My current off-grid setup has no grounding and I would like to address it but I am not sure what is the correct and/or best way for doing so.
The setup is the following:
- (1) 12kW Split Phase Generator located outside in a shed
- (1) 8kW Growatt AOI Split Phase inverter coupled to (1) EG4...
I am struggling finalizing the PV package for my off-grid cabin and could use some help. One package seems to be border line oversized risking high voltage on the MPPT and if I upgrade package sizing, adding two more panels and upsizing MPPT I then risk being too low on minimum required MPPT...
This is for an off-grid 15 KWh 48V battery bank (3x EG4s) connected to a Schneider 4048 Inverter in split-phase. The system has been running well for over a year. I would like to get feedback on how you'd deal with these warnings if you were running this system. I have a total of (3) alarm and...
I have a Kohler 14kW Generator currently tied to a 450 CCA 12V lead-acid battery and a small 15W solar PV to keep the battery charged.
I need to replace the battery, it finally died today. Kohler does not specify ideal battery capacity for the generator, nothing on the owner's manual. I bought...
Here is my final design for my off-grid cabin PV installation. I would appreciate any last minute feedback or blessings from the group:
I am comfortable with most of the design but a bit reluctant about the DC disconnect switch rated at 32A. I think I should've bought a higher current...
I am currently running my off-grid cabin with (1) EG4 48V battery. This year I need to add at least 1 or 2 battery racks to my system. The only issue I had last winter was the cold weather limitation in which I had to wait until mid-day to charge my EG4.
I was recommended Trophy rack batteries...
I need to purchase a rack for my EG4 battery but I can't figure out server rack sizing.
EG4 Spec Sheet says "3.5U Rack" but I don't know what that means.
Could someone verify if a "9U Rack" would accommodate 1, 2 or 3 EG4 batteries?
Thanks in advance!
This week I've received the solar panels & racking mounting rails + hardware. MPPT is also under way. I am shooting for installation the following weekend.
I have some last minute questions that I could use some help with:
1. 3/4" Schedule 80 PVC Conduit to run a a pair of 8 AWG + ground...
My setup is the following:
- (1) Growatt 8kW DVM-MPV, Split Phase
- (1) 12kW Gas Generator, Split Phase
- Grounding bonded to neutral at main cabin panel
- Inverter, Battery + Generator installed on exterior shed
Here is a photo of the equipment in the shed:
The issue I currently have is...
This is my roof and the proposed layout for a total of (12) Panel to be wired in a 6S2P configuration for a total of 4,860W installed PV capacity.
I tried to position the panels so that one could still safely move around the roof to clean up gutters and the chimney.
I would like to get...
The setup is running with no issues, just can't determine the correct setpoints to program the Temperature Controller.
Anyone with a similar chest-freezer-to-fridge setup could share their setpoints?
Compressor ON / Compressor OFF / Compressor Time Delay?
My current setup is:
- Magic Chef...
I guess I don't exactly know what the "poles" are hence my confusion trying to select the correct DC switch for my setup. I have (1) set of 8 AWG wires going to the DC switch. The wires carry 2 x Isc: 13.85A = 27.7A so in my limited understanding of things I would expect that I need 2-Pole @...
I currently have a 1-1/2" electrical conduit running to the cabin from the shed, underground, with split-phase AC power and a generator signal (control) wire inside the conduit.
I need to run 8 AWG wire from the roof to the shed. Can the new PV DC wiring run inside the same conduit with the AC...
I need a temporary solution for the rest of the year and early spring, until I can have the funds & technical confidence (and ability) for a permanent solution. I have (4) QCell Q.PEAK DUO L-G7.2 405 405W Solar Panel already delivered to the cabin.
My understanding is that out of the Solar...
My system currently runs fine but batteries are not getting enough charge to hit 100% SOC. If I run the MPPT at the battery recommended 56.2V, then the system goes off on overvoltage alarm. I reduced it to 55V then 55.20V. No alarms but also MPPT goes into Float Mode before battery pack gets to...
Everything I seem to learn on the forums from my research or from reading from other posts, when I share with a co-worker Electrical Engineer he turns into a "no-go no-can't" convoluted response, which makes me feel like I can't move forward or make any progress with my project.
I can't tell...
We have the racking system installed mounted on the roof and electrical devices wired all the way to the battery:
Roof junction Box > DC Disconnect > Combiner Box > Surge Protection > DC Breaker > MPPT > Battery
We are ready to move the panels to the roof and start wiring them. I realized that...
My current setup is the following:
- Conext SW4048
- Conext InsightHome
- Conext AGS
- EG4 48V 100AH
- 14kW Kohler Generator, split phase, 70A breaker
Installation has been completed and in operation BUT I can't figure out ideal Conext device settings.
From the EG4 battery specs sheet I have...
I am trying to wrap my head around the dynamics between a lithium rack-type battery with internal BMS and a inverter charger which has NO communication with the battery BMS.
Who dictates the charging current to feed the battery? The battery BMS or the inverter charger?
I ask this because I...
I am trying to understand whether I can connect my newly installed EGC (solar racking ground, charger controller ground and inverter ground) to the existing AC grounding that currently serves the cabin OR if I need to install a new grounding rod system.
This is for an off-grid installation...
I need to replace my generator battery - it has been abused and acting up, not holding charge.
Could someone recommend a vendor (Lowes? Walmart? Electrical Supplier? Autozone?) and a battery brand for this application?
I suspect this is a size 51 battery? Am I reading the labels correctly...
The 450CCA starter battery on my Kohler 14kW Generator died. The battery is directly connected to a Wel-Bilt 7-Watt solar charger #28650.
I purchased the system as it is, so I do not know how old this battery lasted or whether this small solar charger is adequate. Perhaps this setup works fine...
I need a new 12V battery starter for my Genset, my old one died in the winter. I currently have a 50W Panel connected to a Renogy Wanderer 10 Amp solar charger.
I was wondering if I could "upgrade" the Genset battery from Lead-Acid battery to AGM or Lithium and ALSO use it for USB lighting or...
My neighbor has a small off-grid system based on the Midnite Solar Classic. This was installed over 10 years ago and has operated fine. He asked for help connecting to the inverter and downloading the data from the unit - all he has is an old iPad tablet and he realized a PC laptop would be...
I am trying to better understand what is going on here: a vendor sells (2) distinct battery banks, both banks comprised of the same 6V battery unit. (4) batteries total on each battery bank.
Crown 430AH 24VDC
24V
430 AH
10,320 Wh
FLA
$ 1,475
Crown 860AH 12 VDC
12V
860 AH
10,320 Wh
FLA
$...
Below is my typical summer charging profile for my 15 kWh system. After sun is down, we use about 10% of battery capacity and then when sun is out it takes about 2 hours for the 4.8kW PV to bring batteries back to 99%-100%. This is with a 45A charging current and 55.2V charging voltage.
Any...
I have a neighbor with a very basic system solar/battery system. He has (4) Trojan SPRE 06 415 (L16RE-B) Flooded Battery 6V connected in series for a 12V bank and a Midnite Solar Classic 200. His batteries have lasted for 14 years - :oops::oops: - but are now very depleted - reading 12.3V...
Hello @JacksonSolar & @SignatureSolarJames & @Markus_SignatureSolar
I have a running setup with a Schneider SW Inverter + InsighHome + (1) EG4 Battery. Setup was properly connected to InsightHome and correctly showing EG4 BMS device:
Yesterday we received (2) more EG4 batteries straight...
I purchased directly from EcoFlow last year a River Pro 720 Wh unit which I use to run my mini fridge in my cabin. Originally I was able to run the fridge for over 30 hours. After a few months I realized I was getting about half of the runtime. This prompted me to purchase a Wattmeter. Not to my...
I am looking for layout designs and construction information to build a 4 Ft x 6 Ft shed to install batteries + inverter+ charges + disconnects & appurtenances.
Am I in the correct sub folder? If not, which sub would be more appropriate?
TIA!
What is the importance of differentiating the wire with a MC4 connector on an end and calling it "PV" as opposed to THWN electrical wires without the MC4 connectors?
I am in this rabbit hole trying to understand WHY this is important but no success. Could someone briefly clarify the terms and...
Doing research on the Outback FLEXmax 100 with Arc Fault protection but not sure about lithium/EG4 battery compatibilities.
Anyone using the FLEXmax100 with EG4 batteries? Any issues with compatibility?
After reading the Schneider Conext SW 4048 manual I was not able to determine whether it would work with my EG-4 LifePower4 Lithium battery. It raised me concerns since the product literature does not mention lithium batteries at all.
Could someone clarify why this inverter, as well as the...
I am trying to understand whether I could still use generator power if I remove the 48V batteries from the site and the inverter is off. The generator power is wired thru the Inverter. Would the inverter still "wake-up" and pass-thru the generator power, even if no batteries are connected to the...
I have an operational energy system with a Schneider SW4048 inverter coupled to a generator, thanks for all the help from some forum members. With the inverter+battery operating, it is time to move on to the PV + MPPT installation and I could use some help here too.
I currently have (4) Q.Cell...
Long story not so long, I didn't weatherized my Flotec Shallow Well Jet Pump correctly this winter and the body case broke ? after freezing.
The existing pump is 115V and 1/2HP, pulling about 10 FLA. The pump was already making some weird sounds so it is time to replace it, despite having...
We are moving forward with a GroWatt SPF DVM-MPV all-in-one unit coupled to a EG4 48V 100Ah battery. Possibly another 100Ah battery will be added down the road. GroWatt to control/auto start backup 12kW propane gas generator based on battery levels. (4) 400W PV panels to be added during phase...
I am working on a offgrid solution for my cabin and an electrician offered me this old stock inverter, Alpha Solaris 3500XP.
I was wondering if anyone here still uses it and could shed some light or give some feedback.
Currently my setup consists of:
- 12kW Propane Generator
- 2,500 Watts Peak...
Hello everyone,
I have a hunting cabin upstate NY currently powered by a Kohler 12kW Propane generator. I am trying to make this cabin more of a residence, so power becomes a critical item and propane gas is getting costly. I would like to make this cabin more off-grid.
My peak load is about...
I am looking for help with two distinct tasks related to my proposed schematics below:
1. Reviewing the schematic diagram and providing comments. I suspect a few items could still be missing. Do I need some sorts of "transfer panel"? Is the system complete?
2. Looking for a person who can...
Very exciting, I believe I am making (slow) progress with my installation. I have been able to connect Generator to Inverter + Inverter to AC Subpanel. Yeah!!Everything is working so far: the inverter is reading the 240V from generator correctly and I am getting the correct 240V out in the...
Here is my current setup:
(3) EG4 48V Batteries
(2) Victron Busbar 4P 250A
(1) 400Lbs 12U Server Rack
- I am ordering (2) sets (black/red) of 3 wires same length, busbar to each battery
- I am also ordering (1) pair of black/red wires, same length, inverter to busbar
I suspect aside from the...
I am starting my kit with 48V @ 100AH net useable. Considering either (4) Renogy AGM 12V 200AH or a EG4-LifePower 48V 100AH + BMS.
Both packages at the same price and net energy capacity is also comparable based on AGM DOD 50%.
So with comparable price and net usable capacity, which...
I've read the entire manual and spec sheets and nothing on idle consumption. They mention a "power saving mode" and how it operates and it takes a full 500W load to kick the inverter back online (it seems absurdly high to me) but they totally skip any data on power consumption. It sounds a bit...
I'm inclined to build a dedicated 4x6 storage shed about 60 feet away from the cabin to store initially 48V 200ah and possibly 48v 400 ah in the future. In this shed I would also place all related equipment (inverter, charge controller, disconnects)
I've tried many different searches looking...
I am a little lost on the basics and need some help and clarification: I have a 12 kW Genset which outputs 240V. My understanding is that the electrical panel is wired in split phase format and balanced thru load distribution: some circuit breakers take one of the hot legs to neutral while the...
Got a clamp meter and went happily to measure the output current out of my 240V generator and this is what I got:
- RED: 11.77A
- BLACK: 11.87A
- WHITE: 6.86A
Is this as expected? I just don't understand why the neutral line would 6.86A and not 22A.
Could someone please explain me the...
Just realized some of our 240V loads were not powering up correctly and when I went to check the EP only one of the hot legs in our 240V split phase panel was getting voltage. I then went to the generator to measure voltage at the generator output and confirmed only one of the generator lines...
100Ah 48V EG4. Initially at 87% SOC connected to a 8A 48V battery charger (fig1):
EG4 BMS reads out 100% SOC but still charging @ 8.2A with battery at 54.95V (fig 2):
Battery at 100%, zero current and battery at 53.70V. Few cells reading as "(Bal) 3.356V". (fig 3):
I am basically trying...
The array was installed with IronRidge mounting racks. I tried using their "cable management" clips but honestly I couldn't figure out how to properly use them.
I am trying to understand whether these wires on the ground are acceptable or if I need to do something about them. Here are the...
We decided to also add an PV array on the smaller roof area with a better solar exposure. The only issue we have is the roof area limitation: 42 ft by 8 ft, which seems tight for a PV array.
Ideally I would get more panels if I were able to mount them portrait orientation. Not sure if possible...
I am looking for recommendations for 48V battery chargers to top balance LFP rack batteries?
I intend to use this charger with shore AC-grid power.
Thanks in advance!
I currently have (1) EG4 battery and I am looking to add a second EG4 battery to my system. The vendor recommended the following:
I would like to follow this recommendation but I am not sure how to "purchase" and "add" a common busbar to my battery. Could someone explain how this is done and...
I have an operational split-phase system based on a Kohler 12kW Gas Generator coupled to a Schneider Conext SW4048 + 48V 100Ah battery.
I have noticed thru the Conext control panel that occasionally the generator is outputting only one of the hot wires properly - so instead of getting...
I am in the market for a 48V 100AH Lithium battery, to be connected to a Magnum MS448 inverter charger (60A) and a MagnaSine PT-100 solar charger (100A).
My short list of options boils down to:
- EG4-LL 48V 100AH @ $2,000 shipped
- AmpereTime 48V 100AH @ $2,100 delivered
As far as I can see...
I have (4) Lead-Acid batteries that run (2) bikes, (1) RV and (1) Generator. Every winter I bring them inside and rotate them on a trickle charger, so that next spring I have them ready to roll.
I suspect I could connect these batteries either in parallel or in series and leave the trickle...
This has just been a very disappointing experience, considering that I specifically chose the vendor based on their sales and technical support claims. Yes, the fact that they have members actively participating in these forums also led me to believe that they would stand behind their products...
I am confident doing the calcs for a device running continuously but i suspect things change when you add cycles and surge power.
Could someone help me calculate the estimated runtime with a 720 Wh capacity battery? This is for a refrigerator which cycles and performs as follows:
- It takes...
My current system is a 48V Conext SW4048 inverter with 15 kWh energy storage. I need to install (2) distinct solar arrays on my roof, one with (6) panels and the other with (5) panels, different panel quantities and different panel orientation.
The Conext Charger Controller MPPT 80 600 seems...
Here is my setup:
INSIDE SHED
- 12kW Generator 240V Split Phase with 70A breaker
- 8kW Growatt AOI Split Phase Inverter
- 48V @ 100AH EG4 Battery
INSIDE CABIN
- (1) 100A Split-Phase panel inside the cabin with most loads wired 120V
I need to install a new electrical panel inside the shed...
I am on a off-grid situation so I tried solving my fridge problem with the infamous "chest freezer" conversion.
I bought a brand new Magic Chef Chest Freezer from Home Depot and a digital controller from Amazon. I also have a EcoFlow River Pro battery that runs the fridge.
The battery is...
Anyone with PV Solar Farm design experience? Looking for some basic industry-quality assumptions so that I can create a class case study.
Looking to answer some of these questions:
panels/acre?
Power capacity/Acre?
Estimated energy production/Acre?
Average $/kWh ?
Average $/RECs?
TIA!
Existing setup: 240V split phase 12kW Propane Generator wired to 240V split phase panel:
GEN >> (4) wires [L1, L2, Ground, Neutral] >> 240V Split Phase Panel >> Cabin
I am adding a Growatt DVM-MPV AIO Inverter and a 48V Battery to the system. The installation manual only mentions connecting...
I am running after last minute items to conclude and test my installation. I got a new junction box but realized the "bus bar" or "connector terminal" inside the box is missing.
Could someone clarify the correct term for the "connector" that goes inside the junction box? I can't seem to get...
Here is the (12) panel design I am working with, two parallel strings of (6) panels in series each. Panels to be Canadian Solar HiKu6 400W @ 108 cells connected to a Victron 250/70 MPPT & 48V battery bank with 15 kWh capacity.
I have a few lingering questions that I could use some help of...
I am searching for a 24V/48V @ 2,000W to 4,000W inverter with 240V Split Phase output.
I suspect there is something like "European 230V" and "American 240V Split Phase" in the electrical world and I am caught right there in the middle of it without the ability to make sense out of this...
After working with some forum members and the manufacturer (Sensata) I was able to finalize a solution for my off-grid cabin and lock on a 240V-48V solution design. The package I had was the following:
Magnum MS4448PAE
MagnaSine PT-100 Solar Charger
Magnum MMP Panel
ME-AGS-N Genset Starter...
I have 1-min interval data from my inverter (battery voltage + current) and I was wondering if it is possible to calculate/estimate battery capacity from the data?
I basically went from 100% SOC to 19% SOC then charged battery back to 100% SOC - it took 3 days to collect the data. I could...
I've read a few posts about charging current and it seems like most commonly recommendation is around 0.2C to 0.5C.
Could someone point me to a brief explanation on how this is determined? I would like to understand the science behind this. And more specifically, what should be the optimum...