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racer-x avatar image
racer-x asked

Multiplus II's UL approved, but not MPPT controllers...what does this mean for US installation?

Hello-

I live in the United States and am interested in building an ESS system: panels connected to MPPT controller, then to battery bank and Multiplus II 48/3000/35-50 120v inverter with connection to the public grid. Cerbo GX as well as Lynx shunt in the system. My understanding is that this model of inverter is UL approved and can be used in the United States in systems that feed power back into the grid. I checked with a local solar panel installer who insisted that while some of the Multiplus inverters are UL approved, none of the MPPT charge controllers are, consequently they can't, and are not, installing grid connected Victron systems. Period.

Is this true everywhere in the US? Is anyone here back feeding to the grid using Victron inverters and MPPT charge controllers? Thanks in advance.

Multiplus-IIMPPT ControllersESS
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Michelle Konzack avatar image
Michelle Konzack answered ·

Since the MPPTs charging the Batteries and do not feed in directly like a GTI, solarchargers do not need an UL approval. You can install even any crappy Asia products

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racer-x answered ·

Yup. My thoughts as well. But I am not an electrician. And I have yet to find one in my area of the US willing to install a grid connected ESS using Victron components. Wonder how popular Victrons are becoming in other parts of the US now that the inverters are UL approved?

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racer-x avatar image racer-x commented ·
Is anyone else here in the United States who has a Victron system with MPPTs that is feeding (selling) electricity back to the public grid? There are electricians here that sell and install off-grid systems in RVs, boats, cabins etc who insist that grid feed is impossible with these devices. Seems as if Victron is missing a big share of the US marked by allowing this misconception to persist.
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Michelle Konzack avatar image Michelle Konzack racer-x commented ·
I do not know, how they have done it,

BUT you can find YouTube Videos of peoples in the USA

which feed-in using a Victron System.



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nickdb avatar image nickdb ♦♦ racer-x commented ·
The issue that would prevent exporting is typically a lack of a grid code which ESS requires to feed back. I haven't checked if one now exists.

Inverters tend to have an "other" grid code which iirc allows for exporting. Whether this is legal or not is down to local regs.

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racer-x avatar image racer-x racer-x commented ·
Any one aware of installers or vendors in the US that install or sell Victron packages intended for grid feed? My local utility specifically requires that the planning and install of a grid feed be done by a licensed and bonded electrician. In my area, all of the installers only do AC microinverter systems.
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nickdb avatar image nickdb ♦♦ racer-x commented ·
Have you tried any of the North American victron contacts listed on their website? The sales managers are all listed there and may be better placed to assist.
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Justin Cook avatar image Justin Cook ♦♦ racer-x commented ·
At this time, Victron components are not certified for feed back to the US grid.
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