Really nice work! I plan to add a second Multiplus 2 2x120. I was told I had to change to 24v system. You did 12v so I guess that's not true. Did you add the master - slave labels to each multiplius units or do I need to order a different unit for #2. Did you add any additional cooling to the compartment? My single MP gets hot. I notice in the spec sheet only L1 gets power boost. I'm hoping to run 2 out of three A/C units or the wife will hate me. Tom
You don't need to go to 24v and we added the labels. The master and slave is done via programming. L1 is the only boost, unless you are on a single phase, then the inverters relay combines L1 & L2. Best of luck with your install, I highly recommend you look at the wiring diagram by Victron for multiple units. Seen quite a few "professionals" get it wrong and they end up at our shop. Cheers -Tom
Awesome install. I currently have a 2017 44' Road Warrior 50 A Toyhauler with 1200 W (6- 200W) panels in series with a Victron 12V 2x 120 Inverter charger. Victron 150/85 Solar Charge Controller, Currently (2) SOK 206 Ah lithium batteries, CerboGX Touch 50. My question is what is the advantage of 2 MulitiPlus 2 x 120 inverters vs a Quattro?
You can get a quattro that has the same or more power than the 3000va 2x120v Multiplus II, but the Multiplus II supplies power to both legs of a 50A circuit so potentially everything in your RV is powered. A quattro only supplies one leg of power, or half your distribution box. There is a new Quattro II 2x120 that supplies both legs but it is a 3000va just like the Multiplus II. I think the main advantage of a quattro is that it has a built in transfer switch; you can tie a generator to one input and shore power to the other. My RV already has a transfer switch since it came with a generator, so I went with the Multiplus II and saved some money over a Quattro.
Good question Mark, The Quattro doesn't function the same. It only does a single phase (One Hot), but it does have 2 AC inputs and 2 AC outputs on the transfer switch. The 2 AC inputs are for different sources, not spilit phase as they only have 1 Hot per input/output. The Multiplus does have a transfer switch (Terrance is incorrect) but only has 1 AC input and 2 AC outputs.. but it has 2 Hots aka its made for Split Phase (2 Hots). We've installed both Multiplus and Quattros by they way. Both of them in 30A and 50A RVs. So we have experience with both in different configurations. The Multiplus II 2x120 allows Split Phase (50A) OR 15/30A Single Phase to pass through. Then in inverting mode on both L1 and L2 by combining them via the relay built into the Multiplus II 2x120. The Quattro would need 2 inverters for split phase and it wouldn't boost on both L1 & L2 unless it was programmed into single phase (parallel). But then it wouldn't connect to 50A split phase without being reprogrammed to Split Phase. Or it could be programed to do both.. but it ends up with the Master (L1) being a pass through and the Slave (L2) only inverts and doesn't pass through when on single phase sources. PROS & CONS to both set ups. Basically two Multiplus II 2x120 are easier on the user (no reprograming or only inverting om L2 when using single phase source) and also cheaper as well. They are ~$1400 each unlike the ~$3500 Quattros.. aka $2800 vs $7000 for the dual inverters. But they get 4800w on both/either legs. The Quattro would be 3600w per line depending on how it was programmerd/wired. It all comes down to how they were built by Victron. Most people don't need the Quattros and it saves them $$$$. -Tom
What brand of 200 watt panels do you use? Also curious why you didn't do a 24 volt system so you could install a Victron 5,000 watt inverter? Just curious about the thinking. I have the generator and would like to run 2 AC units on the inverter and then switch back to the Gen when the amp hours are low. With my 3,000 watt inverter I can only run 1 AC unit.
Rich 200w "12v" panels which are really ~23v. No need for a 24v system in most RVs, you can get a 12/5000 Quattro for example. 24v is not more efficient since we end up using a 90% peak efficient 24 to 12v converter for the majority of your loads.. since most the RV is 12v anyway.
I'm curious why you installed a 12v system when 48 v is much better, that's what I've done on my Bluebird motor coach. Nice system anyway . Keep up the good work .JS.
Because the RVs main loads are 12v from the factory and a higher voltage system requires step down converters which are typically about 90% peak efficiency aka a higher voltage system is less efficient. RVs aren't big enough to really benefit from a 24 or 48v system.
Need to start looking at newer 48volt batteries with 4000-5000+ watts of solar. Is being done now more often. Can run two acts and still charge batteries
24 and 48v systems in a RV are less efficient because the majority of the loads (12v DC) have to go through a DC converter that are typically 80-90% efficient aka you're adding 10-20% of inefficiency to the majority of your loads. We've done 24 & 48v installs, and 12v on RVs is the way to go in our experience. Plus 4-5kw of solar isn't going to keep up 24/7 with the AC usage anyways. It's not enough to refill the entire battery bank from overnight usage and still run the ACs. Not in the real world at least. I know people with 8-10kw in solar and 2 RV ACs and they still have to supplement with a generator. In my opinion you are better off with a smaller, cheaper system that runs everything except the AC 24/7. If you need AC 24/7 then you're in the wrong area and should travel to better weather, or simply plug in at an RV park. We've done over 150 installs, have been doing it since 2017, and have 4 years of fulltime travel (actually living off solar) for experience. Thanks for watching -Tom
PRICING, INFO, ETC: greatoutdoorssolar.com/
Great to see you again Thomas, and Adam you are doing a wonderful job.
Jerry
Thank you very much!
Great job Adam. Everything is nicely done
Thanks for the comment to folks on running a a/c
Go big or be hot….
Great video
I have. A smaller RV Solar Company
Very cool! Thanks for sharing!
Nice work, Adam!
Thank you! Cheers!
Really nice work! I plan to add a second Multiplus 2 2x120. I was told I had to change to 24v system. You did 12v so I guess that's not true. Did you add the master - slave labels to each multiplius units or do I need to order a different unit for #2. Did you add any additional cooling to the compartment? My single MP gets hot. I notice in the spec sheet only L1 gets power boost. I'm hoping to run 2 out of three A/C units or the wife will hate me. Tom
You don't need to go to 24v and we added the labels. The master and slave is done via programming. L1 is the only boost, unless you are on a single phase, then the inverters relay combines L1 & L2. Best of luck with your install, I highly recommend you look at the wiring diagram by Victron for multiple units. Seen quite a few "professionals" get it wrong and they end up at our shop. Cheers -Tom
I have half the size and love it!! Looking to increase my battery bank luv your builds very clean
Awesome! Thank you!
Awesome install. I currently have a 2017 44' Road Warrior 50 A Toyhauler with 1200 W (6- 200W) panels in series with a Victron 12V 2x 120 Inverter charger. Victron 150/85 Solar Charge Controller, Currently (2) SOK 206 Ah lithium batteries, CerboGX Touch 50. My question is what is the advantage of 2 MulitiPlus 2 x 120 inverters vs a Quattro?
You can get a quattro that has the same or more power than the 3000va 2x120v Multiplus II, but the Multiplus II supplies power to both legs of a 50A circuit so potentially everything in your RV is powered. A quattro only supplies one leg of power, or half your distribution box. There is a new Quattro II 2x120 that supplies both legs but it is a 3000va just like the Multiplus II. I think the main advantage of a quattro is that it has a built in transfer switch; you can tie a generator to one input and shore power to the other. My RV already has a transfer switch since it came with a generator, so I went with the Multiplus II and saved some money over a Quattro.
Good question Mark,
The Quattro doesn't function the same. It only does a single phase (One Hot), but it does have 2 AC inputs and 2 AC outputs on the transfer switch. The 2 AC inputs are for different sources, not spilit phase as they only have 1 Hot per input/output. The Multiplus does have a transfer switch (Terrance is incorrect) but only has 1 AC input and 2 AC outputs.. but it has 2 Hots aka its made for Split Phase (2 Hots). We've installed both Multiplus and Quattros by they way. Both of them in 30A and 50A RVs. So we have experience with both in different configurations.
The Multiplus II 2x120 allows Split Phase (50A) OR 15/30A Single Phase to pass through. Then in inverting mode on both L1 and L2 by combining them via the relay built into the Multiplus II 2x120. The Quattro would need 2 inverters for split phase and it wouldn't boost on both L1 & L2 unless it was programmed into single phase (parallel). But then it wouldn't connect to 50A split phase without being reprogrammed to Split Phase. Or it could be programed to do both.. but it ends up with the Master (L1) being a pass through and the Slave (L2) only inverts and doesn't pass through when on single phase sources. PROS & CONS to both set ups.
Basically two Multiplus II 2x120 are easier on the user (no reprograming or only inverting om L2 when using single phase source) and also cheaper as well. They are ~$1400 each unlike the ~$3500 Quattros.. aka $2800 vs $7000 for the dual inverters. But they get 4800w on both/either legs. The Quattro would be 3600w per line depending on how it was programmerd/wired. It all comes down to how they were built by Victron. Most people don't need the Quattros and it saves them $$$$.
-Tom
Doing it on a brand new RV does it void the warranties
I would ask your dealer/manufacturer specifically - warranties vary drastically!
Awesome job. Those multi plus really does the job. Thanks Don from California
What brand of 200 watt panels do you use? Also curious why you didn't do a 24 volt system so you could install a Victron 5,000 watt inverter? Just curious about the thinking. I have the generator and would like to run 2 AC units on the inverter and then switch back to the Gen when the amp hours are low. With my 3,000 watt inverter I can only run 1 AC unit.
Rich 200w "12v" panels which are really ~23v. No need for a 24v system in most RVs, you can get a 12/5000 Quattro for example. 24v is not more efficient since we end up using a 90% peak efficient 24 to 12v converter for the majority of your loads.. since most the RV is 12v anyway.
Love your builds. I have 900 ah of Enduro Batteries, Multiplus but no solar yet. Maybe a future upgrade but love watching it being done. Thanks
Glad you like them! Best of luck on your solar install!
Nice job Adam We're looking for SOK 12V In series Advice
Soke SOKs don't allow series connections, I suggest you reach out to them with your questions. Happy tinkering ✌️
Did I miss where the new MPPT controllers are?
Guess so ✌️
Wow - That's a lot of real estate on the roof of that beast. Nice job.
I'm curious why you installed a 12v system when 48 v is much better, that's what I've done on my Bluebird motor coach. Nice system anyway
. Keep up the good work
.JS.
Because the RVs main loads are 12v from the factory and a higher voltage system requires step down converters which are typically about 90% peak efficiency aka a higher voltage system is less efficient. RVs aren't big enough to really benefit from a 24 or 48v system.
Need to start looking at newer 48volt batteries with 4000-5000+ watts of solar. Is being done now more often. Can run two acts and still charge batteries
24 and 48v systems in a RV are less efficient because the majority of the loads (12v DC) have to go through a DC converter that are typically 80-90% efficient aka you're adding 10-20% of inefficiency to the majority of your loads. We've done 24 & 48v installs, and 12v on RVs is the way to go in our experience. Plus 4-5kw of solar isn't going to keep up 24/7 with the AC usage anyways. It's not enough to refill the entire battery bank from overnight usage and still run the ACs. Not in the real world at least. I know people with 8-10kw in solar and 2 RV ACs and they still have to supplement with a generator. In my opinion you are better off with a smaller, cheaper system that runs everything except the AC 24/7. If you need AC 24/7 then you're in the wrong area and should travel to better weather, or simply plug in at an RV park. We've done over 150 installs, have been doing it since 2017, and have 4 years of fulltime travel (actually living off solar) for experience. Thanks for watching -Tom