That makes perfect sense - thanks. I would need a PV MPPT charge controller. Schneider has one that talks with the Home Gateway - an 80A/600VDC MPPT for $1076 that would probably work.Inverter/charger meaning battery DC to AC, and AC charges battery.
Usually that means grid or generator input charges battery.
Looks like the InsightHome gateway would work for my system.Also, you would need a Facility Gateway $655 or Home Gateway $343 for the Pro 6848.
I may have answered my own question. At higher elevations the MPPT SCC may need to be derated. I'll contact the manufacturer to see what they recommend.One concern is that the MPPT SCC says it works up to 6561 ft elevation, and my place is at 9100 ft. Does anyone know what the issue is with altitude on a SCC?
1. IT"S FREAKING HEAVY! You will need at least 2 grown men to move and lift it.
Sounds like a sweet system. It's double what my system is and four times more batteries. I guess for a true off grid system you really need several days of extra batteries to cover bad weather. What brand of batteries did you buy?I am going to be off-grid soon...installing two Sol-Ark 12k’s, 20.6kw pv, 120 kWh battery bank as we speak. Another one I considered was 4 ea Magnum 4448PAE Inverter with Midnite Classic 250 SCC’s.
Thank you, Mr-Sandman. I've started going through the videos and they offer a wealth of information. Looking at what I ordered Friday: the 6848 inverter, the 100A/600V SCC, and the InsightHome. Of how much worth are other of the cooperative products, like the power distribution panels (AC or DC), the battery monitor, or the system control panel. From the online descriptions, it is not clear what the AC and DC power distribution panels are for - are they literally just very expensive circuit breaker panels, or do they offer something more? I have used battery monitors in two RV solar systems, and found value - is there something in the InsightHome that offers the same functionality of being able to see charge/discharge rate, estimate state of charge, etc.? Also, is the system control panel something that is needed or desirable, or is the same functionality incorporated into the other components in some capacity?I just was thinking back of how I learnt.
I have found references on some MPPT SCCs that state at elevations higher than 1000 M, you need to derate the SCC according to IEC60146. Since I don't want to cough up the > $400 for this standard, does anyone have experience with this? I am at ~2775 M (9100 ft).I may have answered my own question. At higher elevations the MPPT SCC may need to be derated. I'll contact the manufacturer to see what they recommend.
The Schneider breaker panels make for a neat and easier installation. Possibly safer too since it handles the bypass breakers, etc. I choose to not go that route "I can be cheap". I already have 2 panels, I turned one into the critical loads panel by installing 60 amp breaker in it to the output of the XW. Installed a new 60 amp breaker for the XW main input. Moved some circuits around, so the important stuff I wanted on inverter was on the critical loads panel, shut the sub panel feeder breaker off "now my by pass breaker", and turned the XW on.Thank you, Mr-Sandman. I've started going through the videos and they offer a wealth of information. Looking at what I ordered Friday: the 6848 inverter, the 100A/600V SCC, and the InsightHome. Of how much worth are other of the cooperative products, like the power distribution panels (AC or DC), the battery monitor, or the system control panel. From the online descriptions, it is not clear what the AC and DC power distribution panels are for - are they literally just very expensive circuit breaker panels, or do they offer something more? I have used battery monitors in two RV solar systems, and found value - is there something in the InsightHome that offers the same functionality of being able to see charge/discharge rate, estimate state of charge, etc.? Also, is the system control panel something that is needed or desirable, or is the same functionality incorporated into the other components in some capacity?
I wonder what makes them "de-rate" at altitude? It has to be related to thin air and cooling I would think. Maybe someone at high altitude will chime in and give a real world experience with this.I have found references on some MPPT SCCs that state at elevations higher than 1000 M, you need to derate the SCC according to IEC60146. Since I don't want to cough up the > $400 for this standard, does anyone have experience with this? I am at ~2775 M (9100 ft).
The power distribution panels are really nice. Possibly required for permitting approvals. But basically yes, they are expensive breaker panels.Thank you, Mr-Sandman. I've started going through the videos and they offer a wealth of information. Looking at what I ordered Friday: the 6848 inverter, the 100A/600V SCC, and the InsightHome. Of how much worth are other of the cooperative products, like the power distribution panels (AC or DC),
If you're using lead acid batteries this is probably a good thing to have. If your using lithium, the BMS for the battery will do a better job and isn't needed.the battery monitor,
This provides some controls right on the unit. I don't have one, but I always have a running computer or phone to make adjustments if needed. This might come in handy if your system and internet goes down and making an adjustment on the inverter would bring your home power back up. I can't figure out that situation, but I've heard others being up this concern.or the system control panel.
InsightHome gives you access to everything the inverter knows. Discharge/charge current or wattage is included. The system does not attempt to guestimate SOC anywhere unless you use their battery monitor. I'd rather trust the BMS's SOC.From the online descriptions, it is not clear what the AC and DC power distribution panels are for - are they literally just very expensive circuit breaker panels, or do they offer something more? I have used battery monitors in two RV solar systems, and found value - is there something in the InsightHome that offers the same functionality of being able to see charge/discharge rate, estimate state of charge, etc.?
As far as I know, nothing additional is available in the SCP. It's more of a legacy product from before the online portals (currently InsightHome, there have been previous versions)Also, is the system control panel something that is needed or desirable, or is the same functionality incorporated into the other components in some capacity?
I have two shunt battery monitors in RVs - one by Victron (~$250), and one generic $35. I like them both, but if I am looking for a remote monitoring capability over WiFi and the cloud, I am thinking the Schneider one may be the best option. And yes, initially since I will be charging in sub-freezing temps, I will have lead-acid batteries and I believe I will need a battery monitor.Schneiders battery monitor is a very expensive battery shunt that talks Xantrex to the other equipment.
Glad to hear it - I won't worry about the SCP.As far as I know, nothing additional is available in the SCP. It's more of a legacy product from before the online portals (currently InsightHome, there have been previous versions)
Are there Single Line Diagrams around from Schneider on how to best use all the equipment? I am not opposed to buying their power distribution panels if I understand how to integrate them into the system and they provide value. Like the DC panel - is it just used to shut off the PV array, or does it supply other needs? And for the AC side, I will have a house 240 VAC breaker panel that ordinarily I would just feed off the L1/L2 legs off the inverter, but does the AC PDP add some value?The power distribution panels are really nice. Possibly required for permitting approvals. But basically yes, they are expensive breaker panels.