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Setup guide · Victron Energy

Victron MultiPlus-II Commissioning — ESS Assistant, Grid Code & DVCC Setup

Commissioning a MultiPlus-II for a UK grid-connected ESS system requires VEConfigure, the ESS assistant, correct grid code selection, and proper DVCC battery integration. Getting any of these wrong causes the system to underperform, refuse to charge or discharge, or fail to comply with UK grid connection requirements.
  • VEConfigure & ESS assistant
  • G98 / G99 grid code
  • DVCC battery integration
Need help commissioning your MultiPlus-II?

We guide you through VEConfigure, ESS assistant installation, UK grid code selection, DVCC battery setup, and VRM verification — via screen share or VRM remote console.

Book Commissioning Support — from £75Back to Victron hub

Independent — not affiliated with Victron Energy.

5.0
13 Trustpilot reviews
Trustpilot Google

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)

Tony Deacon · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing . If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I have a GivEnergy system consisting of two batteries, two inverters and a controlling EMS (Energy Management System) which has not worked since Nov 2025. After six months I discovered Solar Tech Support, reached out to them and Ron phoned me back – how often do you get that service? Could not be more helpful – worked directly with me over the phone, outside what I would call normal working hours. Lucid explanations and we were able to discuss the issues and history using camera and email history. As this was a very rare setup, Ron was able to access an EMS expert in the field to confirm the solution. One sunny day in, I am now only paying for standing charge and a few pence for spikes in grid consumption while battery catches up with house demand.

Ian · May 2026 Trustpilot

When my GivEnergy system had an issue, I was completely left without support and had honestly lost all hope. Thankfully, I searched online and found Ron, which completely turned things around. After sending him a message, he responded incredibly fast and called me to assure me that he would get the problem fixed. I really admire his dedicated, supportive nature and his determination to find a solution. With this kind of outstanding attitude and customer service, he has absolutely secured a future customer in me.

Sree · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron want out of is way to help, nothing was to much. He was very thorough in what he did Very knowledgeable I would highly recommend Ron and his company He did a fantastic job for me. if you have any problems, he'll do his best to help you out and resolve your problem. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

Dennis Brown · May 2026 Trustpilot

Ron took me through a diagnostic to confirm my GivEnergy Inverter had a fault. A common one as it turns out with the AC Inverter. As GivEnergy is defunct there is no immediate fix, aside from sourcing 2nd hand replacement. It may be that a fix becomes available over the summer which would make a lot of GivEnergy customers happy (Again)

Tony Deacon · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Ron with a problem and he sorted it out quickly with no problems at all. Very knowledgeable on anything solar/ batteries. I would recommend him to anyone

Phill · May 2026 Trustpilot

I've spoken to Ron a couple of times with issues with my Givenergy installation. Such a friendly knowledge guy very highly recommended. Thank you very much for resolving my issues

michael fairhurst · May 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support in desperation. After explaining the issues I had with my system a diagnosis was made and a solution proposed. Fantastic service, even contacted a manufacturer to arrange replacement parts for me. Great communications, explained all they were doing and what I had to do, clearly and precisly. Followed up to confirm all was ok. Excellent service.

Mr Machin · May 2026 Trustpilot

After GivEnergy went into liquidation, just my luck, my battery started playing up (internal board crashed). Contacted my installer - not interested! Found Solar tech support on a Google search. Sooo glad I found this company! Ron is extremely helpful and has plenty of experience. He soon confirmed what the fault was, and helped me to get my system up and running again. Now moved my GivEnergy account to Solar tech support, and will definitely use again if I have more issues. Unusual to find such a helpful company in these times, no morons reading scripts, just direct contact with the engineer.

Keith Ballard · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Contacted Solar Tech Support when trying to understand what my Givenergy inverter problem might be and what might be my options. Received good/honest advise which backed up my thoughts.

Hugh Speirs · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

Ron is a super star. Two months ago my GivEnergy battery failed a firmware upgrade leaving it a brick. My installer couldn't/wouldn't fix it. GivEnergy couldn't/wouldn't fix it. Then they went into administration and all hope was lost. A flurry of emails later and Ron had diagnosed the fault (failed USB flash drive, something I'd suspected) and talked me through resolving it. Two months of nothing resolved in about 3 hours. It's great to work with someone who pays attention to the details, knows that they're doing (not just following a script) and gets stuff sorted without a fuss or up-charging.

Christopher · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I can add to the list of customers who had already 'given up' on GivEnergy due to their appalling customer service, and that was before they went into administration (their Trustpilot reviews don't lie!). So you can imagine my desperation when, having changed my ISP and my Inverter, predictably, proving to be the only device that didn't connect automatically to my new network, I found zero prospect of any customer support with GivEnergy having called in the administrators just five days earlier! The salvation came from Solar Tech Support. My IT advisor stumbled across their web site and some very helpful tips for beleaguered GivEnergy customers, as well as an offer to provide direct assistance. Nothing ventured, I decided to drop them an E-Mail, with very low expectations based on my experience of GivEnergy customer support. Within an hour Ron had responded with some pin point advice, and after a few exchanges of E-Mails he had nailed the problem, enabling the combined efforts of my IT advisor and solar installer to resolve it and reconnect my Inverter. Thank you Solar Tech Support, and Ron in particular, for coming to the aid of a deserted and despondent GivEnergy customer. Expert, razor sharp advice and first class customer service, even though I wasn't officially a customer.

customer · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

This company are a rare gem, I had a very unusual problem following a failed firmware upgrade on my GivEnergy kit. I then found out GivEnergy were in administration and had dismissed all their support staff! None of the usual fixes to try and restore my inverter comms would work, and I looked everywhere, forums, GivEnergy youtube support videos - even AI couldn't figure it out. My installer was talking about huge sums for system replacements, and being vague / evasive about if they'd even install replacement GivEnergy inverter. Enter Solar Tech Support, reassuring and knowledgeable from the very start, I've learnt loads about my solar system though the friendly chat while my engineer worked as he diagnosed the problem and figured out a fix procedure that I've not found anywhere else - amazing . If you need solar system repairs - especially if you like me have been left high and dry by GivEnergy, I cannot recommend this company enough. Give them a call.

Andy Thomas · Apr 2026 Trustpilot

I sent a message on their website regarding a problem I have on my Givenergy system. Although not supplied by Ronald, I thought it was worth an email. Within the hour on a Saturday, he phoned and we discussed the problem. He logged in remotely and gave excellent advice. I'm too far away for his on-site help but he did diagnose the problem and was happy also to chat through my thoughts about an upcoming solar/battery install I'm planning. Great bloke.... if only he was nearer!

Philip · Apr 2026 Trustpilot
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What commissioning involves. Unlike single-box hybrid inverters that use a setup wizard, the MultiPlus-II requires manual configuration via VEConfigure — a desktop application that connects via MK3-USB adapter or VRM remote console. You need to install the ESS assistant, select the UK grid code, set charge and input current limits, and configure DVCC on the Cerbo GX for battery communication. Each step depends on the previous one being correct.

Setup

5-step MultiPlus-II commissioning

This guide covers a standard UK grid-connected ESS installation with a MultiPlus-II, Cerbo GX, MPPT solar charger, and third-party lithium battery. Complete each step in order — the ESS assistant depends on correct basic parameters, and DVCC depends on the ESS assistant being installed.

1

Connect to the MultiPlus-II via VEConfigure and set the basic parameters

VEConfigure is a Windows desktop application (also accessible via VRM remote console). Connect to the MultiPlus-II and set the foundational parameters:

Key parameters to set
Country code: United Kingdom
AC input current limit: Match your grid supply MCB — typically 32A for domestic single-phase. Too low forces battery compensation; too high risks tripping the MCB.
Charge current: Match battery manufacturer's recommendation. Pylontech US5000 × 3 stack: 50A recommended. BYD HVS: per BYD compatibility table.
Absorption voltage: Set to battery manufacturer's specification. For 48V LiFePO4: typically 53.2V. DVCC overrides this downward if needed.
Float voltage: Typically 52.0–53.0V for 48V LiFePO4. Again, DVCC adjusts dynamically.

Connection methods: MK3-USB adapter plugged into the VE.Bus port (direct laptop connection), or VRM remote console if the Cerbo GX is already online. VictronConnect Bluetooth cannot install assistants.

2

Install the ESS assistant for grid-connected operation

The ESS assistant is mandatory for grid-connected battery storage. Without it, the system operates in passthrough only:

Install: In VEConfigure, go to the Assistants tab → Add → Select "ESS". Follow the prompts.
Grid setpoint: Set to 50W for standard self-consumption. This tells the system to aim for 50W grid import — minimising grid use while avoiding export oscillation.
Feed-in: Enable if you have an export tariff (SEG, Octopus Outgoing, etc.) and your DNO permits export. Disable if no export meter or no permission.
Feed-in from DC: Enable this to allow excess solar to export directly to the grid via the MultiPlus-II, rather than only from the battery.
Minimum SoC: This is configured later on the Cerbo GX under ESS settings, not in the assistant itself. Typical UK domestic: 10–20%.

The ESS assistant replaces any previous assistants. If you need to change settings later, you must re-run the assistant from scratch — it cannot be edited incrementally.

3

Configure UK grid code compliance for G98 or G99

UK grid-connected inverters must comply with Engineering Recommendation G98 or G99:

UK grid code selection
G98: Single-phase systems up to 3.68kW (16A at 230V). No prior DNO approval needed — notify within 28 days. MultiPlus-II 48/3000 falls under G98.
G99: Systems above 3.68kW or any three-phase. Requires DNO application and approval before energising. MultiPlus-II 48/5000 requires G99.
LOM detection: Set to Type B for UK compliance (loss-of-mains detection). This is the anti-islanding method required under both G98 and G99.

In VEConfigure under the Grid tab, select the appropriate UK grid code. The frequency and voltage trip thresholds are set automatically — do not modify them manually unless you have a specific DNO requirement documented in writing.

If you are unsure which grid code applies, check the total inverter AC output rating. The relevant value is the continuous AC output VA rating, not the DC input or solar capacity.

4

Configure DVCC and battery communication on the Cerbo GX

DVCC lets the battery BMS control the system dynamically. This step happens on the Cerbo GX, not in VEConfigure:

Enable DVCC: Settings → DVCC → ON. Without this, the system uses fixed charge parameters from VEConfigure — which may not match the BMS requirements.
Battery type: Under Battery monitor, select the correct manufacturer (Pylontech, BYD, Dyness, etc.). This sets the CAN bus protocol.
Verify communication: The battery should appear in the device list with SoC, voltage, current, and temperature. If missing, check the CAN cable — see our battery BMS disconnect guide.
Charge current limit: Under DVCC, enable "Limit charge current" and set a hard maximum matching the battery spec. This acts as a safety cap — even if the BMS requests more, the system won't exceed this value.
ESS minimum SoC: Under ESS settings on the Cerbo GX, set the minimum discharge SoC — typically 10–20%. The system will not discharge below this level under normal operation.

After enabling DVCC, verify that the CVL/CCL/DCL values shown on the battery device page are reasonable — CVL should be near the absorption voltage, CCL and DCL should match the battery's rated charge and discharge current.

5

Verify the complete system on VRM and run a charge-discharge test

Commissioning isn't complete until you've verified the system operates correctly end-to-end:

Device list: All devices should appear in VRM — MultiPlus-II, MPPT controllers, battery, SmartShunt/BMV, Cerbo GX. Missing devices indicate a VE.Bus, VE.Direct, or CAN cable issue.
System flow: VRM's flow diagram should show power moving in the correct direction — solar → battery, battery → loads, grid import/export as expected.
Charge test: Temporarily set ESS minimum SoC to 90%. The system should charge the battery from solar or grid. Verify the charge current stays within the BMS limits.
Discharge test: Set minimum SoC to 10%. Turn on a household load. The system should discharge the battery to offset the load, with grid import close to the grid setpoint (50W).
Alarm check: Review VRM alarms. Common commissioning errors: "No ESS assistant found", "Grid code not set", "BMS communication lost", or "Charge current limited by DVCC".

Monitor the first 24–48 hours on VRM. Check the daily energy summary to verify solar yield, battery throughput, self-consumption ratio, and grid import/export match expectations. See our VictronConnect & VRM setup guide if VRM is not yet configured.

Why Victron commissioning is more involved than other brands

Most hybrid inverters from brands like Sunsynk, Lux, or GivEnergy use a built-in setup wizard that walks through the essential settings in 10–15 minutes. The MultiPlus-II has no wizard — it's a component-based system where the inverter-charger, solar charger, battery monitor, and GX device are all separate products that need to be configured individually and then integrated. VEConfigure is powerful but assumes technical knowledge. The ESS assistant is not installed by default. Grid code settings must be selected manually.

The trade-off is flexibility. A correctly commissioned MultiPlus-II system can do things no single-box inverter can — parallel and three-phase configurations, multiple AC inputs (grid + generator), advanced ESS scheduling, and integration with virtually any lithium battery via DVCC. But that flexibility means there are more settings to get right, and more places for a misconfiguration to hide. In our experience, about 30% of Victron support requests trace back to a commissioning error rather than a hardware fault — usually a missing ESS assistant, incorrect AC input limit, or DVCC not being enabled.

FAQ

MultiPlus-II commissioning — common questions

The ESS (Energy Storage System) assistant is a software module installed via VEConfigure that enables grid-connected battery storage operation. Without it, the MultiPlus-II operates in passthrough or off-grid mode only — no solar battery charging, no self-consumption. It controls the power flow between grid, solar, battery, and loads.
G98 covers single-phase systems up to 3.68kW — notify the DNO within 28 days, no prior approval needed. G99 covers systems above 3.68kW or any three-phase setup — requires a formal DNO application and approval before energising. The MultiPlus-II 48/3000 falls under G98. The MultiPlus-II 48/5000 requires G99. Both set anti-islanding, frequency, and voltage trip thresholds automatically.
Match it to the MCB protecting the MultiPlus-II supply circuit — typically 32A for UK domestic single-phase. Setting it too low (e.g. 16A on a 32A supply) forces battery compensation for household loads above 3.68kW. Setting it too high risks tripping the MCB. Use the MCB rating minus 1–2A as a safety margin.
Yes — if you have a Cerbo GX connected and VRM is online, you can use VEConfigure through VRM remote console. This is the preferred method for remote commissioning support. VictronConnect over Bluetooth can view settings and update firmware but cannot install assistants, so it's not sufficient for initial commissioning.
Our remote commissioning support starts from £75 and covers VEConfigure walkthrough, ESS assistant installation, grid code selection, AC input and charge configuration, DVCC battery setup, and VRM verification. We guide you via screen share or VRM remote console. Partial corrections typically take 30–60 minutes.
Book

Need commissioning support for your MultiPlus-II?

We guide you through VEConfigure, ESS assistant installation, UK grid code selection, DVCC battery setup, and VRM verification — via screen share or VRM remote console.

  • Commissioning support from £75
  • G98 & G99 grid code covered
  • ESS assistant & DVCC configuration included

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