In-depth guides, comparisons and how-tos for power stations, solar and backup power.
Victron DC distribution is built around the Lynx system: modular busbars that bolt together side by side to form a fused positive and negative backbone between your battery and everything else. Each module does one job, such as distributing fused circuits, measuring current or managing a lithium battery. Pick the modules you need, then bolt […]
A Victron VRM setup lets you check your battery, solar and inverter from anywhere, set alarms and even change settings remotely. VRM (Victron Remote Management) is Victron’s free portal and app. It needs two things: a GX device such as a Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX, and an internet connection. This guide follows the steps […]
Can a Phoenix Inverter Smart 3000 garage setup run your tools? For most hand tools and many bench tools, yes. Victron rates it at 2400W continuous with a 6000W peak, which covers the start-up surge of most motors. There’s one catch for US readers: the Phoenix Inverter Smart outputs 230V only. For a 120V garage, […]
Can a Victron Phoenix inverter run a CPAP? Yes. Even the smallest Phoenix VE.Direct models put out a pure sine wave at 120V and far more power than a CPAP needs. The real questions are how much battery you need for a full night, what the inverter’s own idle draw adds, and whether ECO mode […]
Can a Victron Phoenix 1200 run a fridge? For most RV and household fridges, yes, as long as you check the compressor’s start-up surge and size the battery for 24-hour running. This guide uses the US Phoenix Inverter 12/1200 VE.Direct 120V, Victron’s 1200W model with a 120V outlet. The 1200VA Phoenix Compact models are 230V […]
A Victron Starlink setup for the Standard kit is a different job from powering a Starlink Mini. Starlink lists the Standard kit’s average power use at 75 to 100W, and its router runs on 100 to 240V AC. The simplest way to power it from a Victron battery bank is a small Phoenix VE.Direct inverter. […]
Cerbo GX vs Cerbo GX MK2 comes down to the CAN bus. Both share the same enclosure, VE.Bus and VE.Direct ports, tank and temperature inputs, relays and Venus OS software. The MK2 changes the CAN ports, the USB ports, the digital inputs and the angle of the RJ45 sockets. For most vans and RVs those […]
This Victron BMV-712 wiring diagram guide covers the full install: the 500A shunt on the battery negative, the fused power lead, the RJ12 cable to the display, and the optional auxiliary input. All the electrical connections are made on the shunt. The display only needs one data cable, which is why the BMV-712 is easy […]
MultiPlus-II vs Multi RS Solar is a choice between a modular system and a hybrid all-in-one. The MultiPlus-II is an inverter-charger that pairs with separate SmartSolar MPPTs. The Multi RS Solar 48/6000/100 puts the inverter-charger and two high-voltage solar trackers in one 12.3kg case. The biggest difference for US buyers, though, is output voltage. MultiPlus-II […]
MultiPlus-II vs EasySolar-II GX isn’t really a contest between different technologies. The EasySolar-II GX is a MultiPlus-II, with a SmartSolar MPPT and a GX device prewired into the same enclosure. So the real choice is between building with separate parts and buying one integrated box. Voltage, serviceability and installation time decide it. MultiPlus-II vs EasySolar-II […]
