Victron and Pylontech Solar Batteries Pass Tests

Victron + Pylontech can be used for the following solar panel system types:

• Off-grid
• Grid Backup
• Energy Storage Systems (ESS) – Self Consumption

It is essential to use the CAN-bus connection of the Victron GX device (e.g. Cerbo GX or CCGX) with the batteries for the keep-alive signal, communication of charge and discharge limits, error codes and state of charge.

For new systems, the minimum required firmware version for the Victron GX Device (e.g. Cerbo GXis v2.42. It is highly recommended to use the latest firmware version on all connected devices, including the GX device Inverter/Charger and MPPTs. There are regular updates to improve performance and reliability.

Legacy systems installed with v2.15 can continue to be used without upgrade as long as they do not present any issues.

As long as you are using the appropriate model for the nominal battery voltage, all VE.Bus inverters and inverter/chargers are compatible.

The minimum firmware version for new installations is 469. Though updating to the latest firmware is recommended where possible, and a necessary first step when troubleshooting issues.

These inverter/charger units must be connected to the Victron GX device via the VE.Bus connection port.

Legacy systems installed with VE.Bus firmware 422 can continue to be used without upgrade as long as they do not present any issues.

For proper operation, the Pylontech battery needs to be able to control the charge current. Therefor it is recommended to use Victron 48V compatible MPPTs models with VE.Direct port for charging.

MPPTs with a VE.Direct port

MPPTs are controlled via the Victron GX device. Make sure the GX device runs v2.15 or later, and the MPPTs to 1.37 or the latest available version.

The MPPT requires connection to the Victron GX device to regulate charge currents as the batteries require (due to temperature, etc) To test operation, try disconnecting the GX device from the MPPT. After a time-out, the MPPT will stop charging and flash an error code on its LEDs. The error code is error #67: no BMS.

MPPTs with a VE.Can port

New Model (2019 and later) VE.Can MPPTs are also supported. Be aware that some GX devices (e.g. CCGX) only have a single CANBus interface, and that is required for the battery communications. So if you use a new VE.Can MPPT, it must also be with a GX device that has more than one CANbus interface, e.g. the Cerbo GX.

Old model VE.Can MPPTs (pre 2019) are not supported.

The charge and discharge rates are managed automatically by the Pylontech battery and Victron.

Using very large solar arrays with battery banks that are too small can exceed the limits of the batteries ability to charge and possibly lead to the BMS triggering over-current alarms.

You must have the minimum number of battery modules to supply the inverters startup inrush surge currents that charge the capacitors when the inverter is first connected, this occurs prior to any loads being connected. There is also the subsequent potential current demands of the loads connected to the inverter. It is much more desirable to have the inverter/charger overload than the battery, as the inverter will automatically recover, whereas the battery may require intervention once in a fault state.

Some suggested battery sizings for common Victron inverter/chargers are listed below. These are suggestions for reliable operation for single phase off grid and are not specified by Pylontech.

Using the above formula, an example of minimum system sizing based on the US2000B Plus battery module is below. Each battery module is approximately 50Ah at 48V, can provide 25A continuous charge and discharge and 100A peak for 1 minute.

You can connect multiple battery modules together to form a single large battery by connecting the RJ-45 cable supplied by Pylontech using the link ports on the battery. This is shown in more detail in the example wiring diagram and Pylontech manual.

The communications for UP2500 can be paralleled up to 20 modules per string (and cannot use the LV-HUB). Other models can connect up to 8 battery modules (see Pylontech data sheets), in those models when using more than 8 parallel units, some limitations, additional configuration or equipment (e.g. Pylontech LV-Hub) may apply. See your Pylontech dealer, and Pylontech documentation for more details.

The batteries will automatically detect and link to each other, no adjustment of dip switches on the battery module are necessary.

The battery with the empty link port 0 is the master battery. You must use the VE.Can to CAN-bus BMS type B Cable, part number ASS030720018, you cannot use the cable supplied by Pylontech.

Plug the type B cable with the side which is labeled Battery BMS into the Pylontech CAN port of the master battery. Plug the side labeled Victron VE.Can into the Victron GX.

Then, plug a VE.Can terminator in the other VE.Can socket on the GX. Two VE.Can terminators are included with the package of the GX device as an accessory, only one is used. Keep the other one as a spare.

More information about the cable can be found in its manual.

Without properly connecting this cable, the battery will not show up on the display of the GX device. The battery will also turn itself off.

It is important to ensure this connection and display of the battery on the GX device display before attempting firmware updates or settings changes on other devices if they depend on the power supply from the battery. Without this connection, the battery may turn off unexpectedly.