Backup to a generator for prolonged grid down scenario

[Browse]

It doesn't have solar input but if you're not going that route it should be fine.

But it seems to me to be a bit expensive for what it is. You can get the same basic thing with a different brand name on it for a lot less. Sungoldpower has it for $1300.

https://sungoldpower.com/collection...-inverter-with-charger?variant=39652614996105

Wow, that's a great price for the amount of power it can handle.

 

[Browse]

This one looks like it can handle solar as well for a few hundred more:

6000W 48V Split Phase Pure Sine Wave Solar Inverter Charger

Sungoldpower 6000W 48V Split Phase Pure Sine Wave Solar Inverter Charger. Pure Sine Wave Solar Inverter charger is a combination of an inverter, AC charger, Mppt solar charger and Auto-transfer switch into one complete system.It is packed with unique features and it is one of the most advanced...

sungoldpower.com

 

[robby]

This one looks like it can handle solar as well for a few hundred more:

6000W 48V Split Phase Pure Sine Wave Solar Inverter Charger

Sungoldpower 6000W 48V Split Phase Pure Sine Wave Solar Inverter Charger. Pure Sine Wave Solar Inverter charger is a combination of an inverter, AC charger, Mppt solar charger and Auto-transfer switch into one complete system.It is packed with unique features and it is one of the most advanced...

sungoldpower.com

If you need the surge current then it would be a better choice but your going to pay the price with it's much lower efficiency. Are you planning on using a Well Pump or something of that level of importance? I would not build an emergency Grid down system based around AC units. I would head for whats going to power the basics the longest.
If length of time is important then get the LV6048.

 

[robby]

The LV6048 looks like it might work with a few rack mount batteries. Would you recommend SOK over EG4 Lifepower4? Will this unit and batteries handle a large surge for a second or two? I've read that the hybrid inverters with large transformers can handle surges well. AIMS had a few that could handle surges of triple their rated continuous output. It would be nice to be able to start the main HVAC and run it for an hour or two to cool down the house for a short time. I think if there was a prolonged outage, we'd be sleeping in the basement to keep cool.

Yes because SOK cells have a longer history of reliability than EG4 and secondly I am not thrilled with Signature Solars response to Warranty issues and customer service. On the flip side Currentconnected seems to put CS First and I suspect if you have an issue they will fix or exchange the battery ASAP.

 

[Sirtate]

Oh man when the pool pump is considered critical load I remind myself why Cali is like Cali!

Along with the gas fireplace in an air conditioned house. "to take the chill off"

 

[Browse]

I just can't decide. The more I look into Sungoldpower, Sigineer, AIMS and Growatt, the more uncomfortable I get with the complaints and potential quality issues. If I was rich, I'd get a Sol-Ark 12kw and four SOK 48V 100ah rack mount batteries and call it done for backup power, but I can't justify the expense. Even looking at the simple 2xEcoflow Delta Pro package brings me to people complaining that buttons stop working and they can't charge while two are in use via the double voltage hub.

I need a simple, high quality, low cost solution but it evades me.

 

[justgary]

I need a simple, high quality, low cost solution but it evades me.

When you find it, please post it here!

 

[timselectric]

Just take your time. And weigh all of the options.
Decide what work that you are willing to do yourself.
You'll figure it out, I'm sure.

 

[42OhmsPA]

I was leaning towards sungold initially... The more technical questions I ask, the less I am interested...
TP6048 - 135 watts idle consumption (was my first choice) didn't ask about THD
8Kw UL certified - 88 watts idle consumption 10% +/-5% THD ? I wouldn't want to feed my well pump with that long term...
I'm quickly understanding you get what you pay has great merit in the solar / off grid world... Look up the specs /efficiencies for schneider, samlex, magnum; if only magnums were in stock.
Now I'm looking at importing a Deye... Knowing you "can't anymore" makes me want one that much more.

 

[timselectric]

If I get a shot at the new 16k Deye. I'll buy two. lol

 

[740GLE]

I was leaning towards sungold initially... The more technical questions I ask, the less I am interested...
TP6048 - 135 watts idle consumption (was my first choice) didn't ask about THD
8Kw UL certified - 88 watts idle consumption 10% +/-5% THD ? I wouldn't want to feed my well pump with that long term...
I'm quickly understanding you get what you pay has great merit in the solar / off grid world... Look up the specs /efficiencies for schneider, samlex, magnum; if only magnums were in stock.
Now I'm looking at importing a Deye... Knowing you "can't anymore" makes me want one that much more.

What’s your THD of you generator under load?

 

[42OhmsPA]

What’s your THD of you generator under load?

I don't know, I never thought about it until joining the forum... Plethora of information here ??. Next time the power goes out I'll check the frequency with my new meter.
I can't imagine it's great, older 5500w generac. I'd bet the WEN inverter Gen I picked up a while back is much cleaner.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Unless It is an inverter generator, it is likely in to 20% range, or higher. Generators are noisy beasts, and not just in the exhaust note.

 

[740GLE]

All inverter generators aren’t the best for THD, especially economy ones such as WEN.

I have the small 3500w WEN open frame and I believe it’s modified sine wave inverter, not pure sine wave. Good enough for my needs.

 

[Browse]

Can you all take a look at these two products and let me know if they will work as a backup to my generator?

One of these inverters:
https://watts247.com/product/spf-6000t-mpv-dvm/

Two of these rack mount batteries:
https://watts247.com/product/powerup-lifepo4-5-1kwh/

Same basic equipment available from Signature Solar but different rack mount batteries:

https://signaturesolar.com/growatt-48v-6kw-250vdc-split-phase-off-grid-inverter/
https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-battery-48v-100ah/

Other than cables and some wire, is there anything else I would need assuming I will skip the solar panels for now and just recharge with my generator? Will the inverter and batteries play nice together, BMS, etc?

This would be a cheap "starter" battery backup system for under $5k.

 

[timselectric]

Same thing, just costs more.
EG4 batteries definitely communicate with Growatt.
Not sure about the power up ones.
But, communication is not mandatory.
Either will do what you want.

 

[Browse]

Here's another question for the wiring experts. I mentioned that I was intending on replacing the wires currently coming from my generator input box into a dedicated generator breaker (combined with an interlock) and putting the inverter output wires in their place, since the inverter and battery setup will be the primary backup power during outages. I'm out of slots in my load center, and an interlock only works with a single set of breakers, so how do I power the inverter when I have normal grid power to keep the batteries charged? The T6000 only accepts 240V AC input and I don't have any nearby 240V outlets to feed it. I could run the wires from the generator input box into the inverter, but that means every time I want to charge the batteries I need to setup and connect the generator. Do I need to add a subpanel to give me more breakers in order to feed the inverter? What would you do?

 

[timselectric]

Assuming that you have an existing 30a or 40a two pole breaker. (Maybe for the dryer or ac compressor)
You can replace it with a quad breaker.

 

[timselectric]

Just make sure that you never have the input and output to the inverter, connected (turned on) at the same time.

 

[Browse]

Assuming that you have an existing 30a or 40a two pole breaker. (Maybe for the dryer or ac compressor)
You can replace it with a quad breaker.

It's an older 200A Murray panel with all of the extra tandem breaker slots filled.

https://www.amazon.com/MURRAY-LC304...000BQMRQI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I'm guessing a subpanel will be needed....or maybe I could use a 120V to 240V step up transformer plugged into a normal outlet for slow charging while on grid?

 

[timselectric]

It's an older 200A Murray panel with all of the extra tandem breaker slots filled.

https://www.amazon.com/MURRAY-LC304...000BQMRQI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I'm guessing a subpanel will be needed.

Probably
But, this will allow you to build your system how it should be done.

 

[Jim Lee]

Yep...this will be our plan once we sell the house and move to our retirement location. We'll be looking at a whole house system at that point, which will likely be over $50k in equipment.

$50K seems over kill to me. This is my system. 30-395W panels with 3 IMO disconnects on 2 Ground mounts, 4- Growatt 5000 ES Inverters, 2- Split phase Transformers, 1- FS140 Surge protector and 2 added (other than original house panel) breaker panels. Total cost about $26K before $7k in Federal tax breaks. I have a 6 ton geothermal heat pump for 4 zone heat and air, 2 refrigerator freezers, Dbl convection ovens, microwave, electric dryer in 3,300 sq ft house. Gas h/w heater. All has been working well for about 2 months now. Hopefully my plans will help you.

 

[timselectric]

$50K seems over kill to me. This is my system. 30-395W panels with 3 IMO disconnects on 2 Ground mounts, 4- Growatt 5000 ES Inverters, 2- Split phase Transformers, 1- FS140 Surge protector and 2 added (other than original house panel) breaker panels. Total cost about $26K before $7k in Federal tax breaks. I have a 6 ton geothermal heat pump for 4 zone heat and air, 2 refrigerator freezers, Dbl convection ovens, microwave, electric dryer in 3,300 sq ft house. Gas h/w heater. All has been working well for about 2 months now. Hopefully my plans will help you.

I will have almost exactly what you have, when my system is complete. (Building in phases)
I estimated my total cost to be the same, also.
Free labor is the best cost savings.

 

[Jim Lee]

I will have almost exactly what you have, when my system is complete. (Building in phases)
I estimated my total cost to be the same, also.
Free labor is the best cost savings.

Free labor and when your done you know every part of your systm and what it does. Good luck and enjoy the build. I sure did.