The Victron Multiplus and the Quattro are two inverter chargers from Victron Energy.
The Victron MultiPlus-II features a single AC input and is ideal for standard residential or smaller commercial setups, offering lower power output options.
The Victron Quattro, with dual AC inputs and higher power capacity, caters to larger and more complex installations, allowing seamless management of two independent AC sources like grid and generator together.
While both units provide inverter/charger functionalities and remote monitoring, the Quattro’s advanced features make it more suitable for demanding applications compared to the more basic MultiPlus-II.
Multiplus Vs Quattro Comparison
| Feature/Specification | Victron MultiPlus-II | Victron Quattro |
|---|---|---|
| AC Input | Single AC input | Dual AC inputs |
| Power Output | Generally lower power output options (can be paralleled) | Higher power output options (can be paralleled) |
| Suitability | Ideal for residential or smaller commercial setups | Suited for larger, more complex installations |
| AC Source Management | Manages a single source (shore OR generator) | Seamlessly switches between two sources |
| Application Scope | Standard energy storage and conversion needs | Advanced grid integration, handling multiple power sources |
| Remote Monitoring | Supported | Supported |
| PowerAssist Technology | Included | Included |
| Ideal Use Case | Smaller scale systems, less demanding applications | Larger scale systems, demanding applications |
Key features of the Multiplus
- One AC input: This can be shore power OR generator (if generator is sized correctly)
- Two AC outputs: One main and one critical load output
- Can be connected in parallel to increase total power output
- Can be connected to create a three-phase system (3x Multiplus are needed)
- Multiplus I: 800Va to 5kVA
- Multiplus II: 3kVA to 15kVA (different form factor and more compliance with grid codes for ESS)
Key features of the Quattro
- Two AC inputs, one shore, and one generator or two generators
- The Quattro will automatically connect to the live power source on AC-in
- Quattro I: 3kVA to 15kVA
- Quattro II: 5kVA (different form factor and more compliance with grid codes for ESS)
- Automatically start a generator with prioritization
When should you get a Quattro over a Multiplus?
A Quattro is advised if you change the AC source frequently, like a boat with shore power and a generator.
An example:
You have a house that is prepared for a grid-down situation. You use the grid on AC-in 1 and a generator on AC-2. If the grid goes down, the Quattro will choose the active power source and use that. In this case, it will be the generator.
Summarized: if you use a generator, use a Quattro.
CAUTION:
The Multiplus generally doesn’t accept generator input only if it is sized correctly (read more about it here).
Conclusion
If you want to use both the AC input and a generator, use a Quattro.
If you only need one AC input source, a generator, or the grid, then use a Multiplus. A cabin won’t have the grid available, so you can go for a Multiplus with a generator. Make sure you size the generator according to the instructions. Otherwise, it will not work.
Read more: Best inverters for off-grid
FAQ
How do you connect the Victron Multiplus II to the grid?
I have written an article on how to wire the Multiplus 2 into your house. Read the article here.
Difference between Multiplus and Multiplus II
The difference between a Multiplus and a Multiplus II is minor. First, the Multiplus II is more compatible with ESS (you need this if the grid is available). Second is the different form factor. The Multiplus II uses less power when idling. The quattro has 2 AC inputs while the multiplus has 1.
Difference between Quattro and Quattro II
The same goes for the Quattro. The Quattro II has more grid compatibility, a different form factor, and consumes less power on idle.
Use the Quattro I for off-grid applications and the Quattro II for grid-tied situations.
What is the difference between Multiplus II and Multiplus II-GX?
The GX version has the GX device (cerbo) inside the inverter/charger. If you get the standard version and want the GX capability, purchase a GX device separately.
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So if I’m looking for a grid-tied system, but want to go off-grid when a power failure happens, what do you suggest?
I’m building a 48v 280ah battery and have about 3000w solar.
Victron multiplus 2 with ESS. You can wire essentials like fridges and freezers to load output 2 of the multiplus. This will still work when the grid is down. You are not allowed to put the output of this into the grid. This is what I have done.
Is it possible to use both a Quattro I and a Multiplus II in a grid tie situation?
Asking for a friend.
They would have to be both stand-alone. I don’t think you can parallel them together. Ask your local Victron dealer for more information if you want to be sure.
is it possible to install a system which can charge the batteries from the grid at cheap rate overnight and then use the energy from those batteries during the day without the grid trying to top up the batteries. It would be good to have the grid supplementing the batteries if using e.g more than 8kW demand?
Hello George, I have done this in my home. I use the victron multiplus 2 to charge a battery at night and use it during the day. I have a grid meter installed so the multiplus knows exactly what is going in and out of the house.
Hi Nick,
I was thinking of doing this as we have an EV tariff. How would I tie into the main house consumer unit? Would I need to create a protected load main or could i pass the AC 2 to the consumer unit using the grid meter to monitor the house demand?
I have my AC-in connected to a breaker in the main breaker panel. This then feeds all the breakers in the main distribution panel. I don’t have AC-out 1 and 2 connected. The power travels to and from the multiplus through the AC-in. I have a 3-phase grid meter installed right before my main breaker panel. This way, I can do net zero.
Is a separate grid meter required? Doesn’t the inverter have the ports for CTs that can be placed on the homes main panels power supply? Wouldn’t this allow the inverter to cover all the loads in the main panel and not export?
It’s not required, but if you want to use some features it is required. It doesn’t come with CT’s.