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Are the hybrid inverters the way to go? mobile system? OUTBACK Skybox?

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Moretorque

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Good Morning, Are the hybrid inverters really made that much better than the Off Grid only and should I get one because the can go grid? Also could I get one to work well in the Will 3000 hand truck style arrangement? Want to buy good stuff that is relable under any situation so I don't have to get rid of it and have flexability so I can adapt it to any situation if need be. Just curious about OutBack SkyBox for doing this or others people may may of.... Thanks...
 
Ampster said:
The Skybox has been discontinued.
Click to expand...
I know, I'm a cheap a$$. I can get one at a good deal. Also I have been told from a few sources since Covid quality has crashed alot overall especially in China so the pre-covid stuff may be a better bet long term...
 
If you get a used Skybox, make sure to get one with the BOS. The BOS contains an AFCI device and the upper part of the Skybox will not run without it. There is a bypass circuit described in this forum which was designed to eliminate the AFCI, but you'll need electronics and Arduino skills to assemble one. You'd also lose the benefit of the AFCI safety device.

The Skybox is better suited for a permanent installation with a lot of panels and battery depth. It has high-voltage (600v) string capability with a minimum around 250v, and very high idle draw (like 200 watts).

There's not much advantage to a Hybrid unless you want to sell back to the Utility. Off-grid AIO's like the EG4 6000xp allow a connection to AC power for pass-through, charging, etc. The lower idle draw would be better when you're without AC power on a cart, etc. An off grid device also isn't going to "leak" power back into the grid, potentially getting someone in trouble if they don't have a power feed-in agreement with the utility.
 
sollap said:
If you get a used Skybox, make sure to get one with the BOS. The BOS contains an AFCI device and the upper part of the Skybox will not run without it. There is a bypass circuit described in this forum which was designed to eliminate the AFCI, but you'll need electronics and Arduino skills to assemble one. You'd also lose the benefit of the AFCI safety device.

The Skybox is better suited for a permanent installation with a lot of panels and battery depth. It has high-voltage (600v) string capability with a minimum around 250v, and very high idle draw (like 200 watts).

There's not much advantage to a Hybrid unless you want to sell back to the Utility. Off-grid AIO's like the EG4 6000xp allow a connection to AC power for pass-through, charging, etc. The lower idle draw would be better when you're without AC power on a cart, etc. An off grid device also isn't going to "leak" power back into the grid, potentially getting someone in trouble if they don't have a power feed-in agreement with the utility.
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I just want to have the ability to tie into the grid if I want to or need to, not that I am going to... So you are saying I can get a unit that will tie into the grid and draw power if I need it but also be off grid but the unit will not be able to sell back to the energy provider and from what you are leading me to believe this is the way to go on a portable setup ? Will the Will 3000 do this and what about a cheap Opeus for back up portable to just throw in the car ?Thank you alot...
 
Ampster said:
I agree with the other poster that the Skybox is more for a permanent installation. It weighs at least 100 lbs and is larger than a suitcase so you won't be throwing it in the car.
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I am talking about the Opeus 1200 and 1800... The other ones I am talking about a PU, one guy on Utube made a Will style 3000 that will fit in a car trunk and it is on wheels. I like Wills better but his needs a PU or something similar...
 
It really is a apples vs oranges comparision. The kind of inverter you'd put on a hand-truck system is the kind of inverter you can hold in one hand. My XW+6848 hybrid inverter is also as big as a suitcase, and weighs 140lbs. You need a hand-truck just to move it into place, then two adults are needed to lift it into position.
 
Moretorque said:
I am talking about the Opeus 1200 and 1800... The other ones I am talking about a PU, one guy on Utube made a Will style 3000 that will fit in a car trunk and it is on wheels. I like Wills better but his needs a PU or something similar...
Click to expand...

MichaelK said:
It really is a apples vs oranges comparision. The kind of inverter you'd put on a hand-truck system is the kind of inverter you can hold in one hand. My XW+6848 hybrid inverter is also as big as a suitcase, and weighs 140lbs. You need a hand-truck just to move it into place, then two adults are needed to lift it into position.
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I have no problem with that because 140 pounds for me is not that much... I just want to make something potable that is durable and can do alot. Wills 300 pound monster set up would be no problem for me to get on a PU truck with a dolly. I weigh over 300 pounds... Have batteries on one and inverter on another dolly might be good for me. I want back up and around 6000 watts total would be good for me. That is why the 3000 model Will made is so good but not for grid is all..
 
MichaelK said:
It really is a apples vs oranges comparision. The kind of inverter you'd put on a hand-truck system is the kind of inverter you can hold in one hand. My XW+6848 hybrid inverter is also as big as a suitcase, and weighs 140lbs. You need a hand-truck just to move it into place, then two adults are needed to lift it into position.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info, from watching these videos by Will it seems to do it once you get a good hybrid that has a 10 year warranty and is rated for outside use, I want one that is not that heavy but around 6000 watts or 2 at like 3 or 4000 watts... The 10 year warranty tells me the units are just made better. I know the Chinese stuff like EG4 is the way to go for price but I would prefer other if possible... appreciated....
 
IMO, modular is the way to go for an RV build.

I have an RV with a 3 kW inverter and MPPTs with 110 amps of charging capability and a 24 volt 560 ah battery pack.

Finding space is difficult, but easier if you have three different pieces for the inverter, charger and MPPT.
 
chrisski said:
IMO, modular is the way to go for an RV build.

I have an RV with a 3 kW inverter and MPPTs with 110 amps of charging capability and a 24 volt 560 ah battery pack.

Finding space is difficult, but easier if you have three different pieces for the inverter, charger and MPPT.
Click to expand...
I have no problem doing modular, I want 2 Will 3000's to 5000's hand truck style that are 10 year warranty and for out door use...
 
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