This is the question we’re asked most often when someone is sizing up a storage system: How many batteries can I use without running out? And the answer does not depend on the number of kWh you want to store, but on the the amount that your investor is able to borrow from the bank.
ZYC publishes a list of recommended minimum settings by inverter model. Here is a translated and organised version, explaining what each figure means. The data is from the List of Recommended Minimum Configurations for the EU, Version 2.3 from the manufacturer.
Each module ZYC SIMPO 5000 delivery 100 continuous amps and up to 200 A peak for 5 seconds. A large inverter may require more than that: if the array does not have enough modules, the BMS trips due to overcurrent and the system shuts down just when it is needed most.
That is why the minimum depends on four factors: the inverter’s power rating, whether it is single-phase or three-phase, and whether it operates plugged in (where the grid helps during peak demand) or isolated (where the battery is the sole source of power). In off-grid mode, the minimum is always higher.
Manufacturer’s notice: Deviating from these figures in the downward direction is not permitted. And if you are going to start engines, pumps or compressors, bear in mind that more modules that meet the minimum requirement: the inrush current may be several times the rated current.
| Victron model | Jumpsuit. net | Overalls. Isolated | Tri. net | Isolated Tri. |
| MultiPlus 48/1600/20 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| MultiPlus 48/2000/25 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| MultiPlus 48/3000/35 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| MultiPlus 48/5000/70 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| MultiPlus-II (GX) 48/3000/35-32 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| MultiPlus-II (GX) 48/5000/70-50 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| MultiPlus-II 48/8000/110-100 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| MultiPlus-II 48/10000/140-100 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| MultiPlus-II 48/15000/200-100 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 12 |
| Quattro 48/5000/70-100/100 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Quattro 48/8000/110-100/100 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| Quattro 48/10000/140-100/100 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| Quattro 48/15000/200-100/100 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 12 |
| EasySolar-II 48/3000/35-32 MPPT 250/70 GX | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| EasySolar-II 48/5000/70-50 MPPT 250/100 GX | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
For Victron, ZYC recommends the cable VE.Can to CAN bus Type A BMS for communication. If you’re going to work without communication, you’ll have the voltage values in the Victron setup guide with ZYC SIMPO 5000.
| Deye model | Network | Isolated |
| SUN-3.6K-SG01LP1-EU | 1 | 1 |
| SUN-5K-SG01LP1-EU | 1 | 2 |
| SUN-6K-SG01LP1-EU | 1 | 2 |
| SUN-8K-SG01LP1-EU | 1 | 2 |
| SUN-12K-SG01LP1-EU | 2 | 3 |
| SUN-16K-SG01LP1-EU | 3 | 4 |
| SUN-5K-SG04LP3-EU (three-phase) | 1 | 2 |
| SUN-8K-SG04LP3-EU (three-phase) | 2 | 2 |
| SUN-12K-SG04LP3-EU (three-phase) | 2 | 3 |
| SUN-20K-SG05LP3-EU-SM2 (three-phase) | 5 | 6 |
| Make and model | Jumpsuit. net | Overalls. Isolated | Tri. net | Isolated Tri. |
| SMA Sunny Island 4.4M | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| SMA Sunny Island 6.0H | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| SMA Sunny Island 8.0H | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Studer XTM 4000-48 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Studer XTH 6000-48 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Studer XTH 8000-48 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Studer Next3 / Next3 Rack | — | — | 3 | 4 |
| Goodwe GW5000-ES-20 | 1 | 2 | — | — |
| Goodwe GW10K-ES-C10 | 2 | 3 | — | — |
| Solis RHI-5K-48ES-5G | 1 | 2 | — | — |
The manufacturer’s full list also includes Selectronic, Steca Xtender and Noark. If your model isn’t listed here, please get in touch and we’ll look into it.
Example 1 — a home with a MultiPlus-II 48/5000 connected to the mains. The minimum is 1 module, i.e. 5.12 kWh. It works, but with just one module you’ll be at the current limit: for a home with normal consumption, 2 or 3 modules are a sensible choice, and that way you’ll also have real autonomy.
Example 2 — the same inverter in an off-grid installation. The minimum rises to 2 modules. If there is a well, a pump or an air-conditioning unit, it counts as 3 or 4.
Example 3 — warehouse fitted with an isolated three-phase Quattro 48/15000. The minimum is 12 modules, around 61 kWh: at this point you’re talking about 10-unit cupboard further expansion, not a single tower.
The system supports up to 80 modules in parallel on a single inverter without external control devices. When you connect several cabinets via a DC combination box, the manufacturer sets the maximum at 64 modules. In either case, these figures are well above what a home requires: the practical limit is set by your investor, not the battery.
Do you have any queries about a specific inverter? Tell us the model and the type of installation, and we’ll tell you how many modules you need before you buy.
Installation guide for a ZYC SIMPO 5000 bench: location, 6- and 10-unit cabinets, cable cross-sections and tightening torques, multiple cabinets in parallel, start-up, LEDs and maintenance.
A practical guide to connecting ZYC SIMPO 5000 batteries to a Victron inverter: VE.Can cable, CAN pins, start-up sequence, communication-free mode and official charging voltages.
We compared the ZYC SIMPO 5000 battery with the Pylontech US5000, using the specifications: usable energy, cycle life, cold-start capacity, scalability and compatibility. And where Pylontech continues to come out on top.
Victron campervan electrical system pre-fitted to a panel: inverter, lithium battery, Orion XS booster, charger and MPPT – all wired, protected and configured. Schematic diagram, sizing, 220 V, type approval and indicative prices.
