48V Waterproof Inverter Options?

[Will Prowse]

Trying to build another outdoor rated solar kart, and having a tough time finding a budget inverter that is waterproof.

Obviously it costs quite a bit more to make the unit sealed and the cooling system, but the number of actual options available is limited.

Or should I make a victron waterproof?

Tough call. Definitely need more options.

 

[solarenvy]

Why not use any ol’ inverter and make the cart itself waterproof (weather resistant)? A true portable power station. The entire thing is protected, expose power through IP66 rated outlets, cables, etc.

 

[JJJJ]

Why not use any ol’ inverter and make the cart itself waterproof (weather resistant)?

The version 5 cart was pretty cool. Would be really neat to see a water resistant system that could use any server rack or DIY battery case as well.

 

[timselectric]

Just throw a grill cover over it. lol

 

[Will Prowse]

Not a bad idea

 

[timselectric]

I use grill covers for all kinds of projects.

 

[JBertok]

I had a small portable 12VDC/120VAC outdoor setup that was built to power a WiFi access point, PtP radio bridge, time clock, and provide USB ports and 120V outlets for laptop and phone charging to employees at Off-Road Racing events. I built to to handle the extreme dust by positive-pressure venting an enclosure drawing through a filter. Although I never intended or needed this to be water-resistant, it could have been made so by forced-venting through the bottom. The issue I ran into, which is why I am bringing this up, is that I ultimately realized this whole thing had to be shaded from direct sunlight, otherwise temperatures inside the enclosure could not be controlled. (100+F outdoor ambients common too) I considered building an air-gapped cover for it, maybe insulating, but instead just avoided the heat problem my putting in under the awnings and just extending the PV input leads. So, my take-away here is that protecting from water is easier than managing the heat, in my experience. Shade and airflow.

 

[Brucey]

Is this big enough?

Amazon.com

Or this style:

Amazon.com

 

[windsurfer]

Why a budget inverter?
Emergency power needs to be reliable, how about ditching the eg4 junk and building a proper system.

 

[Supervstech]

wow, those are pricy for a basic tiny tarp…

I bet we could DIY a better one for 1/3 the price!

Is this big enough?

Amazon.com

Or this style:

Amazon.com

Is this big enough?

Amazon.com

Or this style:

Amazon.com

These have provisions for generator exhaust, so that wouldn’t be needed…
Hmmm. Simple PVC frame, and a small tarp or pvc sheet… glands for the wiring… should be better and low budget.

 

[Will Prowse]

Why a budget inverter?
Emergency power needs to be reliable, how about ditching the eg4 junk and building a proper system.

EG4 is not junk, it's on par with other hf inverters. Can you post specifically what problems you've had with EG4 here.

 

[Supervstech]

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Weight...aterproof-Char-Broil/dp/B081GQ217K/ref=sr_1_5

That’s what I’m talking about!

 

[Brucey]

EG4 is not junk, it's on par with other hf inverters. Can you post specifically what problems you've had with EG4 here.

Apparently there's still a "bug" in the 6000XP that they fixed last month on the 12000XP, maybe you can put pressure on them given your recommendation?

K

Thread '12000xp off-grid setup overloads'

Dec 7, 2024

21DEC2024: Overloading on full battery charge Issue below fixed for 12000XP with firmware 0405 for individual and paralleled systems. @ScrotpusGobbleBottom however reports this same issue on 6000XP for a DIY battery setup.

7DEC 2024: Long time lurker, first time poster. Engineer...Off-grid setup (no grid input or connection, though I can and do plan to hook up later).

Just had a 1x 6000XP running in this same setup without issue and am upgrading, or trying to...Got 2x 12000XPs to parallel with 4x EG4 wallmount batteries to share. Currently only hooked up 1x 12000XP to 4x...

• killercarver
• Replies: 189
• Forum: DIY Solar General Discussion

• 

 

[42OhmsPA]

SRNE HESP
@OffGridForGood is happy with his so far, but just commissioned recently.
Disclaimer they aren't stocked in the US that I'm aware of, yet.

 

[JerryK]

removed once Will edited the title with 48 volt

 

[OffGridForGood]

The HESP's are IP65 rated. not sure if you are looking at a portable with this much capacity - it gives you 120-240 in a single unit, the inverter is about 92 lbs and all the electrical/communications ports are water-tight fittings. I wonder if SRNE make a smaller inverter that is also IP 65 rated - IIRC they had 8 - 10 -12 kW in the HESP series I bought, but l didn't look for any smaller units - so I don't know.

 

[MattMan119]

Trying to build another outdoor rated solar kart, and having a tough time finding a budget inverter that is waterproof.

Obviously it costs quite a bit more to make the unit sealed and the cooling system, but the number of actual options available is limited.

Or should I make a victron waterproof?

Tough call. Definitely need more options.

Use one or two of this kind of box back to back, would allow you to build one with common inexpensive AOI and battery .. or Victron or maybe low budget and the Victron version ..

VEVOR Steel Electrical Box, 24"x 20"x 8", 304 Stainless Steel Electrical Enclosure Box, Wall-Mounted Outdoor Electrical Electronic Equipment Enclosure with Mounting Plate Hinges Lock, IP66 Waterproof | VEVOR US

VEVOR Steel Electrical Box is a durable 304 stainless steel, IP66 waterproof enclosure with smooth hinges and easy wiring, perfect for any electrical project.

www.vevor.com

 

[Will Prowse]

That is an expensive box haha

 

[Brucey]

Premium pricing for a stainless steel version.

 

[MattMan119]

That is an expensive box haha

They have a lot to pick from I just happen to have that open from the other day .. IDK if they have any cheep enough for a project box ..

 

[SparkyJJO]

They have a steel version of that for about 100

 

[Will Prowse]

Apparently there's still a "bug" in the 6000XP that they fixed last month on the 12000XP, maybe you can put pressure on them given your recommendation?

K

Thread '12000xp off-grid setup overloads'

Dec 7, 2024

21DEC2024: Overloading on full battery charge Issue below fixed for 12000XP with firmware 0405 for individual and paralleled systems. @ScrotpusGobbleBottom however reports this same issue on 6000XP for a DIY battery setup.

7DEC 2024: Long time lurker, first time poster. Engineer...Off-grid setup (no grid input or connection, though I can and do plan to hook up later).

Just had a 1x 6000XP running in this same setup without issue and am upgrading, or trying to...Got 2x 12000XPs to parallel with 4x EG4 wallmount batteries to share. Currently only hooked up 1x 12000XP to 4x...

• killercarver
• Replies: 189
• Forum: DIY Solar General Discussion

• 

Fair point

 

[DIYrich]

Me thinks to make it waterproof, you have to put it in a sealed box. The box would then have to be metal and serve as the heatsink.

 

[Supervstech]

Me thinks to make it waterproof, you have to put it in a sealed box. The box would then have to be metal and serve as the heatsink.

Oh, for sure.
However, rain protected should suffice for a portable power unit.

 

[crossy]

There are a few inverters rated as IP65 which would make them "showerproof".

Our Deye units are, sealed and no external fans (one assumes those from that other company follow suit).

That said, I have some "IP65" floodlights that are half full of water