Victron Roundup, April 2026 | MEDA

13 May 2026

April 2026, Compiled by MEDA Off Grid + Solar Solutions

Victron have been busy. Headlining everything is the formal launch of Victron Microgrid, a genuinely new way of building large off-grid systems that we think changes the game for NZ lifestyle blocks, remote properties, and staged installs. Alongside that, the past six months have brought a stack of new hardware including SuperPack NG lithium batteries (35% smaller, built-in BMS and heating), the 70A Orion XS DC-DC charger, and new mid-range MultiPlus-II models rated in watts instead of VA for the first time. On the software side, Venus OS 3.70 brings native Shelly smart switch integration, a proper digital switching control pane on the GX touchscreen, and Raspberry Pi 5 support. VictronConnect v6.30 now lets installers batch-program firmware and settings across multiple devices at once. We've pulled together the full rundown of what's new, what's changed, and what NZ installers and DIYers need to know heading into winter 2026.

⚡ Victron Microgrid, A New Way to Build Large Off-Grid Systems

This is the most significant new capability Victron has introduced for off-grid installers in years. Officially launched 13 April 2026, Victron Microgrid is a modular approach to large off-grid power, scalable up to 400 kW. If you design or install systems above 5 to 10 kVA, read on, this changes how you can approach larger projects.

The Problem It Solves

Until now, scaling a Victron system beyond what a single inverter/charger bank can handle meant paralleling units on the same DC bus, one big battery bank, one set of DC cabling, and all the constraints around cable lengths, fusing, and single points of failure. For larger off-grid loads (remote properties, lifestyle blocks, community buildings, construction sites), this gets expensive and complex fast. You're also locked into designing the full system upfront, adding capacity later means reworking the DC side.

How Microgrid Works: Power Banks on a Shared AC Bus

Victron's terminology is "Power Banks", each Power Bank is a complete, independent Victron installation with its own inverter/chargers, batteries, charging sources, and monitoring. Multiple Power Banks connect together on the AC side only, sharing the load automatically.

Here's the clever part: when load increases on the shared AC network, the frequency drops slightly. Each inverter detects that frequency drop and automatically increases its power output to share the load proportionally. When load decreases, frequency rises, and each unit backs off. The systems communicate purely through frequency and voltage changes on the AC wiring that's already there, no CAN bus, no dedicated data cables between systems, no master/slave hierarchy, no central controller.

Victron describes this as a "mechanical-like dynamic response", the inverters behave the way a diesel generator naturally does when load increases (engine bogs down, governor opens throttle). The slope of the frequency/voltage response can be tuned per system, so you can weight how aggressively each unit responds to load changes.

What Hardware You Need

The good news: no exotic new hardware.

Per Power Bank

Victron inverter/charger (MultiPlus-II, Quattro, or Multi RS) with current VE.Bus firmware
Cerbo GX (or other GX device) for monitoring and configuration
Battery bank (any size, Power Banks don't need to be identical)
Solar input via MPPT or AC-coupled PV inverter

Connecting Power Banks Together

Standard AC cabling between systems, that's it
No CAN bus wiring between nodes
No separate energy management system (EMS) controller
No synchronisation hardware (unless adding AC generators to the microgrid)
DC generators can connect directly without a transfer switch

Why This Matters for NZ Off-Grid

Practical NZ Scenarios

Lifestyle blocks & rural properties: Start with a 5 kVA Power Bank for the house. Add a second independent 5 kVA Power Bank for the shed or workshop later, no DC redesign, just connect on the AC side. Both systems share load automatically.
Staged installs on a budget: Customer can't afford a 15 kVA system upfront? Install a single Power Bank now, add more capacity next year. Each addition is plug-and-play on the AC bus.
Remote communities & marae: Multiple buildings each with their own Power Bank, connected together to share load across the community. If one system goes down, the others keep running, built-in redundancy.
Upgrading an existing install: No need to pull a working Victron system apart to scale it up. Add a second Power Bank alongside, connect both to the same AC bus. The original system just becomes one Power Bank in the Microgrid. Useful for containerised or remote sites where reworking infrastructure would be disruptive.
Construction sites & rental fleets: Trailer-mounted Power Banks that connect and disconnect as needed. Scale up for big pours, scale down for finish work. Victron specifically pitches this as a fleet/rental model.
Mixed system sizes: You can parallel single-phase systems with three-phase systems, and mix different battery bank sizes. Each Power Bank manages its own charging and SOC independently.

How Big Can It Go?

Victron officially supports microgrids up to 400 kW. For MEDA's typical off-grid customers, the sweet spot is 10 to 60 kVA, where a customer needs more than a single MultiPlus-II can deliver but doesn't want to go full commercial. Beyond that, the architecture scales further with more Power Banks.

What to Know Before Quoting

Current Status

Functional in current firmware, officially launched April 2026, this is real and supported
Droop mode is configured via VE.Bus registers (H:200 to 231), professional-level configuration required
If the droop controller fails, the system falls back to local master/slave mode, graceful degradation, not total failure
Power Banks can be grouped together in VRM for remote monitoring, alarms, and cross-site visibility

Practical Limitations

AC generators connecting to the microgrid need synchronisation hardware, DC generators don't
Response time is in the 250 to 500ms range, fast enough for most off-grid loads, but not instant
Each Power Bank manages its own battery SOC independently, there's no cross-system battery balancing
Victron's installer documentation is still being expanded, expect more detailed configuration guides through 2026

MEDA's Take

For customers asking about 10+ kVA off-grid systems, Microgrid is a viable alternative to a single large parallel setup, often with better redundancy
The ability to stage installs over time is the real selling point for NZ residential off-grid, customers can grow their system without starting over
The fleet/rental angle is interesting for hire companies or construction outfits running multiple sites
Talk to MEDA if you're considering a microgrid design, we can help spec it

Reference: Introducing Victron Microgrid (Victron Energy blog)

🔧 New Hardware

Inverters & Chargers

MultiPlus 48V 20K 230V (Available)

Victron's largest single inverter/charger unit. 230V version available now; 120V expected H2 2026. New units are now rated in watts instead of volt-amps, a change Victron intends to roll out across the full inverter/charger range. A meaningful shift for quoting: customers see real-world output figures.

NZ availability: Not yet confirmed available in NZ, talk to MEDA for updates.

Source: Metstrade 2025 announcement

MultiPlus-II 4k5 & 6k5 (230V) (Available Globally)

New mid-range models filling out the lineup. 4500W and 6500W units available now in 230V; 120V versions expected H2 2026.

NZ availability: Not yet available in NZ, datasheets published April 2025, expect NZ stock soon. Contact MEDA.

Source: Trek Systems overview

MultiPlus-II 12V 4kVA 230V (New)

Delivers 3400W continuous at 12V. A solid option for larger van or marine builds that still want to stay on 12V architecture.

NZ availability: Not yet available in NZ, contact MEDA for updates.

Multi RS 48/6000 (New)

Compact 6000VA high-frequency inverter with 100A charger optimised for marine applications. 230V only, no built-in MPPT (unlike the existing Inverter RS).

NZ availability: Available in NZ, MEDA can supply this now.

Multi RS19 & HS19 (New)

19-inch rackmount units with integrated MPPT. Currently 230V only.

NZ availability: Not yet available in NZ, contact MEDA for updates.

12V & 24V 1600VA VE.Direct Standalone Inverters (New)

Compact standalone inverter options for simpler systems without charging functionality.

NZ availability: Not yet confirmed available in NZ, contact MEDA for updates.

120/240V Split-Phase Inverter/Charger (In Development)

True split-phase from a single unit, no autotransformer needed. No confirmed release date yet.

Autotransformer 50A (New)

55% more feed-through current in the same enclosure as the existing model. Relevant for anyone running split-phase setups.

NZ availability: Not yet confirmed available in NZ, contact MEDA for updates.

Batteries

Lithium SuperPack NG (New)

Next-generation SuperPack with built-in BMS, integrated heating for sub-freezing charging, on/off switch, and safety vent. About 35% smaller than the outgoing SuperPack. This is a significant upgrade for the motorhome/caravan market. Firmware v1.05 (April 2026) expands continuous discharge to 2C and extends charge/discharge temperature ranges.

12V 100Ah, 12V 200Ah, Available Q1 2026
24V 100Ah, Available Q1 2026
24V 200Ah, 48V 100Ah, Planned Q2 2026
SuperPack NG with CAN, Expected H2 2026

NZ availability: Available in NZ, 12V 100Ah, 12V 200Ah, and 24V 100Ah models available now through MEDA. Larger 24V 200Ah and 48V 100Ah due Q2 2026. CAN version H2 2026.

Source: Metstrade 2025 blog post

Battery Management Systems

Three new BMS NG models for the Lithium Smart NG battery range:

Smart BMS NG 12/200 (New)

Controls charging current from alternators for up to 50 Victron Lithium NG 12.8V batteries. Key product for van/marine alternator charging.

NZ availability: Not yet available in NZ, contact MEDA for updates.

VE.Bus BMS NG (New)

For systems with VE.Bus communication. Receives battery current data directly, no separate SmartShunt needed.

NZ availability: Not yet available in NZ, contact MEDA for updates.

SmallBMS NG (New)

Compact, Bluetooth-enabled, cost-effective option for simpler systems without inverter/charger integration.

NZ availability: Not yet available in NZ, expected soon, contact MEDA.

DC-DC Chargers & Charging

Orion XS 12/12-70A (Q2 2026)

High-power battery-to-battery charger with parallel connection capability. A big deal for van and marine builds that need serious alternator charging.

NZ availability: Not yet available, global release Q2 2026. The existing 50A model is available in NZ through MEDA. Expect 70A mid-2026.

48V-capable Orion XS (H2 2026)

Extends the Orion XS range to 48V systems. Emergency starter charge feature also coming later 2026.

NZ availability: Not yet available, global release mid-to-late 2026. Contact MEDA to register interest.

TR Smart 48/12-60A (New)

Non-isolated DC-DC charger. Largest in this category at 60A (previously capped at 30A).

NZ availability: Not yet confirmed available in NZ, contact MEDA for updates.

Smart IP43 Charger, 48V & 36V Models (Available)

First 48V AC-to-DC charger in the Victron lineup. Input range 85 to 250VAC for global compatibility. Available Q1 2026.

NZ availability: 12V/24V models available in NZ through MEDA. New 48V and 36V models not yet available in NZ.

Source: Metstrade 2025 blog post

Monitoring & Connectivity

GlobalLink 530 (New)

True 4G connectivity replacing the GlobalLink 520. Enhanced speeds and lower latency for VRM remote monitoring. Relevant for remote off-grid sites where reliable cellular data matters.

NZ availability: Not yet available in NZ, the GlobalLink 520 is available through MEDA in the meantime.

Solar Sense 750 (New)

Wireless Bluetooth solar irradiance and PV power monitoring device. Integrates with VictronConnect and GX devices. Can estimate daily min/max solar production and daily yield. Useful as a site assessment tool before finalising panel placement.

NZ availability: Not yet available in NZ, contact MEDA to register interest.

Source: Product page

GX IO-Extender 150 (New)

More I/O options for integrators: bi-stable relays, solid-state relay, and adjustable PWM outputs. Introduced alongside Venus OS 3.60.

NZ availability: Not yet available in NZ, contact MEDA for updates.

💻 Software & Firmware Updates

Venus OS 3.70 / 3.71 / 3.72, Latest Stable Releases

February to March 2026

Venus OS 3.70 was the major release; 3.71 (March) and 3.72 (30 March) followed with stability fixes and minor improvements. The v3.80 series is currently in public beta.

Switch Pane & Digital Switching

GX device relays now controllable from the switch pane
Node-RED virtual switches integrated for custom automation
Third-party digital switching: Garmin EmpirBus, Shelly Gen2+, and Safiery STAR controllers in one unified interface

Shelly Smart Device Integration

Native support for Shelly Gen2+ smart switches, energy meters, and RGBW LED controllers
Control 12V/24V switching circuits directly from the GX touchscreen
Significant for anyone wanting affordable home/van automation with Victron

Battery Monitoring

Lynx Smart BMS NG: individual battery and cell voltages plus cell temperatures
SSS StorageDock battery support added

New Device Support

Gobius tank sensors via Bluetooth
Ruuvi Air sensors
Orion XS with NMEA 2000 output
Raspberry Pi 5 support

Marine Features

GX alarms transmitted to NMEA 2000 network for Garmin MFD display
Expanded electric boat page: dual motor support plus regeneration visualisation
CANopen profiles for Sevcon and Curtis motor controllers

Technical & Security

Dynamic ESS precision improvements and charge scheduling corrections
Brute force protection for MQTT/HTTP logins
Modbus-TCP read-only mode option
40% CPU reduction on Cerbo GX when animations disabled
Pylontech remote firmware updates via VRM

References: Blog post • Professional news • v3.71 patch notes

Other April 2026 Firmware Releases

Lynx Smart BMS NG firmware v1.17 (14 April): Improved DVCC charging control, fixes unstable behaviour where chargers were switching off unnecessarily. Worth flagging for anyone running Lynx Smart BMS NG installs.
SuperPack NG firmware v1.05 (7 April): Continuous discharge capability expanded to 2C, plus extended charge and discharge temperature ranges.
Multi RS firmware v1.29 (26 March): Adds Denmark grid code support and improved phase rotation detection for three-phase systems, preventing random disconnects.
VE.Bus firmware v560/v562 (25 March): Targeted fix for 48V models in serial number range HQ2518 to HQ2611 that were briefly shutting down. NZ installers: if you've installed 48V MultiPlus-II or Quattro units in this serial range, this fix is relevant.

Venus OS 3.60

June 2025

Redesigned settings menu with breadcrumb navigation
Introduction of the Switch Pane concept (Energy Solutions DC4 SmartSwitch)
Marine MFD HTML5 app improvements for high-def displays (Garmin 9000 etc.)
Night mode with red overlay for marine use
Heating/cooling control for NG batteries in cold/hot environments
VE.Bus settings backup and restore
Node-RED virtual devices (batteries, PV inverters, temp sensors, tanks, meters)
DVCC auto-config for Sunwoda and Soluna batteries
PV inverter limiter support for SunSpec models 123 and 704 (SMA, SolarEdge, Kostal, Enphase)

Reference: Blog post

VictronConnect v6.30 to v6.32

February to March 2026

VRM Dashboard in-app: View system dashboards, control switching, and Dynamic ESS info without leaving VictronConnect
Batch Programming: Apply settings files and firmware updates across multiple devices simultaneously (VE.Direct and Bluetooth)
Android Auto Support: Monitor system info on your car display via Bluetooth Instant Readout
Android Widgets & Notifications: Home screen widgets and push alerts for system status
Enhanced Trends: Clearer performance graphs with exportable trends data
Firmware Update UX: Release notes visible in update screen; firmware library auto-updates when online
v6.32 (31 March 2026): Stability improvements and fixes for the new trends and Android features

Reference: Blog post

VRM Portal Updates

2025 to 2026

Dashboard & Management

Redesigned preferences pages with favourites and recently viewed items
DESS (Dynamic ESS) tag now applied to sites running Dynamic ESS
Consumption forecast reset available through settings
VRM AI Assistant: Answers documentation questions and generates system summaries
2FA now mandatory for accounts with 100+ systems

ESS Improvements

ESS no longer throttles PV production when Optimised + 100% Minimum SOC selected
ESS feed-in limit increased from 32 kW for higher power import/export
Dynamic ESS responds more accurately when actual consumption/solar differs from forecast

Click & Design Tool

Now supports MultiPlus-II 4k5, 6k5, and MultiPlus 20k
Parallel inverter configurations up to 4 per phase (12 in three-phase)
Systems up to 240 kW can now be designed using 12× MultiPlus 20k

⚠️ Discontinuations & Changes to Watch

Lynx Shunt VE.Can (M8), Discontinued

Replaced by the M10 connector version. If you're quoting Lynx distribution systems, ensure you're specifying the M10 variant.

RS 450 CEC Approval (Australia), Expired Dec 2024

Victron allowed this to lapse. Community feedback suggests a strategic decision not to compete in the Australian grid-tied ESS market. Affects NZ/AU customers wanting CEC-approved grid-tied setups.

Watt Ratings Replacing VA Ratings

New inverter/charger models are now rated in watts, not VA. This will eventually roll across the full range. Important for quoting accuracy, update your documentation and customer comms.

SuperPack (Original) to SuperPack NG

The NG range is the clear replacement with built-in BMS, heating, and smaller form factor. Expect the original SuperPack line to wind down as NG models roll out through 2026.

BlueSmart Charger Hardware Revision

Units produced since March 2025 have improved strain relief design and button lock feature. Not a discontinuation, but worth noting if customers report differences between old and new units.

🇳🇿 NZ/AU Market Notes

AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Amendment 2:2024

This updated inverter product standard came into effect on 23 August 2025. Non-compliant inverter models have been removed from the approved products list. If you're designing grid-interactive systems, confirm your chosen Victron model is still on the CEC list.

CSIP-AUS v1.2

The updated communication protocol for inverters is expected to become mandatory in some Australian jurisdictions in July 2026. Monitor this for any flow-on effects to NZ standards.

Victron's Grid-Tied ESS Position in AU/NZ

Victron's CEC-approved portfolio remains limited for grid-tied energy storage. The RS 450 approval lapse reinforces their primary focus in this market: off-grid, hybrid, and mobile (marine/van/motorhome). For MEDA, this aligns with our core customer base, but be upfront with customers who ask about grid-tied ESS.

CEC-Approved Victron Products (Current)

SmartSolar MPPT Charge Controllers (selected models)
MultiPlus-II 3k and 5k (grid-interactive approved)
Quattro 15k

Victron certificates • CEC approved inverters

SuperPack NG & the NZ Mobile Market

The 35% size reduction and built-in heating make the SuperPack NG particularly relevant for NZ motorhome and marine customers dealing with sub-zero temperatures in winter. The 12V 100Ah's reduced height (fits under a camper seat) will be a strong selling point.

Solar Sense 750 for NZ Installers

Given NZ's variable solar conditions by region, this wireless irradiance sensor is a practical pre-install assessment tool, especially for sites where shading or orientation is uncertain.

Sources: Victron Energy Blog • Victron Professional • Victron Community • Trek Systems

Last updated 13 May 2026

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