Help re Victron controller (1 Viewer)

[Edendeb]

We have had a lithium system fitted and to be honest we don’t understand it fully. On the controller for the inverter we switch it to on when using it and then we have switched it to charger only but a day ago I used our small air fryer and the battery went down to 48%, we weren’t worried as the sun was hot and then yesterday I charged my camera battery (stupidly I forgot to bring my 12v charger so used the inverter/240 charger) and the battery went down to 33% and this morning it is 29% and not increasing at all. The weather is slightly cloudy and we are not moving. I have cleaned the solar panel and that is showing 15w input and no output.
Should the controller be on charger or off?
And help for everything else!!!

 

[Lenny HB]

More information on the inverter you have and solar panels & regulator.
Sounds like the inverter may be a Victron Multiplus if so switched to charger it only charges batteries from mains, switched to inverter it will work as an inverter and will charge the batteries if mains is connected.

Although we have had some nice sunny days there has been haze and so not getting a lot of solar output.

The solar charging is Independent of the inverter.

 

[suavecarve]

What size is the lithium battery and the solar panels?

 

[Edendeb]

Hi
We have 150ah lithium battery, 120w factory fitted solar panel and yes Lenny, you are correct it is Victron multiplus 12/1600/70 inverter. I have switched the inverter to off now. We had the work done by Ash at Vanbitz so no questions as to the installation.

Another question if we add another panel are they easy to attach?

Finally Lenny can you write a Dummies book for lithium
Thanks a lot

Debbie

 

[autorouter]

Can you post a picture of the Victron stuff? Or say what the name of the Victron items are exactly. Maybe you have a separate inverter/charger and solar controller. Or you might have an EasySolar (a combined Multiplus and MPPT solar).
Edit: I see you have a Multiplus, but what solar controller is it?

From 120W you should be getting about 35Ah to 45Ah per day, which is about 25% to 30% of your 150Ah capacity.

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[Edendeb]

We have a sterling B2B 70a, victron smart shunt battery monitor and Victron smart solar MPPT regulator, victron multiply 12/1600/70 (1300w psw inverter.

 

[Lenny HB]

With the inverter left switched on but not in use it will take about 30ah out of your batteries in 24 hours, there is an AES setting that reduces the standby current to about a quarter but light loads like a phone charger it probably won't switch on. To change the settings, you need the Victron Mk3 USB dongle and a laptop.

 

[Raul]

Not that much Lenny, it takes 11-12w on stand by, the 1600 compact. I had that inverter in the past.
About 20ah tops for 24hrs.

 

[Edendeb]

We ran the engine for about 10 mins and the battery went up, tbh it is overcast today so if sunny tomorrow we will have a look but we both feel that another solar panel might be in order. Many thanks for all your help. I think I understand it a bit more now

 

[Tombola]

Yes defo as much solar as you can fit/afford

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[Edendeb]

Me again! I have just checked our Mttp and it is the 75/15 model, if we upgrade our solar to 400w do we need to upgrade this as well.

 

[funflair]

Me again! I have just checked our Mttp and it is the 75/15 model, if we upgrade our solar to 400w do we need to upgrade this as well.

Or just fit a second one but yes is the simple answer

 

[DBK]

We have a sterling B2B 70a, victron smart shunt battery monitor and Victron smart solar MPPT regulator, victron multiply 12/1600/70 (1300w psw inverter.

The battery monitor should tell you what is happening although it may not help with the "why" it is happening.

The things to look for are battery voltage and the current flow which will be either charge or discharge.

You should have been given a manual about it which will explain what buttons to press on the monitor. This is probably the single best bit of kit you have which can tell you all you need to know about what the batteries are doing. It is well worth reading up on it so you can use it fully.

 

[Bessy765]

You will use app 26 amps @ 12 volt d.c.to produce 1 amp @ 240 volt a.c. Though not in the same area we have a 6.6 kw solar array on our garage roof inclined at 10 degrees facing due south it is only producing 830 w. Given the overcast conditions here in Plymouth a 120 w panel would be lucky to cover the amount the remote monitoring alarm and tracker consumes over 24 hrs. Although small every drain counts if not using turn the inverter off, if the Victron is left switched to charging. It will not consume anything when not on hook up, if as you say fitted by Ash at Van Bitz the system will be fine, if you could add more panels it would help but no sun no gain. We have 700 watts on the van roof just popped down to have a look pulled the van out of the garage and just 2 amps, heavy overcast light rain and mist.

 

[funflair]

The battery monitor should tell you what is happening although it may not help with the "why" it is happening.

The things to look for are battery voltage and the current flow which will be either charge or discharge.

You should have been given a manual about it which will explain what buttons to press on the monitor. This is probably the single best bit of kit you have which can tell you all you need to know about what the batteries are doing. It is well worth reading up on it so you can use it fully.

Victron battery monitor and solar regulator are both “Smart” so should be reporting to and controlled via the Victron app.

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