the rapidly changing inverter landscape

[SeaGal]

when I set up my primary off grid system I chose an SMA Sunny Island.

... and there lies the chasm between the off-gridders that must have something to work, whatever vs. us grid-tied amateurs who can put up with some downtime to save a few $$$

 

[42OhmsPA]

In a few months, there might be some big changes in pricing and features. 10Kw split phase inverters coming into the pipeline that can be stacked. SRNE and Midnite come to mind. Some are already here like the NDX sold by Watts247 that may have the bugs worked out.

If EG4 had a 10Kw off grid inverter like the 6000XP that could be stacked, I might consider it.

Really looking forward to the stackable 10kW split phase ASF SRNE's.

Someday I still want a "bullet proof" low frequency with a big ass transformer and crazy surge ratings, Schneider XW Pro, but I took somewhat of a gamble on my current ASF and I've been beyond happy.

Since September 2023 I've put over 3500kWh PV through it and over 4000kWh AC output (thanks terrible December / January). It has handled everything I've thrown at it from my deep well pump (clamped ~40A / leg inrush) , table saws, miter saws, 240V air compressor (I really need to clamp it), electric dryer, and all the other standard household appliances.
With the money saved avoiding grid it's half paid for itself.

It's awesome how technology has evolved since I started this journey in October 2022.

I don't need tons of fancy features and constant firmware updates to fix 'bugs', I just want something that works, so far I think I've found it but time will tell.

I look forward to the future and more evolution. I see my next adventure being high voltage batteries in a couple years.

I'll be sure to document everything for the world to see, without the forum there is no way I'd be where I am today.

 

[SeaGal]

But she will get to keep the solar stuff

Yes.. god bless him... I'm never letting go of my LiFePO4's

 

[SeaGal]

The song begins to play. "I was tired of my lady, we'd been together too long.... Do you like Piña Coladas?"

So you end up with the same inverter, but love it more

 

[NCislander]

Go with what works, year after year. Many things in life. Solid, Dependable, Reliable, Comfortable.
Though hard to believe, life doesn't revolve around watching electricity meters (watching grass grow)

 

[featherlite]

There is always excitement with new features over the "boring" old model that does what it always has done

Proverbs 31:10-15
[for maximum effect, substitute “Victron” for “woman/her/she”]

10 Who shall find a valiant woman? far and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her.
11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils.
12 She will render him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.
13 She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands.
14 She is like the merchant's ship, she bringeth her bread from afar.
15 And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens.

 

[billvon]

Not 300-500vDC but I notice the WZRELB has up to 110vDC.

Yeah half a dozen inverters at the last Intersolar were supporting HV. Sol-Ark now has a 30K inverter that works to 400V, and Solis has at least two.

Partial list:

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Maybe, but in 2012 when I set up my primary off grid system I chose an SMA Sunny Island.

In 2024 I would choose the same inverter..

Some things change - some stay the same.

After seeing these beasts on those DC Solar trailers, I'm impressed. If I weren't already smurfed, I'd go Yellow.

 

[Hedges]

But she will get to keep the solar stuff

The trick is to tie "our" money up in stuff, which can then be assigned a depreciated value.
That is, if you also have separate assets you get to keep.

... and there lies the chasm between the off-gridders that must have something to work, whatever vs. us grid-tied amateurs who can put up with some downtime to save a few $$$

You forget the 3rd group, "non-binary", who dumpster dive or otherwise get bargains. Save lots of $$$ and get something industrial grade.

I have spent a lot of $$$, however, since becoming addicted.

 

[Brucey]

Yeah half a dozen inverters at the last Intersolar were supporting HV. Sol-Ark now has a 30K inverter that works to 400V, and Solis has at least two.

Partial list:

Question is if there's any diy battery options in the HV range specifically BMS?

 

[Zwy]

Why not just stack 6000xps?

Takes space to stack 4 units, more wire, more everything.

 

[Hedges]

Question is if there's any diy battery options in the HV range specifically BMS?

REC does up to 128s. Others, Batrium?
Battery Hookup mentioned having some.

 

[1201]

After seeing these beasts on those DC Solar trailers, I'm impressed. If I weren't already smurfed, I'd go Yellow.

Trust me they yellow inverters are amazing. Even if I switch them out I'm keeping them as backup. Mine are 12 years old and still working like new

 

[Zwy]

Two 10kw is 20kw vs three 6000xp 18kw

It's split phase

I'm not certain one can stack 3 units.

Second reason is the 6000XP is open chassis. I'm looking for a sealed chassis unit as this will be a shop environment. The NDX from Watts247 is sealed and can even be used outdoors, similar to the EG4 18Kpv.

 

[Brucey]

REC does up to 128s. Others, Batrium?
Battery Hookup mentioned having some.

So what you're saying is I won't be picking one up for $100 like a jk non inverter 2A unit on AliExpress.

 

[1201]

I'm not certain one can stack 3 units.

Second reason is the 6000XP is open chassis. I'm looking for a sealed chassis unit as this will be a shop environment. The NDX from Watts247 is sealed and can even be used outdoors, similar to the EG4 18Kpv.

You can stack three units.

The open chassis is definitely a consideration if it's in a workshop

 

[1201]

Yeah half a dozen inverters at the last Intersolar were supporting HV. Sol-Ark now has a 30K inverter that works to 400V, and Solis has at least two.

Partial list:

A lot of hv inverters out there!

 

[timselectric]

That's another benefit of diy batteries.
You can reconfigure for whatever voltage you want in the future.

 

[DPC]

Schneider electric.
Well I think of all the products made by Square D Modicon and other brands they now own and am well disappointed.
I cant speak for the Home inverters but the industrial products some of them make you scratch your head.
Connectivity issues and clunky?

They make a smart motor starter that if you cycle the power to it and then it looses connectivity it simply won't run.
It needs the coms to tell it what it supposed to do/
And there is no hard wired solution, your just not using that starter until you establish coms.
The Modicon controller used to built like a tank, now its clearly a Telemechanic product and its fluffy crap..

We have a saying where i work
Schneeder is proof that 60 million frenchman can be wrong

 

[Hedges]

So what you're saying is I won't be picking one up for $100 like a jk non inverter 2A unit on AliExpress.

7s-21s 300a Lithium Ion / Lifepo4 Smart BMS + Bluetooth

We have both lithium ion and lifepo4 versions (select from the dropdown menu). These come with the bluetooth already installed. These BMS units are brand new and work for all variations from 7s to 21s and everything in between. This BMS is rated for 300a continuous. Included is 4x 4AWG wires...

batteryhookup.com

7 to 21s, so not very high voltage.
You might get away with series connecting multiple batteries if multiple BMS control a single relay, or if you put a big honking bypass diode across each battery.