Frequently Asked Questions
Victron Energy was founded in 1975 by Reinout Vader in the Netherlands. The company started as a small, single-office technology startup and has grown into an international enterprise with nearly 1,000 different products sold in over 60 countries worldwide. Reinout Vader remains actively involved in the company alongside his son Matthijs Vader, who serves as CEO. The company is headquartered in Almere-Haven, Netherlands, at De Paal 35, and operates as a family-owned business with a flat organisational structure that minimises management layers to encourage innovation and employee autonomy.
Victron Energy provides a 5-year limited warranty on all power products as standard, which was upgraded from 2 years in January 2015. Batteries have different warranty terms: lead-acid batteries come with 2 years limited warranty, whilst lithium batteries are covered for 3 years. This warranty can be extended to 10 years by paying an additional 10% of the initial product investment. The warranty is handled through authorised dealers and covers manufacturing defects. Victron's extensive global repair network ensures fast turnaround times even in remote areas, and the company's reputation for reliability means many products provide decades of service beyond the warranty period.
Victron Energy serves multiple markets including marine (both commercial and leisure), recreational vehicles (caravans, motorhomes, campervans), professional vehicles (particularly ambulances where they're the world market leader), off-grid residential systems, industrial applications, telecommunications, energy access projects, and mobility solutions. Their products are widely used in UK caravanning and motorhome conversions for 12V and 24V electrical systems, combining solar charging, battery management, and power inversion in integrated packages. The company's origins in marine power systems have shaped their focus on reliability in demanding environments, making their products suitable for both static installations and mobile applications where durability is paramount.
Victron Energy manufactures a comprehensive range of battery-based energy system components including sine wave inverters (Phoenix range), inverter-chargers (MultiPlus and Quattro series), battery chargers (Blue Smart IP22, IP65, IP67 ranges), MPPT solar charge controllers (BlueSolar and SmartSolar ranges), DC-DC converters (Orion series including the Orion XS), battery monitors (BMV range and SmartShunt), system monitoring devices (Cerbo GX, Ekrano GX), solar panels, batteries, transfer switches, and various accessories. The MultiPlus combines an inverter and charger with PowerAssist technology, whilst the Quattro adds dual AC input capability for systems with both grid and generator connections. Their MPPT solar controllers use Maximum Power Point Tracking to maximise energy harvest from solar panels, particularly beneficial in changeable UK weather conditions.
VictronConnect is a free smartphone and computer app that connects to Victron products via Bluetooth (on Smart devices) or wired VE.Direct connections. It provides real-time monitoring, configuration access, firmware updates, and historical data viewing for individual devices. VRM (Victron Remote Management) is a free web-based portal that requires a GX device with internet connection to monitor complete systems remotely from anywhere in the world. VRM offers dashboard visualisation, custom alerts, remote console access, solar yield forecasting using AI and satellite data, and can manage multiple installations for fleet operators. VictronConnect-Remote combines both systems, allowing configuration of devices through VRM as if you were standing next to them. The GlobalLink 520 enables VRM access for smaller systems without a full GX device, using cellular connectivity to upload data.
Both BlueSolar and SmartSolar MPPT charge controllers use identical Maximum Power Point Tracking technology to optimise solar panel energy harvest. The primary difference is connectivity: SmartSolar models have built-in Bluetooth for wireless monitoring and configuration via the VictronConnect app, whilst BlueSolar models require a separate VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle for wireless access. This makes SmartSolar more convenient for installations where you'll frequently check performance or adjust settings from multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops. BlueSolar is suited for set-and-forget installations or systems with multiple MPPTs connected via VE.Can networking. Both ranges include the BatteryLife algorithm that prevents excessive battery discharge by intelligently managing load disconnect levels, and both can be monitored through VRM when connected to a GX device. The MPPT technology in both ranges can improve energy harvest by up to 30% compared to PWM controllers, especially during cloudy conditions common in UK weather.
Victron products dominate UK leisure vehicle electrical systems due to several factors. The equipment is specifically designed for 12V and 24V battery-based applications common in caravans and motorhomes, with robust construction that withstands vibration and temperature variations during travel. The modular approach allows converters to start with basic systems and expand later, with products like the Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC chargers working seamlessly with smart alternators found in modern base vehicles. Complete electrical kits are available from UK suppliers with wiring diagrams and installation guides, making DIY conversions achievable. The VictronConnect app provides instant visibility of solar charging, battery state, and power consumption without additional hardware on Smart devices. Five-year warranties and widespread UK dealer network ensure support and parts availability. The company's reputation for products lasting 15-20 years means the higher initial investment is offset by longevity, and compatibility between old and new products protects system expansion investments.
The MultiPlus is a hybrid inverter-charger that combines three functions in one unit: a pure sine wave inverter to convert 12V/24V/48V DC battery power to 230V AC, a sophisticated adaptive battery charger, and a high-speed automatic transfer switch. The key distinguishing feature is PowerAssist technology, which supplements limited shore power or generator capacity by drawing additional power from the battery bank when loads exceed the input supply capability. This means you can run high-power appliances from a 10A campsite hookup by having the MultiPlus boost the available power with battery support. The transfer switch operates in under 20 milliseconds, fast enough that sensitive electronics like computers continue running during changeover without interruption. Multiple MultiPlus units can be configured for three-phase operation or paralleled for higher power output. The adaptive charging algorithms automatically adjust to different battery types including lithium, and can be fully configured through VictronConnect without needing physical switches or dials. Available in various power ratings from 500VA to 5000VA depending on model.