diy solar

diy solar

Most reacted posts

  • Post in thread: Schneider firmware really has issues

    I am right there with you too @sancsam . Thinking between 53 and 53.3 for GSV. Brought it down to 53v last night and am watching the system today. So far, one of my batteries has dropped to 79%, and the other one to 86%. This is from 99% last night. I imagine they will even out later today...
  • Post in thread: Anyone replace an original XW6048 with the newer XW6848+, or Pro?

    I have the original Schneider XW6048, and it is working great, but I am considering buying a newer XW6848 for a spare, as it is getting a bit old and don't want to be hung up waiting on a replacement. My question is will it fit in the same space, and are all of the connections located in the...
  • Post in thread: very high heatsink temperature on Victron 100/30 MPPT

    My Victron MPPT (30A) also gets really hot, as do my Victron Orions (30A each, DC - DC chargers). To help dissipate the heat, I have all three vertically mounted to an aluminum plate spaced off the back wall of my power box. Two switchable fans help keep them cooler. The Victron Community...
  • Post in thread: Anyone using newer Schneider 80/600 or 100/600 SCC's with older XW6048 - will they 'talk' to each other?

    I will be adding another array to my 11 year old Schneider XW6048, and would like to use the newer Schneider 600v MPPT controller, as I will have several hundred feet to the new array. I currently have 2 of the older, smaller Schneider 60/150 solar controllers. I have talked to Schneider, and...
  • Post in thread: Swapping out 11 year old AGM's for Trophy Lithium batteries and adding a 3rd array to my old Schneider XW grid tied inverter.

    Finally got the 3rd array up and working. I have had some health issues and getting all this together has taken much longer than originally planned. And as you can see from the pics, still looking for a stone mason to put the stone around the building. With the two existing 2.8kw SE & SW...
  • Post in thread: Schneider XW6848+ Cleanup

    My older XW has two screens located on the bottom of the inverter - one on each side. I had a problem getting to mine as I had originally installed a Midnite Solar E-Panel directly to the bottom which made it difficult to get acces. Mine is also wall mounted, and I did not remove anything...
  • Post in thread: Old XW6048 system, change from AGM to Lithiums - I have a minor quirk!

    I have an older XW6048 inverter, and recently changed out my 11 year old Concorde 256ah AGM's to 2 Trophy 230ah lithiums. It all works fine, except for one little quirk - the inverter grid sell display and transformer will not turn off with the end of solar charging each day. I don't like the...
  • Post in thread: Solar Tax Credit : After install tree trimming

    Uh....not likely covered. But, if you had your installer originally include the cost of tree trimming in his install quote, then I guess you would not have had any issue claiming a credit for that - as long as the trimming was not listed as a separate item on the invoice. And no system...
  • Post in thread: Physicists find evidence of exotic charge transport in quantum material

    Yeah, that's what I thought!
  • Post in thread: Volts but no watts 18k

    Not sure if this is your problem, but I recently had an exact experience - on a newly installed array, I got the correct array voltage, but no power (current) at all. Finally traced it down to totally loose fuse bus bar screws. I had purchased a Midnite solar combiner/disconnect & specified...
  • Post in thread: Where can I save a few bucks without putting myself in danger?

    va3atr, I don't know how, but I completely missed your mobile application when I sent the post above regarding my experience with Schneider/Xantrex. As many others have said, Victron is the way to go mobile, in my opinion. They have a lot of experience in marine and van applications. I built...
  • Post in thread: Schneider XW Pro Enhanced Grid Support issues

    I don't have Insight, but do you think there is a way to use Node Red on my older, antique XW? I can see where it could be beneficial.
  • Post in thread: Multiplus 12/3000/120-50 AC2 to Sub panel in RV

    I installed an AC2 subpanel on my conversion, but would do it different, if I were to build another. If I absolutely wanted to have a dedicated shore circuit separate from the Multiplus, I would split the incoming shore power, and run a separate wire to a subpanel for that use.
  • Post in thread: Schneider XW Pro Enhanced Grid Support issues

    Thanks for the info and link. That all looks like Greek to me, but my son and daughter both work in computers, one is in IT, and the other almost the same. Now....just getting them over here and interested enough to work on it. Thanks again!
  • Post in thread: Metal vs Asphalt Roof with Solar?

    No rails needed if the proper clamp is used. I forgot the company name, but they (and others), make clamp profiles for any number of different roof panel seam profiles. Fairly easy to install, just get the first row straight! And go from there.
  • Post in thread: Schneider XW Pro Enhanced Grid Support issues

    Just FYI: I have a 12 year old XW6048 that I have run on 64v sell setting for most all of those years. It sold back to the grid w/o problems. A few months ago, I changed out the original Concorde AGM's with Trophy lithiums, and have been experimenting with the sell voltage. I did try the 64v...
  • Post in thread: Old and confused....

    @coastalhermit, I've got to hand it to you, you are a real trooper. Hopefully the folks on here can help you out. Like said above, we need more info on what you have. I have a 12 year old Schneider XW6048, and just replaced my older AGM's with 400ah of lithium. This older charger, with a few...
  • Post in thread: Metal vs Asphalt Roof with Solar?

    I went with a residential, snap together, standing seam roof approximately 15 years ago. I did it myself, so the cost wasn't too prohibitive. Later I installed solar - very easy with the available clamps. No roof penetrations, except where the PV wires are combined & sent down through the...
  • Post in thread: Why is grounding so HArrrd!!!

    In Africa, those grass huts with dirt floors have killed/injured many people due to nearby lightning strikes. What I have read is that they will dig a trench around the hut & bury a copper cable, and probably put down a ground rod or two as well. This has met with great success, I have read...
  • Post in thread: Metal vs Asphalt Roof with Solar?

    If your son and buddy are relatively competent, will study and understand the directions, and would have a genuine interest in building quality and attention to details, then yes, they could do the job. That is, with the commercially available snap together standing seam roofing. You can buy...
  • Post in thread: Schneider XW Pro Enhanced Grid Support issues

    No, I don't have anything like that. We are kinda computer illiterate here.
  • Post in thread: schneider xw pro air filter service?

    Yep. I don't have a Pro, but rather an 11 year old XW6048. I originally added a Midnite Solar E panel under my XW, so the filter screen was blocked from causual view. As I am now adding a 3rd MPPT along with another array, I was back inside doing the necessary additional wiring, and saw that...
  • Post in thread: Anyone using newer Schneider 80/600 or 100/600 SCC's with older XW6048 - will they 'talk' to each other?

    Still not sure it would work with my system, but thanks for your advice. Maybe someone who has actually connected to the older XW6048 will see this post. Thanks again everyone - great forum!
  • Post in thread: Anyone using newer Schneider 80/600 or 100/600 SCC's with older XW6048 - will they 'talk' to each other?

    Agreed Mjs, you would think they would work together, and I have looked at the 600v SCC manual, and it refers only to the newer XW6848 inverters, same as what the Schneider tech rep told me. Neither said it absolutely would not work, just that the older inverter was not 'considered' in the...
  • Post in thread: Want to go Solar so many options

    "My thought was to get them in while net metering is still an option to help them pay for themselves. PNW sucks for sunshine, but also like the fact that i could have power if anything ever devastating happen to the grid. Would use the power company as my battery for now and then later add some...
  • Post in thread: How Can a Tier 1 System Make Financial Sense?

    @Ampster, that is really good. I get about the same, from a little larger system. I should get more, but I don't have 2 of the 3 arrays ideally positioned, and there is some shading. But to get more production, I would need a larger inverter. As it is now, the 3 different facing arrays helps...
  • Post in thread: Jack Ricard on UL-1741 and utility tapering, thoughts?

    Does anyone know when grid tied inverters began to incorporate this feature? I have a 12 year old Schneider, and I don't think it has this capability.
  • Post in thread: Solar eclipse cuts production

    No graph, but I noticed production lessened as well here in Louisisana, where we had about 40% max coverage of the sun by the moon. Pretty cool to watch through my welding hood. Looking out over our property, everything had a slight yellow tint to it. My wife and I watched the eclipse for a...
  • Post in thread: RV LFP build. Help me spend my money :-)

    T Not necessary to separately disable the inverter. When you are charging from shore or generator, the inverter is available also. When not charging from an AC source, turn off your inverter until you need it to invert for loads. Your solar charge controller will not be wired through your...
  • Post in thread: Recommend me couple of 200ah Lithium batteries for my backup system

    I just replaced my AGM's with 2 - 220ah lithiums from Trophy Battery. Do some research on several brands, but I would recommend looking at trophybattery.com. Dan, the owner, was super helpful. And, as he had said, the batteries are sold as 220ah, but actually is built out & displays 230ah on...
  • Post in thread: Anyone build a home made server rack?

    Maybe not exactly what y'all are thinking about, but here is how I handled two Trophy 230ah batteries. Vertical installation was approved, and I thought this orientation would be easier to view the screens, in the spot that I had available for the batteries. Made a simple frame which secures...
  • Post in thread: Anyone replace an original XW6048 with the newer XW6848+, or Pro?

    They do look almost identical, and I have been assuming they had the same physical dimensions and connections. I appreciate both of your comments! What is a mini PDP - I either have forgotten, or not run across this acronym before? I am pretty certain there is no way to connect an insight to...
  • Post in thread: Schneider firmware really has issues

    @sancsam, are you grid tied? If so, what would you suggest for a GSV (grid sell voltage)? I have the older XW6048, with 3 - 150-60 SCC's. I very seldom lose the grid, and don't want to over charge the batteries day in and day out. I have been 'experimenting' with different battery charging...
  • Post in thread: Anybody bought there batteries from Trophy lately?

    Bought 2 220ah's a little less than a year ago, and no issues at all. And yes, Dan (owner) is a great guy to deal with.
  • Post in thread: Schneider 60 150 charge controller

    I don't think my old XW will even work with Insight Home. Also, there is no provision for assigning a second battery bank - it assumes only one battery bank. Oh well, old technology.....
  • Post in thread: Jack Ricard on UL-1741 and utility tapering, thoughts?

    The idea to lock in the 1:1 net metering, and then add on later may not be a perfect solution. Twelve years ago I installed a PV system on my home in Louisisana, at the 1:1 net metering - great plan. Now, I have read recently on this forum that the metering regulations now require the...
  • Post in thread: What am I doing wrong? Conext SW4048 won't utilize 120V from my genny.

    Your SW voltage/hertz parameters may be set too tight - get into the advanced menu & set the specs a bit 'looser'. Carefully read the owner's manual about generator settings in the advanced menu. I had a similar issue on my 12 year old XW6048 a few weeks ago, and resolved the generator/XW...
  • Post in thread: Jack Ricard on UL-1741 and utility tapering, thoughts?

    Oh, I doubt that! The utility could easily monitor your usage and sell-back to generate reports for closer scrutiny. And with these newer smart, reporting meters, they can get very detailed reports on what is changing with your PV system.
  • Post in thread: Anyone using newer Schneider 80/600 or 100/600 SCC's with older XW6048 - will they 'talk' to each other?

    You would think that would work, but I would loose the info/data that I would need from the SCP. Right now I can access data from either of the older SCC's on the SCP. I want that data to keep track of everything. I have monthly/yearly data from when I first commisioned the system in 2012...
  • Post in thread: Louisiana Contractor Requirement vs Upgradable System

    Several years back, I installed my own system in Louisiana. The local permit office was fairly easy on me, but Entergy (the grid utility), had me jump through several hoops, eventually sending a couple engineers out before they would bring their power to my house. They were really nice and...
  • Post in thread: For Sale - Price Reduced: 80 Gallon Stainless Steel Solar Hot Water Tank - North Louisiana

    I have a like new solar water heater for sale. It is an AET ThermoMiser unit complete with a built in stainless heat exchanger coil and back up 4500 watt electric element. This unit has been used for storage only - the electric element has never even been wired up, and the HX heat exchanger coil...
  • Post in thread: Anyone using newer Schneider 80/600 or 100/600 SCC's with older XW6048 - will they 'talk' to each other?

    I had not thought of two SCP's. Not exactly an elegant fix, but might be doable. I have been working all afternoon to see if I can shorten my wiring run, and use another, 3rd MPPT60 - 150, instead of the 600v one. I could run 3, 400w panel strings and then combine 3 total strings for 3600...
  • Post in thread: Jack Ricard on UL-1741 and utility tapering, thoughts?

    My monthly statement shows the amount I sell back to the utility, as well as what I purchase from them. If they see a signifacant change in reduced usage and/or increased sell-back compared to historical data, that would trigger a closer look to see what is happening. While I don't imagine...
  • Post in thread: Schneider XW6848+ Cleanup

    Agree on cleaning the oem fans, and adding other(s). My 12 year old XW6048 fan screens have an extremely fine screen and I found it completely scovered with lint and dust. The XW is mounted inside my house so very little dust, but over time.... I recently added another PV array, with the...
  • Post in thread: Did I do it?

    I had an almost identical problem happen. I was adding a 3rd 4800w array to my existing system, with a separate combiner/disconnect & MPPT. I finished wiring the array very late in the afternoon, but was able to check the voltage at a juction box on the roof - it was showing somewhere over 100...
  • Post in thread: Signature Solar ? Important Announcement ?️1/15/2024

    Being from north Louisisana, I agree that we do kinda freak out when the precipitation turns solid. But we really don't get snow, we have ice. And that, is a totally different animal. NOBODY can drive on ice, even you northern folks. Well, unless your tires are studded, I guess. I remember...
  • Post in thread: ERCOT battery storage

    Hey @1201, I am not familiar with Ercots' structure, but what are you saying about the $5/kw? Surely that is not a retail rate, is it?
  • Post in thread: Tesla CyberFlop

    OMG! You do know Ford makes the F-150 Lightning, right?
  • Post in thread: Anyone using newer Schneider 80/600 or 100/600 SCC's with older XW6048 - will they 'talk' to each other?

    What I am really worried about is that the newer 600v SCC needs to have some sort of communication with a 'proper' inverter, to be able to operate at all.
  • Post in thread: XW6048 compatibility?

    I also have the older XW6048 & just added another MPPT 150 60 (already had two). I wanted to add the newer MPPT 100 600, but after several contacts with Schneider, and some info provided here by others, I was told it would not work. Could someone possibly get it to sync up? Don't know, but I...

diy solar

diy solar
Back
Top