Battery BACKUP for Home - DIY Step by Step
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- DIY home battery backup using Victron Multiplus-II and SOK 48V Server Rack batteries.
Current Connected Website Affiliate Link: www.currentconnected.com/?ref...
Find More information for this project and others on my website: projectswithdave.com
Downloadable Parts Lists with Cost and Circuit Diagram - Link: drive.google.com/file/d/1dMR7...
Watch the split phase upgrade install here: • DIY Split Phase Batter...
System Components:
SOK Battery 100Ah 48v Server Rack Battery: www.currentconnected.com/prod...
Budget Version from Signature solar: signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepo...
Victron 48v Multiplus-II Inverter Charger 3000va 120V: www.currentconnected.com/prod...
MegaFuse Holder + 2 Fuses (58V 125A): www.currentconnected.com/prod...
1/0 AWG Red + Black Pure Copper Battery/Inverter Cables (1.5 Ft Battery Parallel Connection): www.currentconnected.com/prod...
1/0 AWG Red + Black Pure Copper Battery/Inverter Cables (4 Ft Inverter Connection): www.currentconnected.com/prod...
1/0 Battery Cable Lugs 5/16": www.currentconnected.com/prod...
Fully Loaded 25kWh SOK 48v Server Rack Battery Kit - Bundle & Save: www.currentconnected.com/prod...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about solar power and home backup on my website ProjectsWithDave.com: projectswithdave.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my other projects: projectswithdave.com/#projects
Recommended sources for Bifacial and Discounted Solar Panels: projectswithdave.com/solar-pa...
Solar & Off Grid Materials & Components: projectswithdave.com/components/
Recommend Tools For Solar: projectswithdave.com/tools/
Learn how to do your own DIY Solar System: projectswithdave.com/#edu-video
Sources for LiFePO4 batteries: projectswithdave.com/batteries/
Inverter Solutions: projectswithdave.com/inverters/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For great prices on used and clearance solar panels use SanTan Solar: www.santansolar.com/product-c...
For large orders and pallet pricing fro SanTan, contact Alex (480-360-6203; or alexanderson@santansolar.com ) and mention EverydayDave for 5% off.
Best Value Source For Solar Panels and Batteries - Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/s...
Quality & Service Source for Batteries and Inverters- Current Connected: www.currentconnected.com/?ref...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WANT TO GO SOLAR BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
Solar doesn't make sense for everyone and I have found a great free resource that's on YOUR side. It's called EnergyPal, they will help you determine if solar is RIGHT FOR YOU and set you up with the lowest cost installation that meets your needs. If you follow my link to sign up you will get a $500 gift card when your install is complete! energypal.com/everyday-dave
Or, Try Energy Sage - It's free: www.energysage.com/p/everyday...
I used Energy Sage to research solar and receive multiple competing quotes for my install.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using my affiliate links helps the channel at no cost to you! THANK YOU!!
Disclaimers:
This video is for information purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice. Solar systems can and do involve dangerous electrical connections. If you do not have experience with electrical wiring, please seek professional support.
Affiliate information and disclaimers:
Links in description may be affiliate links, we may get paid if you purchase something through one of these links. This helps out our channel at no extra cost to you. Thank You!
(As a SanTan Solar Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases)
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Projects with Everyday Dave is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:45 Materials
04:59 Overview & Mounting
08:34 Sub Panel Wiring
09:58 Inverter AC Wiring
14:50 Battery Install
15:33 DC Wiring
22:11 48V SOK Battery Startup Procedure
25:22 Fridge Test
28:08 UPS Test
28:58 Miter Saw Test
29:54 Planer Test - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
![เกิดใหม่ทั้งทีก็เป็นสไลม์ไปซะแล้ว ซีซั่น 3 - ตอนที่ 57 [ซับไทย]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pNhft3YZFRE/mqdefault.jpg)
I stopped here for I had 30 minutes to "waste". Left with much gratitude for a smooth teaching style and a solid presentation. Thanks for the demo on the Temco crimper. I used your link and one is now on the way to my shop.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video Dave! Well organized and presented content.
Thanks for the no BS video. Just facts, no hype, actual tests.
Concerned about the scene where you open the battery box and poke around inside. I saw a ring on your finger. With the kind of energy stored in those cells, any inadvertent cross contact done by your ring would likely result in the ring welding to the source and your finger being burned off. This would leave you with a mess and people nicknaming you "Stumpy". Always remove any and all bling before ever opening a energy source no matter what you think of it's on or not, hot or cold or not. It's always hot.
Great suggestion, thanks!
Also keys or watches
I suggest when you start buying your system you start out buying a hybrid wind / solar charge controller, and a charger/ inverter, so when you upgrade you don’t need to buy new components, now you can max out your solar panels and batteries for going off grid but still have the option to charge your batteries off the grid , or just help keep them topped off for longer life , keep in mind , when it is windy , wind generators work better then solar , but on no wind Days Solar works better , and it not only the wind you need to take into consideration, it’s the clouds also
Could probably wear chainmaille gloves for protection 😂
It's amazing how many people I have met in my life that don't understand how dangerous rings are at work. If you're working around the house or at work, the last thing you should have on your fingers is a ring. If you do, you're either stupid or a cuck.
I saw a man at Boeing field and airport in Seattle. Working on an airplane and a fuel truck. Backed up underneath the wing and knock the ladder from underneath him. He grabbed on to the engine pod where he was and I saw him fall but what I didn't realize until I got up close to him was it. When he fell, his ring had become caught on the edge of the engine pod and it took his finger and the tendon connected to his finger all the way up to his elbow out he was partially the gloved. That's what they call it when you the skin around. Your fingers comes off on your hand. All because he had a stupid wedding ring on
I am not ready yet but sure appreciate your videos! I love how you have learned along the way.
Thank you for the video!
South Africa is currently in a national state of disaster because of rolling blackouts. Everyone is trying to get their hands on backup power systems. Your channel really provides us with a lot of much needed info on how these systems should be expected to work. Even though the electricity standards are different here in RSA it still helps.
I'm glad it has been helpful for you.
Victron "European" model supports being connected to 400V three phase TN and 230V three phase IT/TT grids.
Connecting to a 230V from a 400V TN grid would pretty much the same as in the video, just higher voltage between N and L1.
Hi there
How much is all these units together??
You can get the circuit diagrams, parts list and cost on the projects page on my website: projectswithdave.com/battery-backup-for-home-diy/
When you pointed out the value of winding the wiring back and forth between studs in consideration of future modifications or improvements, I just HAD to hit the subscribe button! This alone is a very helpful suggestion.
Love the shelf bracket idea. Awesome tutorial!
Subscribed. Love the video. Clear, to the point, you put a lot of care into planning out the system, and all with a great demeanor and presentation.
Great video. I just have one caveat which I learned the hard way. For such emergency backup systems you should assume the worst case scenario and place the battery and all components at least two feet above the worst potential flood level. You should also include some type of overhead protection from such things like roof leaks. Finally, make it as easy to operate as possible, without any special procedures because when it hits the fan, you will be reacting at a basic primal level with few reasoning abilities.
If my house floods, then power is the least of my worries! I'd be looking at a biblical type event!
@@charlieodom9107 your whole house could go up in flames if the cells get wet. So you don't necessarily need a flood to warrant protecting your cells from water; your house is piped with it, it falls from the sky, animals urinate it, etc.
Use an IP65 electrical cabinet
@@charlieodom9107 yup. I you put it where the water floods. Anything else it protects well enough. I find these wood based installation highly unprofessional.
@@petebra11 lfp batteries(like he shows) won't burst into flames like that.. nmc and lipo however are way more reactive
Great video! You consistently meet expectations!
Thanks Dave! Another great DIY video! Learned the difference between ANL and CNN fuses, new to me!
Yea, there are a lot of nuances when it comes to fuses. It requires some research for each situation.
Kudos for the torque wrench. This is a critical connection.
Thanks for the project Dave. Love it!
Glad you like it!
Thank you so much Dave for all your efforts and sharing them with us.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Subscribed once I heard you say to align all the outlet box faceplate screws the same direction!! THAT IS A MUST!!!💥🤘
Another great presentation. Thanks.
You are definitely old-school: aligning your screw-heads. Great to see teaching of the little things, in the trades.
Funny you should say that. I live in Ireland but worked for an American company here in the 80's and 90's "Wabco Westinghouse" which was owned by Union Switch and Signal and we always alligned the slots on the screw terminals Vertitally on our wiring of signal and track transformers and such. Reason I was told was not to trap moistre in the slots.
It must feel really good to have this level of self-sufficiency. Awesome video and I always learn something watching your vids.
It is nice not to be worried about the price of electricity going up or the power going out. Thanks for watching!
I designed and built a similar system of six GC-2 batteries charged by a 1 kW photovoltaic array and a 6 kW split-phase inverter. I was able to make substantial savings by winding my own transformers for the low-frequency inverter. The lead-acid cells were also chosen as a low-cost stopgap, the battery bus sags below inverter cutout voltage if the current exceeds 0.6C, so they're to be upgraded when the lead is dead.
A most excellent presentation!
Great video as always. Makes me even more excited to install my Solark system! Now I'm gonna need to buy some of those SOK batteries.
Go for it! They are working great!
Keep making these!!! Funny, my favorite and smartest part is when you build that little "pop out" box that bridges the wiring and allows you to mount the outlet box at the proper alignment for the conduit. SMART DUDEEEEEE
Thanks! It's the little things....
This gentlemen has a great setup.
This is exactly the video I am looking for! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, Dave, great video again!
Thanks for taking the time to post this great video!
Glad it was helpful!
Outstanding backup solution ever.
Thanks a lot of the video. I would really be interested to see something similar with a peak shaving system.
Another great one! Thank you for this. I was thinking about doing the same!
Go for it! It works even better than I anticipated. I love it!
Thank you for your video or videos. They are very educational! As a DIY’r I can not learn enough! I am reaping my rewards for my efforts from guys like you! God bless you and God bless America !
Thanks! I'm glad it's been helpful for you. My goal is to learn as much as I can and share what I learn with the community, It's nice to know it's valued.
This is a great backup system. I really enjoyed your demonstration.
Glad it was helpful!
Very good on the detail on labeling the wires !
Thanks!
Thanks Dave, Don't forget the sub panels are never bonded and should be checked to see if there is continuity between the neutral and the ground as there should be none.
Correct, I didn't detail that in the video, but I confirmed by continuity check that the panel ground and neutral were not connected.
@@ProjectsWithDave I only mentioned because it seems there are quite a few panels that are bonded.
@@ProjectsWithDaveThe ground bar in the new sub panel looks way too close to the neutral bar for my liking. It only works because the panel isn't too congested, otherwise you risk ground fault through bonding
Thanks Dave for the response.
No problem. : )
Remove wedding ring when working with electricity! Neat set up!
Thanks!
absolutely fantastic, i want to do all that!
You did a really nice job on this video. Thanks.
I appreciate that!
The cost efficiency and the wise application of user-administered components here is outstanding, you really know your stuff. Sadly I’m not quite so practical working with electrical wiring like this at all (I’m just a regular guy researching home battery backup). This sort of approach is a great way to break away from proprietary vendor specific products (which are also far more expensive). Is this sort of setup accomplishable with the help of an electrician, with me there to simply fund everything? I wonder about support as well. I suppose it would behoove the owner to at least get past the initial learning curve to make the most out of a system like this (even if they had professional help to prevent them from making dumb mistakes).
You should be able to find an electrician to help you assemble your system. Current Connected (link in description) is a great source to get your materials from because you can tell them what you want to do and they will pre-program the units for you.
Dave! Excellent job. I'll refer customers who ask me "How to...", to view this video. Thank you for following NEC.
Thanks!
Great video thank you for posting.
Hello,
I am from India and working as solar rooftop designer. Your video help me a lots.
Great video, I like your professional way of doing electric install.
Thanks! 👍
Hey, Current Dave, good job on having Past Dave set things up right for Future Dave, now you. The "extra wire" is called a "service loop" because it's typically set up as a loop to allow there to only be one splice to move it, not two. You may see these on utility poles as a run of fiber-optic or copper cable going back and forth between two poles to add length. If there's a fault, the extra material from the service loop is used -- one splice -- and the segment with the fault removed. If there wasn't a service loop it would require one splice to connect to the known-good part and one to extend to the service. With electrical it's not that big of a deal but with 640 fiber-optic strands it's a ***.
It's convenient you can put all your stuff next to the load panel. Mine's outside the house, which presents its own challenges. Also in the US regionalism means some of us call it a "load panel" (nobody I know does this), others a "breaker box", and if you read the NEC, "panel board." Most techs I work with call it "breaker box."
You did say "6-3" but didn't elaborate. Perhaps some of your newer viewers might be better educated if you explained that it means 6-gauge 3-wire cable, good for one phase up to 55A, voltage whatever residential you like. If you want split-phase (or "two leg") you'll want 6-4 to get the two phases (red+black for power, white for neutral, green for ground.)
One other comment - 1/0AWG isn't a whole lot of headroom for "future growth". Its ampacity is a bit above 60A or just a bit about 6AWG. If you're sticking with single phase (110-120VAC) and ran 6-3 to the breaker box... you can save the $2/ft for 1/0 and just do 6AWG. Most houses in north America are wired at up to 200A (two phase) so 6AWG will carry half that load just fine.
Also, while you're supposed to put the inverter 10cm away from other devices, it really depends on airflow... so in a basement with no airflow 10c may not be enough. On a wall in a hallway or in an HVAC-cooled room it's more than enough. Temp it with a laser tstat when off, temp it when on, and temp it at max perf and if you see it get hot, move it or put a fan on it.
E
Thanks for the detailed feedback. I'll try and remember my new terminology... "service loop" since I seem to like to use it a lot. : )
you have done good job for the installation, ❤
Hey Dave, great video. I'm in the process of doing something similar at home. I chose an MPP LV-MK series inverter because of it's "double conversion" capability, but it's possible the Victron and others can do the same. This is less efficient, but results in 0ms / instantaneous transfer time when the grid power goes out.
One thing I researched a fair amount was battery chemistry and optimal consumption behavior. From what I gathered, the lifespan of these SOK and EG4 lithium is way better than old-school lead acid / gel / AGM batteries. BUT... LiFePo4 don't like to sit idle at a fully-charged state. It reduces their life compared to daily charge/discharge cycles common to solar usage.
That's why I chose gel batteries (Renogy 100AH deep cycle hybrid gel, valve-regulated/sealed lead acid chonkers).
I would have tried silicate-salt, but they're really heavy and would have been at least $270 to ship. That and there isn't a whole lot of info about them.
Every battery has an optimal application and the only way to make the best decision for your application is to take the path you're on and do do a lot of research. Some more information to consider; with a good inverter, you can control the capacity level of your cells to maximize their lifespan. For instance you can make the max charge point at 60% or 80% to minimize the dendrite growth. Either way the LiFePo4 chemistry is the best for longevity if you go Lithium.
great video you did a good job
Fridges now days are very efficient,. Nice setup.
Am so glad I've found your channel, covering standby power, I've been looking @doing this in different way to provide 24hr off peak lectricity charge batteries @night 1am-8am then use batteries to run bungalow day/evening! So l can have 24hr off peak should save bag of money with energy prices rising so much!🤗😎
Glad I could help!
great video. You or others might want to not wear a ring while doing this sort of work. Thanks for putting this together.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video Dave! I'm starting from scratch and this is pretty close to what I'm looking for. Primarily looking for standby backup power for critical circuits. I have considered solar but we simply have too many large trees to make it cost effective.
Is it possible to have the UPS setup but be able to supplement battery charging with a gas generator when there are longer outages?
I'm not clear that using a transfer switch on the multiplus a/c input would give the desired result? Or would it? Would the excess generator power charge the batteries?
Are there other Victron models (or other brands) with better a/c input connections, not the push-in?
Maybe the Victron Quattro Inverter is what I'd want?
Thanks
Tony
Thanks! It can take generator input to charge the batteries, no problem. There are several other options on the market. I will demonstrate a few in an upcoming video.
Instead of bending your length of hook-up wire 11:00 I'd just put a 'loop' in the wire, it's easier to do, and handy when using an Amp Probe for current readings.
.
Very nice demo. Very cool. Thank for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Great directional video! You are definitely not a novice installer. Neutral or negative wire is the “captain of the ship” first one on and last one off.
Thanks!
Very cool setup. I really like the new ECOFlow systems with there integrated power distribution system. It does cost more but I can use the ECOFlow batteries to power my RV or any other application for remote power.
Yes, the all-in-one options are getting very powerful.
I like your explanation good job
Great video thanks for sharing. Most video's do not cover the breaker boxes to inverter part of the solar deal...In time shortly I hope to start this aspect of my solar deal packup. .
Glad it was helpful!
Great idea EMP proof for your house
Hallo danke fürs Video 👌👍
This is close to what I am planning. One difference is to drive 240V split. So with current Victron components I'd need 2 MP II/Quattro, or an MP II/Quattro + Victron autotransformer... OR wait until Victron comes out with a single unit that supports 240 split.
It's greate video. I was looking for this. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
I hope that dewalt has a 220 option. It would get a lot less bogged down and never go over 15 amp because it's not starving.
Good vid on the entire setup.
Thanks! Yes, 220 would help the planer quite a bit.
Great Video !!
Thanks!
Voltage droop doesn't happen until the wire is tasked to carry more current than it is supposed to carry. Watch your meters while the load goes up. I saw 104volts when you made one pass that connected with the log well. Michael in Colorado.
Yes, that's pretty close to the minimum I measured.
Very nice presentation....I don't usually reply. But this time, you deserve it. A couple of suggestions. You might talk a little about battery chemistry and the advantages of LiFe PO4 batteries. And you might also talk about how a solar array could be added to slow battery depletion.
Thanks for the tips!
agreed... dropped a dozen of used solar panels on the roof... $100 mppt contol... runs the house on a 3000 all in one inverter... charges at night if needed. but no backfeed.
I did this for my RV .. 3kw hybrid all in one POWmr, 468.00 + 2x 200ah lifep04 (469.00 ea) and about 90.00 worth of breakers and 8awg cable and connectors . 20amp power outlet .. and 1kw of solar panels 24v system .. under 2200 for the entire system
This was a well done video.
Thanks!
@@ProjectsWithDave if you were in Chesapeake Va area, id be coming by to pick your brain haha. Did you need to get this inspected?
Great video thank you Dave I have learned so much from you. I do have a question can I hook the battery system up to my system since I feed it back to the power grid. Sorry if I am not using the correct thermology still learning.
Yes, these batteries can be connected to grid-tie systems as long as the inverter is designed to manage the power.
Ive built a couple batteries for my off grid home. I used the eve280k cells this last time and nissan leaf modules the first time. Both my batteries have much more capacity than those server rack batteries qnd i have much nicer more capable bms. The nice thing about your server rack batteries are the ease of install.
I've considered building my own batteries just for fun. But it's hard to justify with what's available off the shelf these days.
@@ProjectsWithDave I like the battery and solar build stuff as a hobby and since finding out about having stage 4 cancer it's helped keep my mind off bad stuff. I'd have probably bought the server rack batteries but they are kinda an expensive way to get 30 kw or so of power storage compared to building your own. I like the look and convenience of the server rack stuff tho.
Nice job. Two things -1. the cable lengths from the battery to the Inverter should be as short as possible and the cable lengths the same length - preferably not coiled. 2. The fuse should be less than 12 inches from the positive side of the battery - best practice. There are lots of discussions about this on the web.
Thanks. 1) The cables should be as short as possible, however, I plan to make changes later so I didn't do that in this case. Series cables don't need to be the same length and coils in DC lines are not a concern. 2. For the fuse, in this case, there is not a significant difference with the 1/0 awg cable I used and the short distance between the battery and the inverter. Thanks for the feedback!
Dave good job I am thinking that is a project I need to do I have an oxygen concentrator that needs to run 24 hours. Fortunately we have not experienced any prolonged outages here but the system you have setup would make me rest easier at night.
Yes, the UPS function worked great.
Thanks for the great content. It's nice to see that it handled the planer load, (what's the ambient temp in the inverter room) would be great to see more load testing and see how it compares to the datasheet ratings. I do have a request, could you measure the no load idle current of the inverter? According to the Victron community forums, it seems to be common to get a unit that draws 60%-80% more than the datasheet rating. Victron's response has been, performance can vary unit to unit, and there is no fix besides replacement.
The ambient temperature at the time of testing was about 65deg F.
I get about 9W at idle. It has the lowest idle consumption of anything I've tested so far.
you'll be able to extend the fridge power draw if you set it right above freezing and cutting the power to it off and on.
a fridge can keep cold for long periods of time.
Great video..I am interested in how you get this setup to only charge batteries from grid at certain times of day?
This is by far the best explanation I've seen! Thank you! Can this system be used for residential peak shaving? 🤔
I have not tried to use the system for that purpose since we don't have variable rates where I live. However, a quick search on the internet shows people are using similar setups with the Multiplus II for peak shaving. You would likely need to power something more substantial than emergency circuits to take advantage of the power management.
Great video! And thank you. How are you managing your ground relays? Turning it on or off? I have something very similar to this but using two multis configured in split phase. My neutral and ground bond is at the main panel. My critical load panel will not have a neutral/ ground bond on its own but will connect net/ground at the main load center. In theory I would think you would want the PE lug on the case of the inverter to be run to the main box and bonded there?
The load center has it's own independent ground connection. For the neutral, if you look at the circuit diagram for the Multiplus II, it shows a neutral/ground bond relay that switches on when the shore power is cut.
Great Master!
Awesome job with this step by step setup. Very neatly put together and testing procedures. Got a sub from me. Looking forward to your next video.
Awesome, thank you!
Another way to take care of the inrush of the inverter when it is first setup is to use a variable DC power supply to bring the Voltage up on the input with the batteries turned off. Serves the same as the precharge resistor in that it allows a control over the current the capacitors draw. That is how I do it on my 6K inverters.
Thanks for the tip!
I like that idea !!!!
Nice setup 👍
Thanks!
Thank you...
I tried to click "Like" on this video about 6 different times, only to find out I had already done so. :)
I like this setup a lot. I may just build a system like this that's portable so I can plug into my generator inlet or take it with me. Seems much cheaper to expand than the all in one's. I could probably even use it to power a 120v welder completely silently.
The Victron inverter in this setup has a fairly loud fan when it is under high loads, so not completely silent.
@@ProjectsWithDave quieter than a generator though, I bet.
yes
I might use this for my network and server rack instead of a factory ups because i cant get 240 to my rack and the victron specs fit the bill I will probably still have a smaller ups because the switch from battery to inverter is quicker but it should still work.
Dave, Your batteries would get more even distribution if you used a busbar and had equal length cables running to each battery from the busbar. It probably doesn't seem like there's much of a difference as it's currently configured, but I suspect it will add up over time.
Also, you might want to build some kind of a protective cage around those batteries if you're going to be parking cars around them. You never know what can happen...
BTW, no link to the fuse(s)? ;)
I linked to a Megafuse instead of the CNN fuse since that's what they stock on Current Connected's website. Makes it easier to order everything from one site. Or you can get the CNN fuse here: amzn.to/3SYhpIJ
And a fuse holder here: amzn.to/3yKdves
"even more distribution"? What does that even mean?
Equal length cables? LoL...oh dear.
@@deang5622 No, I said "more even distribution". And yes, current will take the path of least resistance, so if the resistance isn't even, the distribution to the batteries or to load won't be either.
in the case here, I think he could even current draw by keeping most of his wiring intact, but moving the positive inverter supply to the other battery. With 3+ batteries, though, I think you'd need a bus bar.
Great review. You mention the capability to take 20 Amps of a generator and boost it another 25 amps... But what about the opposite?
Can it go directly from solar (without battery) @30 amps and then boost it to 40 amps as needed from the grid or a generator if needed to drive a heavier load?
Glad to see that the fuse holder has a cover! However, I am not a big fan of the "push in " connection method that the MultiPlus-II uses for the wiring for the AC connection. I don't mind the convenience, but I would prefer something that I can tighten down to make sure that there is no chance of something pulling out.
This unit is an inverter/battery charge controller. It does not have solar capability. With Victron that is a separate unit. The connectors aren't my favorite either, but to be fair if I set them properly I can't pull them out. That being said I also preferer the control of a lug connector.
Thanks for the great video. What is the transfer switch you arr using? I'm building a similar system and want to add a transfer switch to have the chance to use a gas generator to feed the charger in case of long outages. Thanks!
Thanks! Here are two options similar to mine:
TCA1006DR Outdoor Transfer Panel - 100A and 60A Generator: amzn.to/3FWIuI1
TCA1006D Indoor Panel/Link Transfer Panel: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HRWGPS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
very impressive
3kw solar/10kw batteries is the perfectly proportioned starting point from my experience, its even capable of running a small split system Ac all day and throughout the night depending on your location. There are far cheaper solutions than the Victron for a budget system unless you want to run a mitre saw which a cheaper inverter might not be able to handle the large start up current of.
They are NOT 10kW batteries! They are 10kWh batteries.
The video producer even got the units right, so why can't you?
@@deang5622 yawn
Great video thanks! Looking at doing this myself, just wondering if there is a way to ensure battery charging is done at a cheap/off peak rate or with excess solar only? I’m on a grid tied solar system. Thanks.
Yes, there are charge controllers that can manage the time of day. SolArk is one, but there are other, you just have to look at the specs.
@@ProjectsWithDave I see, ok great thanks for your reply 🙂
Great video. One thing I did not understand: If the grid goes down (and not you switching the breakers) then your AC-side of the inverter is still physically connected to the grid, isn't it? I did not see an automatic transfer switch in your setup. Or is that built into the Victron inverter?
It's built in.
Awesome videos! Slowly going through all them. One question regarding the yellow romex that backfeeds the subpanel via the 50 amp breaker, isn't 12 guage too small for that?
Thanks! Glad it's been helpful. I'm using 6AWG for the 50A breaker. th-cam.com/video/BzMAW8kW0CU/w-d-xo.html
Great video, great minds think alike. One thing I added was a manual transfer switch so if I have to service my Victron I can feed sub panel from main panel.
That's a good idea. Since I'm constantly running various test conditions, that would actually be helpful in my situation.
Excellent video, thank you. If I had a enphase micro inverter grid tie solar system, would this diy video tutorial work ?
Yes, this system works independently from your solar system. It works even without solar. I am working on a video with some hybrid inverters that can AC/couple with systems like Enphase to charge the batteries from solar. Stay tuned.
Great video. My electrical engineer father in-law will enjoy watching when he visits during the holidays. I see you have solar too. Can I add this system into my solar set up? Currently have a 12kW system tied to the grid. What a good resource to find out more?
My solar system is grid-tie. This backup system can run completely independent of your solar setup. This is the video of my original grid-tie install: th-cam.com/video/_xA6qOwnYbM/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Dave for a great and detailed presentation. I just have one question you covered very quickly 7:00 , in the event of lost power and battery gets low, how would I go about connecting electric generator from subpanel to the UPS panel to charge the battery.
In my case, I have a transfer switch that switches the AC input for the sub panel between Line in and Generator in. If the power has been out for a few days and I want to recharge the batteries, I can start my generator and plug it into the outdoor generator plug that is connected to the transfer switch. Then I can flip the transfer switch and the sub panel and inverter AC in will see power again and start to charge the batteries. If you have a small generator, the inverter has the ability to limit the input load in the settings so as not to overload the generator. Hope that helps.
You can see another way to wire it more directly from this split phase example: th-cam.com/video/ipLRNglTdhg/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the video Dave. Wondering why not connect the AC power cable (inverter going to subpanel) on the normal lugs for ac entry as opposed to plugging /back feeding using 50a breaker?
That way I could have a single pole breaker for the back-feeding circuit. It also allows me to bridge both hot legs of the load center to make every breaker 120 If I want to.
@Projects With Everyday Dave thanks Dave. Forgot to ask, what is the max amps the AC output (going from inverter to subpanel)? Can this be programmed?
The max output is 50A plus 25A boost from the battery for a total of 75A when connected to shore power. You can limit the amount of power pulled from shore in the settings to as little as 1A. Here is the manual for details: www.manualslib.com/manual/2414478/Victron-Energy-Multiplus-Ii-48-3000-35.html?page=16#manual
Great Video Dave.... You didn't say, But did you open and close the fridge as normal? or treat it like "emergency" I know during Storm outages, I currently dont run the genset full time, but we really try not to open fridge unless needed
The fridge was used as normal, in our house that means open and closed quite often. Sometimes held open for long periods of time....😞
Batteries play an important role in energy independence, ENP51100 is the right choice for home energy storage compatible with major invertors
Great video and cool backup system. I was tempted briefly but... The cost of the 2 batteries plus the Multiplus II would be about $9000 (Can) with tax! Yes it would save me from having to run outside and start the generator and yes that could happen while I was away - but that would have to occur quite often to cost me $9000 worth of groceries. More disappointing is that it wouldn't power my 240v well pump. That would require the system in your split-phase video which would cost double, or 18-20k!
Also, if I added solar panels, the system would not sell back excess energy to the grid to provide net metering nor would it (if I understand the operation of the Multiplus-II) utilize solar power when the grid is active to reduce my hydro bill by powering the circuits from solar energy.
You might consider a more value oriented hybrid inverter that can sell to the grid like the EG4 18K: signaturesolar.com/eg4-18kpv-hybrid-inverter-all-in-one-solar-inverter-eg4-18kpv-12lv/?ref=pwd