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Table of Contents
ESS Quick Installation Guide
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
This quick installation guide lists all the steps that are needed to install and configure a Victron Energy ESS system. It briefly explains each step. It also provides links to locations where more in depth information about each step can be found. The full ESS manual can be found here: design-installation-manual
Step 1 - Understand how a Victron Energy ESS system works.
Familiarize yourself with the Victron Energy ESS system.
A good place to start is to watch this video:
Step 2 - Decide what type of ESS
There are a few different ways to set an ESS system up. A combination of these are possible as well:
- DC coupled ESS
- AC coupled ESS
- Energy meter is used
- Grid parallel
- Essential loads are used
These are the basic wiring diagrams for each type:
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Step 3 - Select the system hardware
Please see below lists. links are provided to the relevant equipment product pages
You will need:
- Victron inverter/charger(s): https://www.victronenergy.com/inverters-chargers
- Victron Interface MK3-USB: https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/interface-mk3-usb
- Victron CCGX or Venus GX: https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring
- RJ45 UTP cable(s): https://www.victronenergy.com/cables/rj45-utp-cable
- Batteries
For a DC coupled ESS you will also need:
- Victron MPPT solar chargers: https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-charge-controllers
- Victron VE.direct cable(s): https://www.victronenergy.com/cables/ve.direct.cable
For an AC coupled ESS you will also need:
- Grid tied inverter
If the ESS needs an energy meter you might need:
- Victron Power meters: https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/energy-meter
- Victron ASS030572018 - RS485 to USB interface 1.8m
- Victron Zigbee to USB and RS485 converter: https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/zigbee-converters
- Victron Current transformer: https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/current-transformer-for-multiplus-ii
To measure PV from an non Fronius , SMA or Solar edge you might need:
- Victron Current sensor: https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ac-current-sensor
- Victron Power meters: https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/energy-meter
To equip a CCGX or Venus GX with Wifi you will need:
- Victron WiFi module: BPP900100200 or BPP900200200
In case of a smart battery you might need:
- VE.Can to CAN-bus BMS cable: https://www.victronenergy.com.au/cables/ve-can-to-can-bus-bms
step 4 - Install all equipment
- Install and wire all system parts according to their manuals.
- Do not connect communication cables between the various parts, this will be done at later stage
To finds the applicable installation manuals see the links in the prevision steps. These links will direct you to the relevant product section. Then click on a the applicable product. On the product page scroll down to “Downloads”, and then select “manuals” from the drop down box.
Step 5 - Update firmware of all Victron EES equipment
Update all Victron equipment to the most recent firmware version
Instructions how to update:
CCGX or venus CCGX - via automatic update or SD card see: How to update a GX device
MPPTs MPPT solar charger - Via VictronConnect
VE.bus Firmware files and firmware change logs can be found on Victron professional Instructions how to update firmware:
Step 6 - Set up parallel and/or 3 phase inverter/chargers
(skip this step if only a single inverter/charger is used)
If the ESS system contains multiple inverter/chargers, they first will need to be set up to run in parallel and/or 3 phase. For instructions on how to do that see this manual: Parallel, split- and three-phase VE.Bus systems
Step 7 - Program the inverter/charger(s)
The inverter needs to be programmed, settings like these are important battery monitor settings charger settings AC input limit settings
Video on how to use VE.configure: