Victron Soluna Battery Compatibility and Setup Guide

Key Takeaways

• Communication issues, particularly incorrect CAN-Bus wiring or outdated firmware, are the most common reasons for compatibility problems.
• Always begin troubleshooting by verifying all firmware versions on your Victron GX device, Soluna battery, and connected inverters/chargers.
• Never attempt to operate Soluna battery cells without a functional Battery Management System (BMS) connection, as this is a critical safety requirement.
• If your Soluna battery enters a low-voltage sleep state below 44.8V and requires a manual restart, contact a qualified technician if the issue persists after charging.

Why isn't my Victron system recognizing my Soluna battery?

If your Victron system is not recognizing your Soluna battery, the most common cause is an issue with the communication setup, specifically the CAN-Bus wiring or outdated firmware. The first thing to check is that all communication cables are correctly installed and that all relevant devices have the minimum required firmware versions.

Diagnosis

Follow these steps to diagnose common compatibility issues between your Victron system and Soluna battery.

1. Verify CAN-Bus Wiring and Termination.

• • Check: Ensure the Can2 port of the Soluna battery is connected directly to a VE.Can socket on your Victron GX device. Use Victron A-type and B-type communication cables (part number ASS030710018).
  • Check: Confirm that a VE.Can terminator is plugged into the other unused VE.Can socket on the GX device. The Soluna battery has a built-in CAN terminator, so no additional terminator is needed on the battery side.
  • Result: If wiring is incorrect or a terminator is missing on the GX device, the battery may not reliably show up on the GX device display. Correct the wiring and add the terminator as needed.

2. Check GX Device Firmware Version.

• • Check: Access your GX device's settings to determine its current firmware version.
  • Result: The minimum supported GX firmware version is v3.60. If your GX device is running an older version, update it to at least v3.60.

3. Check Soluna Battery Firmware Version.

• • Check: Consult your Soluna battery documentation or interface to find its firmware version.
  • Result: The minimum supported Soluna firmware version is JC3.30. If your battery is running an older version, consult your Soluna dealer for update procedures.

4. Check Inverter/Charger Firmware Versions.

• • Check: If you are using Victron VE.Bus models (Multi, MultiPlus, Quattro), verify their firmware version. If you are using Victron RS models, check their firmware version.
  • Result: The minimum supported firmware version for VE.Bus models is 469. For RS models, the minimum supported firmware is 1.16. Update any devices running older firmware.

5. Monitor for Battery Sleep Modes.

• • Check: Observe the GX device display for any battery alarms or if the battery appears offline.
  • Result: If the battery and inverter lose communication for 10 minutes, the battery will enter a sleep mode. If the battery voltage drops below 44.8V after discharge and is not charged by the inverter, it will enter a low-voltage sleep state. If the battery receives a signal from the GX device again, it will automatically re-awaken from a communication-loss sleep mode. However, a low-voltage sleep state below 44.8V requires a manual restart.

Cause/fix table

Soluna Battery Integration with Victron Systems

Integrating Soluna batteries with Victron Energy systems requires careful attention to communication protocols, firmware versions, and specific settings to ensure reliable operation.

Communication Setup

A Victron GX device, such as a Cerbo GX, is required for communication. The Soluna battery communicates with the GX device via its Can2 port. You must use the BMS-Can (500 kbit/s) connection type on the GX device for proper communication of charge and discharge limits, error codes, and state of charge. Use Victron A-type and B-type communication cables (part number ASS030710018) for this connection. A VE.Can terminator must be installed on the unused VE.Can socket of the GX device. The Soluna battery itself has a built-in CAN terminator, so no additional terminator is needed on the battery side.

Firmware Requirements

To ensure compatibility and proper function, all components in your Victron system must meet specific minimum firmware versions:

• GX device: Minimum v3.60
• Soluna battery: Minimum JC3.30
• VE.Bus models (Multi, MultiPlus, Quattro): Minimum 469
• RS models: Minimum 1.16

Regularly updating your firmware helps maintain system stability and access to the latest features.

Automatic Settings Configuration

When a Soluna battery is connected to a GX device, certain Victron system settings are automatically configured:

• DVCC (Distributed Voltage and Current Control): Automatically enabled.
• SVS (Shared Voltage Sense): Automatically enabled.
• SCS (Shared Current Sense): Automatically disabled.
• STS (Shared Temperature Sense): Automatically disabled.

The Soluna battery automatically controls the target voltage on the Victron system (CVL).

Voltage Control and Cell Balancing

The Soluna battery's Battery Management System (BMS) manages cell balancing and voltage limits. The maximum voltage of the battery pack is 57.3V, and the maximum voltage of a single cell is 3.65V. Soluna battery cells will balance themselves within a range of 2800mV to 3650mV. If the battery is overcharged beyond 57.3V, or any cell exceeds 3.65V, the battery will actively disconnect its internal charging circuit and send a high cell voltage alarm to the GX device.

Compatible Victron Components

Soluna batteries are designed to integrate with a range of Victron Energy products:

• Inverter/Chargers: All 48V Multis, MultiPlus, Quattros, and RS models are compatible. These VE.Bus inverter/charger units must be connected to the GX device via the VE.Bus connection port.
• Solar Chargers: All 48V BlueSolar and SmartSolar MPPT Chargers are compatible. These can be connected to the GX device via either their VE.Direct or VE.Can port.

For more information on battery technology and selection, you can visit our general batteries guide at /pk/batteries.

Safety: Lithium Battery Operation

Operating lithium batteries requires adherence to specific safety guidelines to prevent hazards.

• BMS Connection: It is critical that you DO NOT attempt to operate the battery cells normally without a connection to the BMS. The BMS is an integral safety component that monitors and protects the battery.
• Overcharge Protection: The Soluna battery includes built-in overcharge protection. If the battery pack voltage exceeds 57.3V or any single cell voltage goes above 3.65V, the battery will actively disconnect its internal charging circuit to prevent damage. Always ensure your charging sources are configured to respect these limits.

When to call a technician instead

While many compatibility issues can be resolved with careful troubleshooting, some situations require professional assistance. You should call a qualified technician if:

• The battery consistently enters a low-voltage sleep state (below 44.8V) and requires manual restarts, indicating a potential underlying issue.
• You are unable to update firmware on any of your devices, or if firmware updates do not resolve communication problems.
• You observe persistent error codes or alarms on your GX device that you cannot diagnose or clear.
• You suspect internal battery damage or a fault with the BMS.
• Any troubleshooting step requires opening the battery enclosure, as this should only be performed by authorized service personnel to maintain safety and warranty. ---