I'll set it up as an exercise
Great setup. Where did you source the server rack cabinet from? Do you have details on dimensions HxWxD?
Linxcom Leicester 600mm deep
Good afternoon Nigel,
An excellent and very interesting video, and after a lot of investigating before arriving here, I came to the same manufacturer (Victron inverter/charger and Pylontech batteries) combination, which is where some of the boutique energy suppliers have ended up.
Just a couple of quick questions.
Did you purchase the equipment yourself or did your installer do this?
Can you share their contact details, as I am having difficulties getting an installer for what I want.
Thanks,
Graham.
Hello Nigel
Been following with interest your long journey down the Solar route. We seem to have both arrived at roughly the same destination with my having 10 x 365w panels/Solax inverter/4 x Pylontech us3000/ 2 x Pylontech US2000 batteries. This has been accumulated over the last 2 years and like you at the moment I am using less than 500 w a day. As an aside regarding your zappie charging I have now for the last month been using a granny charger very successfully which drains the battery.
May I ask how you are able to get the battery charge/discharge rate up to between 4-5 Kwh as mine seems limited to 1.7Kwh?
That does sound low on the discharge rate. Another chap had similar but a more extreme 400w discharge rate.. Turned out the installer hadn't set the amp limit correctly on the inverter.
Roll on winter to see how it performs. Brian
Yes I'm sort of looking forward to it. New heating changes should be in before winter too. Going to be interesting to see how it all plays out
Yeah it'll be interesting when winter comes around. I've got 2 x US3000C pylontech batteries which overnight drop to about 50%. I was contemplating 3 batteries but didn't think on the darker days they'll fill up. Had one dull day up here in York last week and it took best part of the day to fill. But, I've only had solar for a month now so still learning!
@@ahooks Winters are tough sometimes I produce negligible amount off electricity from my 2.8kWh system in December 0.2-0.3 kWh for whole day when in May my system produced 17kWh in best day . Need wind turbine for winter ;)
Hi Nigel. I am about to install a solar panel system with Pylontech batteries. One question that comes to mind is whilst in your system you say you do not have to rely on the grid in the summer months as your energy comes from your panels, what about in the winter time when little power is coming from the panels? I assume you then have to export power from the grid to keep the batteries topped up. Is that correct?
Yes using octopus 🐙 GO which the best EV and solar friendly cheap rate energy tariff out there Imo. A couple of more expensive months in December and January are better than burning oil in the boiler
I think the CT clip is what's missing for the inverter to 'feed back' to the loads that are 'outside' it on the grid side, like your EV charging. Right now it can't tell the usage other than what's on your 'protected' side of the inverter.
All fixed now, usb cable to the meter was faulty. A cable!
It would be good to help explain the sizing of the mppt compared to number of panels and the rate through to batteries