a la carte system with ability to offer all of the benefits of an AIO?

[doc3g]

This question is mostly targeted at the Victron lineup since, from what I can tell, Victron doesn't offer an "everything in one box" solution but also seems to be regarded as the best equipment for support and reliability.

A typical "one box" solution seems to have the following:

1. one or more MPPT controllers
2. An inverter that converts DC to AC
3. A charger to recharge the battery bank.

So, one could purchase each of these components separately but then is it possible to achieve the other benefits from the "one box" solution, such as:

1. Ability to prioritize solar/battery/utility for powering loads or charging batteries
2. Ability to pass through grid power when solar and/or batteries are insufficient to power loads
3. Ability to transfer between power sources under various conditions (for example, when batteries reach a specific voltage, to switch to utility).

 

[Mattb4]

There are the die hard component supporters due to the historically higher quality of equipment in the component area. But it is hard to beat an AIO for amount of things done with just one box to deal with. Especially having an ability to have a display screen and programmable settings. Yes component systems can match the functionality but the total price is higher and the complexity of setting up all the devices has to be allowed for.

Really do not know why the likes of Victron, Schneider have not came out with a decent AIO of their own to compete in the new world. I guess they like being dinosaurs. Ruled the Earth for millions of years but what have they done lately?

 

[seneysolar]

This question is mostly targeted at the Victron lineup since, from what I can tell, Victron doesn't offer an "everything in one box" solution but also seems to be regarded as the best equipment for support and reliability.

A typical "one box" solution seems to have the following:

1. one or more MPPT controllers
2. An inverter that converts DC to AC
3. A charger to recharge the battery bank.

So, one could purchase each of these components separately but then is it possible to achieve the other benefits from the "one box" solution, such as:

1. Ability to prioritize solar/battery/utility for powering loads or charging batteries
2. Ability to pass through grid power when solar and/or batteries are insufficient to power loads
3. Ability to transfer between power sources under various conditions (for example, when batteries reach a specific voltage, to switch to utility).

Midnite does this with Prewired systems. They make "E-Panels" to build a neat and tidy unit composed of individual/custom sized parts. Its the Original AIO, been around for over 10 years.
The AIO units you see today are the result of China flooding the market with crap...


Heres a grid tie option as well

 

[LakeHouse]

This question is mostly targeted at the Victron lineup since, from what I can tell, Victron doesn't offer an "everything in one box" solution but also seems to be regarded as the best equipment for support and reliability.

A typical "one box" solution seems to have the following:

1. one or more MPPT controllers
2. An inverter that converts DC to AC
3. A charger to recharge the battery bank.

So, one could purchase each of these components separately but then is it possible to achieve the other benefits from the "one box" solution, such as:

1. Ability to prioritize solar/battery/utility for powering loads or charging batteries
2. Ability to pass through grid power when solar and/or batteries are insufficient to power loads
3. Ability to transfer between power sources under various conditions (for example, when batteries reach a specific voltage, to switch to utility).

Yes, you absolutely can do all of these things with Victron equipment, plus a lot more. You just need to have them talking to each other with a Cerbo, or Venus OS on Raspberry Pi.
Definitely more expensive than an AIO, but much more customizable.

 

[robbob2112]

And you can do all of these with Schneider equipment... both brands have a higher price point than the HF AIO boxes.

The Schneider XW Pro 6848 does 6000w but can surge to 8000w for 30 minutes or 12000w for a minute. This means it can start just about any inductive load or heat pump. It can be stacked 3 wide and for 240 split-phase in a single unit for $1500ish on NAZ solar...there are additional boxes to buy or skip depending on what you want... it does require a $280 insight home to configure it if you want anything but offgrid 240 split-phase with lead acid batteries. The Insight home is also required to update firmware and to do remote monitoring.

The mppt are 600v isolated units. But you can use any brand mppt you want and other components.

One big advantage - it can run the split-phase as an uneven load for a time. I'd have to check the manual but I think it is 4500w on one leg for an hour while the other leg is idle.

It can backfeed the grid or time shift as well. If you have two units in parallel it takes an external contactor to connect to the grid.

Idle power draw is around 30w per unit in normal mode or 8w in eco mode checking to draw.

Victron requires two units in parallel to output 240 split-phase. To do remote monitoring requires either a Cerbo or a Rpi to run Venus OS. Victron MPPT are the non-isolated variety.

Big advantage - if one part failed you can replace that part and keep running. If you do your design with redundant parts. The failure may knock power offline, but just until you disable the bad part.

 

[Mattb4]

And you can do all of these with Schneider equipment... both brands have a higher price point than the HF AIO boxes.

...

Much higher price point. Just looked up that MNSW4024-CL150 and I see it offered at around $5400. It likely is worth the money, if you have it, but for those of us in the lower economic bracket it is out of reach whereas the cheap Chinese AIO is not.

People tout the fact with component based system if one part fails it can be replaced without having to replace everything. But when the one component costs as much as an entire AIO I really do not see any advantage other than system quality. Keep a spare AIO on hand and it can be wired in pretty quickly.

 

[robbob2112]

Depends on where you shop - $4407

MidNite Solar MNSW4024-UPS Pre Wired Schneider Electric SW 4024 Inverter for UPS System

MidNite Solar MNSW4024-UPS Pre Wired Schneider Electric Conext SW4024 120/240 VAC Inverter For UPS System

www.solar-electric.com

Just the inverter $1262

Schneider Electric 865-4024-21 Conext SW 3,400 Watts, 24VDC Inverter/Charger for Split-phase 120/240 VAC

The Schneider Electric SW model inverters do NOT support stacking. These inverters are only designed to operate independently. If you need stacking ability, take a look at the XW line of inverters. Please email us or give us a call if you have any questions.

www.solar-electric.com

Both have huge surge potential and split phase output.

The Victron inverters
Takes a pair of $800 to $900 inverters to get the split phase

Both need an external device to tweak settings...

Just depends on your needs and space requirements... if you don't kneed 240 the victron is cheaper...

If you don't need the surge the HF AIO is the cheaper way to go.

Feature need plus price determins the pick

One thing, victron is under active development and Schneider seems to be resting on their laurels

 

[Mattb4]

Depends on where you shop - $4407

MidNite Solar MNSW4024-UPS Pre Wired Schneider Electric SW 4024 Inverter for UPS System

MidNite Solar MNSW4024-UPS Pre Wired Schneider Electric Conext SW4024 120/240 VAC Inverter For UPS System

www.solar-electric.com

...

Missing the SCC of the one pictured by SenneySolar.

 

[robbob2112]

Still comes back to the question of what the user needs and what the user can afford. And The old question of HF or LF.

 

[seneysolar]

The OP was looking for a 1 box solution using high quality components like victron. It does exist but, yes its expensive. You get what you pay for.

 

[HarryN]

This question is mostly targeted at the Victron lineup since, from what I can tell, Victron doesn't offer an "everything in one box" solution but also seems to be regarded as the best equipment for support and reliability.

A typical "one box" solution seems to have the following:

1. one or more MPPT controllers
2. An inverter that converts DC to AC
3. A charger to recharge the battery bank.

So, one could purchase each of these components separately but then is it possible to achieve the other benefits from the "one box" solution, such as:

1. Ability to prioritize solar/battery/utility for powering loads or charging batteries
2. Ability to pass through grid power when solar and/or batteries are insufficient to power loads
3. Ability to transfer between power sources under various conditions (for example, when batteries reach a specific voltage, to switch to utility).

All of that exists in the 1 - 2 kW inverter power level. A few even to 4 kW.

Mostly from smaller companies vs national brands.

The only question is what inverter power level that you are after.

Nothing wrong at all with victron, but it is not the only high quality brand out there either.