You can use the Multi without a BMV. It has its own SOC tracking, and with a Venus device (CCGX or Venus-GX) the solar charger current is communicated to the Multi so it can track that too. BUT... a BMV is much more accurate, and especially if you're going to use a small battery bank, I really would advise that you get the BMV.

Ok thanks which BMV?

Just now, Mistral said:

Ok thanks which BMV?

Helps to know the difference.

BMV-700 measures one battery, no more.

BMV-702 has a secondanalog input that you can use for 1) measuring a second battery, eg a starter battery in a vehicle, 2) temperature sensor, or 3) midpoint monitoring.

BMV-712 has everything the 702 has plus BlueTooth.

Most people will go for the 702.

55 minutes ago, Mistral said:

Probably looking at Trojans if you guys agree?

Would love lithium's but budget is tight..

If Trojans 6V or 12V - 6V the more popular?

Trojans are good BUT:
1) Unless you go AGM, the others need to be in a ventilated space and watered and you need a BMV. Cost increases.
2) If you go 24v it saves a bit on the bank but then you must get a Multigrid for the Multiplus-II does not come in 24v, only 48v - MG is bit more than a MP-II so you win on the MP-II.
3) 4 x 6v T105RE's is a couple of thousand less than a 48v Pylontech bank - if you shop very hard - and you don't need a BMV so on 48v you win more.

My guess, between a 24v MG with 4 x T105RE's plus a BMV it would be same or damn close to a MP-II with Pylontechs - and the Pylon's have better cycles.

So best value for money, best future proofing, 48v Multiplus-II with a small Pylontech  bank wins. 🙂

1 hour ago, plonkster said:

Helps to know the difference.

BMV-700 measures one battery, no more.

BMV-702 has a secondanalog input that you can use for 1) measuring a second battery, eg a starter battery in a vehicle, 2) temperature sensor, or 3) midpoint monitoring.

BMV-712 has everything the 702 has plus BlueTooth.

Most people will go for the 702.

Thanks!

51 minutes ago, The Terrible Triplett said:

Trojans are good BUT:
1) Unless you go AGM, the others need to be in a ventilated space and watered and you need a BMV. Cost increases.
2) If you go 24v it saves a bit on the bank but then you must get a Multigrid for the Multiplus-II does not come in 24v, only 48v - MG is bit more than a MP-II so you win on the MP-II.
3) 4 x 6v T105RE's is a couple of thousand less than a 48v Pylontech bank - if you shop very hard - and you don't need a BMV so on 48v you win more.

My guess, between a 24v MG with 4 x T105RE's plus a BMV it would be same or damn close to a MP-II with Pylontechs - and the Pylon's have better cycles.

So best value for money, best future proofing, 48v Multiplus-II with a small Pylontech  bank wins. 🙂

By the time I have paid for the Pylontech's I can afford half a panel!😀

So if I plead poverty and take AGM's can I use them with the Multiplus-II  with a life expectancy of ..cycles?

I originally planned to use the inverter by day and Escom at night to keep battery costs down.

3 minutes ago, Mistral said:

By the time I have paid for the Pylontech's I can afford half a panel!😀

24v Trojans are maybe 2-3k less than Pylon's BEFORE you add a BMV for wot, R3k to that?
48v Trojans are +-3-5k MORE than 2.4 Pylons.

3 minutes ago, Mistral said:

So if I plead poverty and take AGM's can I use them with the Multiplus-II  with a life expectancy of ..cycles?

AGM and MP-II works well together. Cycles about 1600-1700 to 50% DOD, or +-4000 at 20% DOD / 80% SOC.

5 minutes ago, Mistral said:

I originally planned to use the inverter by day and Escom at night to keep battery costs down.

I'm with you on that one, Trojan batts, use them max 20% DOD to let them not stand there, the rest in case Eskom fails.

Thanks!