Bought Schneider XW pro. What’s the best Mppt?….

[taxesarewaytoohigh]

Well after spending way too much of our Florida vacation thinking we made the decision to purchase a Schneider Conext XWPro 6.8kw hybrid Invertter/charger 48V/120/240v and three EG4 Lif Power4 V2 Lithium 48V 100AH server rack batteries. We have also purchased 10 Sirius PV 410 Bifacial 533 max w panels; 9 for our array and one extra for added protection against shipping damage.

This is a non-grid tied system,

We are looking to gain knowledge about the best MPPT based on the specs of the afore mentioned purchases. We are considering the

Schneider Electric 865-1030-1 Conext XW MPPT 60 Amp Solar Charge Controller. But we wonder if it has enough horsepower to do the job. We would like to stick with a Conext charge controller, thinking that the communications between the controller and the Inverter might be more compatible.​

That is one question.​

The next question is what else should we consider purchasing in terms of system controlling devices. That is to say switches, breakers, surge protection etc.? I could spend a long time studying this part but maybe someone here would be kind enough to share what other important things we should be looking for. I understand that we need wiring and cables and panel mounts etc; basically want to determine the other "technical" equipment needed. Thanks in advance.​

and I'll say it again "taxesarewaytohigh"

 

[BentleyJ]

We are looking to gain knowledge about the best MPPT based on the specs of the afore mentioned purchases. We are considering the

Schneider Electric 865-1030-1 Conext XW MPPT 60 Amp Solar Charge Controller. But we wonder if it has enough horsepower to do the job. We would like to stick with a Conext charge controller, thinking that the communications between the controller and the Inverter might be more compatible.​

Yes, that makes the most sense to use a Conext Charge controller so all the devices are compatible with the Xanbus network. The 60A charge controller is only good for PV strings up to 150V. Take a look at the Conext 80/600 or 100/600. These would be a much better match up for the 9 panels you mentioned.

The system will also need the InsightHome communication gateway.

The next question is what else should we consider purchasing in terms of system controlling devices. That is to say switches, breakers, surge protection etc.? I could spend a long time studying this part but maybe someone here would be kind enough to share what other important things we should be looking for. I understand that we need wiring and cables and panel mounts etc; basically want to determine the other "technical" equipment needed. Thanks in advance.

No way to answer this question without quite a bit more detail such as: Will there be a Critical Loads Subpanel installed or are you looking more for whole home back up at the main panel? Perhaps a simple sketch of a proposed system as you imagine it.

 

[Brucey]

Conveniently the insight home is now on clearout pricing as well:

Post in thread 'Schneider XW Pro - End of Sale???' https://diysolarforum.com/threads/schneider-xw-pro-end-of-sale.84911/post-1395504

 

[taxesarewaytoohigh]

Conveniently the insight home is now on clearout pricing as well:

Post in thread 'Schneider XW Pro - End of Sale???' https://diysolarforum.com/threads/schneider-xw-pro-end-of-sale.84911/post-1395504

Thanks, we jumped on that so that is one less thing to about.

 

[taxesarewaytoohigh]

Yes, that makes the most sense to use a Conext Charge controller so all the devices are compatible with the Xanbus network. The 60A charge controller is only good for PV strings up to 150V. Take a look at the Conext 80/600 or 100/600. These would be a much better match up for the 9 panels you mentioned.

The system will also need the InsightHome communication gateway.

The next question is what else should we consider purchasing in terms of system controlling devices. That is to say switches, breakers, surge protection etc.? I could spend a long time studying this part but maybe someone here would be kind enough to share what other important things we should be looking for. I understand that we need wiring and cables and panel mounts etc; basically want to determine the other "technical" equipment needed. Thanks in advance.

No way to answer this question without quite a bit more detail such as: Will there be a Critical Loads Subpanel installed or are you looking more for whole home back up at the main panel? Perhaps a simple sketch of a proposed system as you imagine it.

Thanks, I’ll try to be more specific. It will take me a little extra time so please check back. I appreciate your input.

 

[taxesarewaytoohigh]

Thanks, I’ll try to be more specific. It will take me a little extra time so please check back. I appreciate your input.

We’re planning 3 strings of 3 panels. Sig. Solar indicated the context 60/150 would work. But maybe that’s stretching the boundaries. In the Wisconsin winter the temps can drop to -30F. … and when it does it is usually sunny.

 

[Brucey]

We’re planning 3 strings of 3 panels. Sig. Solar indicated the context 60/150 would work. But maybe that’s stretching the boundaries. In the Wisconsin winter the temps can drop to -30F. … and when it does it is usually sunny.

Depends on the panel specifics could be a VOC of 37V or 49V, huge range is possible

 

[taxesarewaytoohigh]

Ok, yes, i see what you mean.

VOC: 37.32V
ISC: 13.80A
Wattage: 410W | Up to 533W with Bifacial Gain

 

[Brucey]

Ok, yes, i see what you mean.

VOC: 37.32V
ISC: 13.80A
Wattage: 410W | Up to 533W with Bifacial Gain

Perhaps Hyperions? Similar numbers. Either way those should be fine at 3s.

 

[taxesarewaytoohigh]

Perhaps Hyperions? Similar numbers. Either way those should be fine at 3s.

They are Sirius 410 w bifacial panels. Are you saying that I should be fine with the Schneider 60 / 150 MPPT controller?

 

[Brucey]

They are Sirius 410 w bifacial panels. Are you saying that I should be fine with the Schneider 60 / 150 MPPT controller?

Yes in series of three that will be fine in even extreme cold winter temps.

 

[taxesarewaytoohigh]

Yes, that makes the most sense to use a Conext Charge controller so all the devices are compatible with the Xanbus network. The 60A charge controller is only good for PV strings up to 150V. Take a look at the Conext 80/600 or 100/600. These would be a much better match up for the 9 panels you mentioned.

The system will also need the InsightHome communication gateway.

The next question is what else should we consider purchasing in terms of system controlling devices. That is to say switches, breakers, surge protection etc.? I could spend a long time studying this part but maybe someone here would be kind enough to share what other important things we should be looking for. I understand that we need wiring and cables and panel mounts etc; basically want to determine the other "technical" equipment needed. Thanks in advance.

No way to answer this question without quite a bit more detail such as: Will there be a Critical Loads Subpanel installed or are you looking more for whole home back up at the main panel? Perhaps a simple sketch of a proposed system as you imagine it.

Thank you Brucey. That confirms what I hoped... my total VOC is about 112, which is under the 150 v limit of the 60/150 MPPT.

Are there any reasons I would be better off going with one of the larger Schneider Mppts? This has max output of 3.5Kw. It seems as if I could just add another of the 60/150 if more panels were needed down the road?

BentleyJ, you suggested a larger unit and asked for more details. I am attaching a very rough drawing on a document that I hope will clarify my questions. Thanks for your comments.

This system is totally off grid.

48V EG4 100 ah server-rack batteries x3,

Conext XW Pro inverter

9 Sirius PV 410W Bifacial Solar Panel | Up to 533W of Bifacial Gain;
VOC of 37volts.

MPPT ??? TBD.

Our expected energy consumption is about 7KwH per day in the summer when we may need A/C for a few weeks in July and August. Winter heating is likely to be in-floor radiant with an on demand combi-boiler to provide radiant and domestic hot water. Living area is roughly 750 Ft², which is attached to a 36’ x 42’ Morton Shed. 5” thick slab, insulated under the living area with 2” styro-foam.

The PV array will be ground mount facing Solar South on a hill above the building.

I’m not sure I understand what you mean when you say “critical load panel”. What I expect, will be a connection from the solar system providing 120/240 to a 200A house breaker panel.

The reason we decided to go with the Schneider XW Pro inverter is that it is low frequency; we will likely be required to have pumps in our septic system. We may also have some wood working equipment in the shop for future hobby projects.

As stated before, it seems to us that staying with a Schneider charge controller will make connecting and programming easier. The Schneider mini distribution panel looks like a good choice also.

The NAZ website has some kits with this inverter so I have been looking at their item list. I’m not sure that everything listed is required. Any comments on that will be appreciated.

We do not have an integrated generator planned for the system but we may find out latter that one might be needed, even though we are very low consumers of electricity. Will likely have a small freezer and a fridge, a couple dozen LED lights etc.