Lyndsay Posted December 12, 2019 Share Posted December 12, 2019 (edited) Good morning everyone. My name is Lyndsay and my plan is to install an alternative solar solution at my residence/office I have dabbled in both an large off grid solution for a mobile workshop and some smaller setups. I have a decent sized genset which easily will take my full load. I would like to use a Victron solution. My estimated load will not be more than 10kw but I'm thinking of a 5 - 8 is for 80% of my loads. A Quattro seems to be the answer. (Multiplus 2??) Qeustions: 1. I want to install the Quattro only with a few panels... to start with. No batteries. How does this work with a genset that can actually cover the full load. Surely it would be stupid to run the genset in the event of a power failure if there is a partial feed from the panels. 2. If I add batteries, the same scenario plays out as above. (Just say if it is dark and no feed from the panels) 3. Do ALL loads then be connected to "essential loads" 4. Does the above solution then ONLY work to save power take off from the grid. 5. Can the above solution feed back into the grid. 6. Would it then be stupid to add batteries. Feed all loads (say 50%) from the panels and balance from utility. In the event of power failure then only use the genset? 7. Do I sell the genset? Many thanks in advance. This was a last minute decision and I need to purchase all the stock before everyone closes for the year. Edited December 12, 2019 by Lyndsay Spelling and adding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaco De Jongh Posted December 12, 2019 Share Posted December 12, 2019 Welcome Lindsay 30 minutes ago, Lyndsay said: 1. I want to install the Quattro only with a few panels... to start with. No batteries. In a Victron system, the battery gives the reverence voltage, and if the system is set up correctly, it will shut down if the battery voltage is not detected. 33 minutes ago, Lyndsay said: 5. Can the above solution feed back into the grid. Yes 34 minutes ago, Lyndsay said: 6. Would it then be stupid to add batteries. Feed all loads (say 50%) from the panels and balance from utility. In the event of power failure then only use the genset? No it will be better to add batteries. Normal configuration of the Victron is doen as follows: Use what you can from PV If PV is not enough, take from battery. (Same DC BUS) If battery reaches X% Use grid. You can however configure it to only allow x Watt from DC (PV and Battery) and the balance from Grid. 38 minutes ago, Lyndsay said: 7. Do I sell the genset? If it is a stable well sized Gen, it remains beneficial, A generator is a critical part of going offgrid and offers a great final backup during extended periods of cloudy weather. Its also offers cheaper backup than battery backup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lyndsay Posted December 12, 2019 Author Share Posted December 12, 2019 Thankyou for the quick response. Does the genset then get set to manual and not AMF/ATS.? In a partial off grid scenario, one will still need to cover full load in the event of a power failure. Or: can I set the Quattro to first "deplete" the batteries and then turn on the genset Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaco De Jongh Posted December 12, 2019 Share Posted December 12, 2019 46 minutes ago, Lyndsay said: Or: can I set the Quattro to first "deplete" the batteries and then turn on the genset Yes you can.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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