New NHX 12 killowatt

[menchelke]

Nice. I am doing fixed angle at 45 degrees. I am also doing angle iron 1.5x1.5x 1/8 thick welded frame. Your setup is nice.

MPPT Voltage Range (with battery) 120 - 430V (thats what my spec sheet says for the nhx) So that's why i was planning just doing rows of 10. When I did my calcs I did them on worse case cold recorded around here, and then I think with a healthy margin of error, I feel 11 is max, 12 was to close to the open circuit max Volts of exceeding 500.

But you live I think somewhere far colder than I am. You had no over voltage issues running 12 in series this winter, and if you don't mind how cold did it get?

I think we might hit a handful of times each winter, did so in Jan and Feb this year.

 

[JohnGyver]

Nice. I am doing fixed angle at 45 degrees. I am also doing angle iron 1.5x1.5x 1/8 thick welded frame. Your setup is nice.

MPPT Voltage Range (with battery) 120 - 430V (thats what my spec sheet says for the nhx) So that's why i was planning just doing rows of 10. When I did my calcs I did them on worse case cold recorded around here, and then I think with a healthy margin of error, I feel 11 is max, 12 was to close to the open circuit max Volts of exceeding 500.

But you live I think somewhere far colder than I am. You had no over voltage issues running 12 in series this winter, and if you don't mind how cold did it get?

I think we might hit a handful of times each winter, did so in Jan and Feb this year.

I used the Sol-Ark calculator on their website to estimate my solar panels sizing needs;

Solar Panel Sizing Tool

The Sol-Ark® solar panel sizing tool calculates the number of solar panels arranged in DC panel strings for maximum input power for hybrid inverter models.

www.sol-ark.com

It had my Hyperion panel specs listed in their drop-down box, with an option to manually input your panel specs if they do not have your panels listed.

Here are some pics of this tool;

This is where you put your solar panel info in Part1, which populates Part 2 if your panels are listed, your array size info, wire run length and wire size gauge, how many strings in configured Part 3 to your projected sizing. In my case I am setting up 12 panel arrays with 10-gauge wire at 235 feet and 125 feet runs. (See Part 3: Solar Panel Layout section in first pic)




Pic #2 is at the bottom of the calculator page that confirms your specs are good to work with the Solar 15k... which is close in specs to the NHX-12K. IF any numbers turn RED then that is a red flag for your setup, thus you need to re-spec your wiring or panels to get back into the black, FYI.

The NHX-12K is...
MAX Voc (V) is 500V... which this calculator is hitting 444.84.
MAX Isc (A) is 16A... which this is hitting 13.79.

Also note line loss calculation at the bottom for reference.



Even though I am about 15v over the 120V-430V (with battery) rating, the max being at 500V should be the safety net. So far, I have not seen any issues with the NHX-12K.... I did sent Ian an email about this to see what he says. I assume that anything extra will be clipped (within reasonable overage amount) and not cause harm to the unit. Generally speaking, most specs are usually on the conservative side, so my assumption is that there is always a little room to go over a tiny bit...... except for milk expiration dates, I don't want to touch it even if there is 5 days left!

Here is Ian's response on the subject....


Anyway, using that Sol-Ark tool really helped me figure some stuff out. So far, so good in using it.

Best to all,

John

 

[menchelke]

Got ya. I think I'm still doing 3x10 and 1x 9 since and a spot for 1 more panel

 

[JohnGyver]

Got ya. I think imd stil doing 3x10 and 1x 9 since and a spot for 1 more panel

I think solar panel string specs really matters if you are in a colder area of the country. I saw a video that Will Prowse made about the subject (an older video of his I think) of temperature and solar panel ratings. For me it did not apply because I am in the balmy Houston Texas region. But up north those specs can make a huge difference in solar panel strings. My inverter wired up to the 4.8kw string @ 444v didn't seem to mind the 24-degree temps during the last cold blast that actually brought us 4" of snow... which is extremely rare for these parts. So it did experience a bit of the type of cold that our northern neighbors experience more often.... luckily with no adverse effects to our solar system.

Here is a fun pic! I watched an Adam De Lay video about clearing snow off solar panels a week before this happened... I have no idea why I even watched it because we don't get snow. But we did... and that video of his helped me when we got our rare blast of the stuff!


So I got my Christmas lights extension rod and a winder cleaner tool and went to work. Us Houston folk are not use to this kind of weather! I am glad this is not a regular kind of chore for us. It was pretty dang cold that day! At least for a South Texas guy!

 

[Kornbread]

So I got my Christmas lights extension rod and a winder cleaner tool and went to work. Us Houston folk are not use to this kind of weather! I am glad this is not a regular kind of chore for us. It was pretty dang cold that day! At least for a South Texas guy!
View attachment 279360

Cough ... cough ... leaf blower.

 

[JohnGyver]

Cough ... cough ... leaf blower.

LOL, I tried that... with a high powered DeWalt... no workie! It was a bit icy under the snow.

 

[Kornbread]

LOL, I tried that... with a high powered DeWalt... no workie! It was a bit icy under the snow.

Yeah, if it's a sticky snow it takes a little elbow grease to remove, but the leaf blower made quick work of the powder we got last night.

 

[Hungfish]

View attachment 279359

Beautiful picture @JohnGyver

 

[Tayne]

FYI the NHX 12Kw is California certified. Here is the data sheet from the Megarevo site (the manufacturer of the NHX).

https://www.megarevopower.com/upload/download/12kW%20Split-phase%20Hybrid%20Inverter%20v1.4-1.pdf

 

[mciholas]

FYI the NHX 12Kw is California certified. Here is the data sheet from the Megarevo site (the manufacturer of the NHX).

You sure about this?

I'm suspicious Megarevo is NOT the maker of the NHX, but the real maker (Amensolar?) has clearly based the design on the Megarevo.

The Amensolar N3H-12KUS is what people are calling NHX 12K. If that exact model isn't listed in the approval, then it isn't approved.

Wholesale N3H-X12US 12KW Split Phase Hybrid Solar Inverter Factory and Supplier | Amensolar

Get reliable off-grid power with our 12KW Split Phase Inverter. This single phase/3 phase hybrid inverter is perfect for your solar energy system.

www.amensolar.com

Mike C.

 

[Hungfish]

You sure about this?

I'm suspicious Megarevo is NOT the maker of the NHX, but the real maker (Amensolar?) has clearly based the design on the Megarevo.

The Amensolar N3H-12KUS is what people are calling NHX 12K. If that exact model isn't listed in the approval, then it isn't approved.

Wholesale N3H-X12US 12KW Split Phase Hybrid Solar Inverter Factory and Supplier | Amensolar

Get reliable off-grid power with our 12KW Split Phase Inverter. This single phase/3 phase hybrid inverter is perfect for your solar energy system.

www.amensolar.com

Mike C.

ian and kenny at amensolar confirmed that amensolar makes NHX. I tried to look up California Prob65 (on the bottom of the pdf for megarove) and there is no info related to grid connection

 

[Tayne]

ian and kenny at amensolar confirmed that amensolar makes NHX. I tried to look up California Prob65 (on the bottom of the pdf for megarove) and there is no info related to grid connection

I spoke with the Amensolar rep. I am positive the 10kw is the same as the Megarevo and Sungold power. Amensolar has a different outer box, but it’s the same machine.

 

[Tayne]

You sure about this?

I'm suspicious Megarevo is NOT the maker of the NHX, but the real maker (Amensolar?) has clearly based the design on the Megarevo.

The Amensolar N3H-12KUS is what people are calling NHX 12K. If that exact model isn't listed in the approval, then it isn't approved.

Wholesale N3H-X12US 12KW Split Phase Hybrid Solar Inverter Factory and Supplier | Amensolar

Get reliable off-grid power with our 12KW Split Phase Inverter. This single phase/3 phase hybrid inverter is perfect for your solar energy system.

www.amensolar.com

Mike C.

I am positive they are the same unit. I have owned both. They have the same software interface software icons. My Solar Assistant sees it as a Megarevo. The only difference is the outside shell and possibly custom bios.

 

[Tayne]

If you want confirmation download the manual for both and compare them.

 

[mciholas]

If you want confirmation download the manual for both and compare them.

If you think that's enough to pass inspection, go for it.

Mike C.

 

[Kornbread]

California Energy Commission approval list from Watts 247 website

 

[Tayne]

It is the same unit. However they private label it. So the use different case and model numbers. Not sure how CA will deal with it. However I expect Amensolar would be getting the same certifications. Since they are selling to the US market. I bet it is in process already. Contact Amensolar and ask. But before you buy it find out if the State will use the Megarevo certificate or if Amensolar certificate is in process.

 

[mciholas]

It is the same unit. However they private label it. So the use different case and model numbers.

The label on the "NHX" unit is Amensolar with the Amensolar model numbers (N3H...) that match the certificate documents.

Watts247 doesn't private label it, all they do it put their name on the front and change the home screen image in the files.

Mike C.

 

[Tayne]

Amensolar private label’s it from Megarevo. Watts247 buys it from Amensolar. They are both the same unit. However they have different cases, names and model numbers. Hence private label. Many manufacturers private label the same units for others. Luxpower makes EG4 and so on.
Now that doesn’t mean the State of California automatically approves every private labeled version, but since they have already approved it before. You can always ask. However the model number and brand names are different.

 

[JohnGyver]

Beautiful picture @JohnGyver

Thanks HF!

It's not very often we get snow down in the Houston Region... so it was a rare photo opportunity for us Texas folk!

It was cool to see snow on the panels and roof tops. Very pretty indeed! Very cold too! LOL

 

[JohnGyver]

Just a quick update.... my 300 feet of trenching is done along with 750 feet of solar wire to 4 array areas (only 1 array is built so far). I now have the system's 'arteries' in-place and terminated at the solar shed. I will be working to terminate the ends this weekend. The HARD PART is finally done! Hopefully I can get 2 of the 3 additional arrays built out by summer.

For you more seasoned solar guys.... I have a DC breaker at the 1st array along with dual DC solar fuses on each negative and positive wire. I also have a second DC breaker at the solar shed (100+ feet away) which also has the Midnite Solar DC surge protector tied into the breaker input. Everything is encased in PVC conduit from end to end. Is there anything I should do differently? I am trying to stay within code and fire safety.... after watching every YouTube video related to DIY solar as well as talking with guys at DIY Solar Unplugged (Livestream on Thursday nights) many are not very concerned about DC wiring fires. Actually, many of the installs I have seen have fully exposed wires and look like a fire hazard. I am completely terrified of the possibility of a fire, and I am trying to do everything as "professional" as possible to prevent one.... but I am not a professional and I fully understand that "I don't know, what I don't know".... so, if anyone has some input on this, I would greatly appreciate it.

The AC side I am not worried about. It's the high voltage DC side that scares me.

Here are some pics

DC Breaker box (Inverter side) with Midnite Solar SPD's on arrays 1 & 2 arrays (2nd array is coming soon). Solar wiring is 100% encased in PVC conduit from end to end.



And this was the big pain point.... trenching between the solar shed and solar array sites. Hopefully by summer my yard is patched up nicely with new grass growth.





So many obstacles, old septic tanks, huge tree roots, bricks and other conduit lines... so My perfect line did not come out so perfect! LOL


I feel that I am now free to really start running with the rest of the system. Getting the wire in the ground had to be done before I could really do anything else.

For those interested in seeing what others are doing in DIY solar you can watch Adam De Lay, Rodney Hunt and Eric from East Texas Homestead on Thursday nights.... here is the link;

You can send in questions and be part of the conversation.... and learn some stuff with the rest of the solar enthusiasts on there!

Hope all is well with your solar journeys'!

John

 

[agtcovert]

Just a quick update.... my 300 feet of trenching is done along with 750 feet of solar wire to 4 array areas (only 1 array is built so far). I now have the system's 'arteries' in-place and terminated at the solar shed. I will be working to terminate the ends this weekend. The HARD PART is finally done! Hopefully I can get 2 of the 3 additional arrays built out by summer.

For you more seasoned solar guys.... I have a DC breaker at the 1st array along with dual DC solar fuses on each negative and positive wire. I also have a second DC breaker at the solar shed (100+ feet away) which also has the Midnite Solar DC surge protector tied into the breaker input. Everything is encased in PVC conduit from end to end. Is there anything I should do differently? I am trying to stay within code and fire safety.... after watching every YouTube video related to DIY solar as well as talking with guys at DIY Solar Unplugged (Livestream on Thursday nights) many are not very concerned about DC wiring fires. Actually, many of the installs I have seen have fully exposed wires and look like a fire hazard. I am completely terrified of the possibility of a fire, and I am trying to do everything as "professional" as possible to prevent one.... but I am not a professional and I fully understand that "I don't know, what I don't know".... so, if anyone has some input on this, I would greatly appreciate it.

The AC side I am not worried about. It's the high voltage DC side that scares me.

Here are some pics

DC Breaker box (Inverter side) with Midnite Solar SPD's on arrays 1 & 2 arrays (2nd array is coming soon). Solar wiring is 100% encased in PVC conduit from end to end.
View attachment 286381


And this was the big pain point.... trenching between the solar shed and solar array sites. Hopefully by summer my yard is patched up nicely with new grass growth.

View attachment 286389


View attachment 286390
So many obstacles, old septic tanks, huge tree roots, bricks and other conduit lines... so My perfect line did not come out so perfect! LOL
View attachment 286391

I feel that I am now free to really start running with the rest of the system. Getting the wire in the ground had to be done before I could really do anything else.

For those interested in seeing what others are doing in DIY solar you can watch Adam De Lay, Rodney Hunt and Eric from East Texas Homestead on Thursday nights.... here is the link;

You can send in questions and be part of the conversation.... and learn some stuff with the rest of the solar enthusiasts on there!

Hope all is well with your solar journeys'!

John

The fusing you mentioned - are they inline MC4 fuses? If so, the prevailing guideline I'm aware of is those aren't really needed until you parallel more than 2 strings together. Won't hurt anything, but not strictly necessary. I have and like the Watts24x7 combiners. They have the fusing for your array inputs, the combining happens on a breaker, and it gives you a way to disconnect or isolate outside.

I have breakers in 2-3 places, not necessarily for safety (though it's part of it), but also to isolate while I'm outside or isolate inside where my inverters are and not have to run somewhere to turn a string off. (I'm lazy!)

Looks great - nice work! How's the NHX working for you?

 

[JohnGyver]

The fusing you mentioned - are they inline MC4 fuses? If so, the prevailing guideline I'm aware of is those aren't really needed until you parallel more than 2 strings together. Won't hurt anything, but not strictly necessary. I have and like the Watts24x7 combiners. They have the fusing for your array inputs, the combining happens on a breaker, and it gives you a way to disconnect or isolate outside.

I have breakers in 2-3 places, not necessarily for safety (though it's part of it), but also to isolate while I'm outside or isolate inside where my inverters are and not have to run somewhere to turn a string off. (I'm lazy!)

Looks great - nice work! How's the NHX working for you?

The fuses are for extreme added protection (just in case fuses).... figured it would not hurt in case of lightning or some sort of massive failure. Plus, its cheap insurance, that's what I am thinking anyway. I have breakers at the inverter shed and at the arrays for easy isolation at those points. At 53 years old I won't be running around the property trying to shut everything down. I can just do it at the shed, then further isolate at the arrays if needed.

Thank you! I am putting my heart and soul into it. This has been a very enjoyable learning experience that is also very rewarding.

Last month's electric bill was only $28.... so it is working very well, coupled to my rate plan here in the Houston region that offers free nights from 9pm-7am. Solar and batteries run the house all day, and at 9pm the batteries and two EV's get charged at night FOR FREE!!! I am kind of waiting on the electric company to say something. Fingers crossed that they don't... and maybe a few prayers too! LOL I am using TOU settings to do this BTW.

The NHX-12K has been flawless to date. It lives inside the shed with AC keeping her cool. Prior to the AC being added the inverter got toasty in there during a few warm days that followed our recent freeze and snow in late January. Heat is the number 1 killer of electronics, so the AC is well worth the $150 investment. I want my batteries and inverter to last forever! (Or at least as long as I live in the house!)


Public inverter service announcement.... I do suggest keeping your expensive solar gear in 'optimal conditions' for long life and hopefully fewer issues along the way.

Thanks @agtcovert

John

 

[JohnGyver]

DC Solar Wiring Update....

I just wanted to share a more Indepth look at the solar fusing and breakers in my system. This can be applied to most solar system setups.


This is prepped for the future solar panel arrays that are coming (solar lean-to's off the side (West facing) and the rear (South facing) of the goat barn).... I will add the solar panel input wiring when those arrays get built. Two sets of 10-gauge wire runs in 3/4" conduit for sizing reference. The run is about 185 feet back to the solar shed.



Close up of solar fuse holders and solar breakers, size to the spec of my solar panels (30A). Solar wire is made by TEMCO.



Solar fuse holders with fuse doors open. This shows the functionality aspect of the fuse holders. I originally went with inline solar fuses with MC4 connectors but opted for the DIN rail style after further thought. I did fuse both positive and negative wires for maximum protection.



This box claims to be waterproof.... in this case it's inside my goat barn so it is protected inside that shelter. I wanted metal boxes but could not really find anything truly suitable. This is made from PC-ABS and is supposedly fire resistant with plastic that is self-extinguishing.... allegedly, as per the manufacturer claim. I hope that I never have to find out if it is or isn't.



View of the box when buttoned up. Nice clean look with clear door to see the breakers. This box is made for 6 breakers BUT I suggest getting a box bigger than your actual needs, so you have extra room inside for wire runs & bends, to prevent your wiring from being cramped. This was a MOLLOM HT "12 way" that I purchased on Amazon. I am not endorsing it, just showing what I went with after looking at everything.



On the other end of the wire in my solar shed is the MOLLOM HT 15 way box. I drilled out the conduit entry locations on the top to install MidNight Solar DC SPD's. I will add 2 more when I build out additional arrays for 3 on top and 1 under the box in the middle. This box has the same breakers (no fuses) as the boxes at the arrays for double protection and dual disconnects at the shed and at the arrays. My arrays are up to 185 feet away.... having disconnects at both ends will be helpful with future maintenance and in theory double the protection.



This is some of the stuff that I had to figure out on my own. I had lengthy discussions with Adam De Lay and a few others over the last 6 months to help with that process. Hopefully everything that I am doing will result in safe, low maintenance and greater reliability of the solar equipment. I am by no means an expert. I just wanted to share the various layers of my system build for other DIY'ers to review and help with their needs as they get started. I am only 1/4 of the way done so far... and it been a blast! And by "blast" I mean lots of work and lots of money!!! Each layer is just that.... lots of work and money.... but very rewarding with every step!

We are now at the stage where we have offset our monthly bill down to $28 utilizing our solar system and "Free nights" rate plan with the POCO, with more power than my 9000-watt propane generator.... and the solar system is an instant backup in case of a grid outage. So far, so good. We are happy with the progress and the impacts of our investment. One 12k inverter, one 4.8kw array and two wall batteries is how we are already achieving this result.

Now to start on the next leg of the solar journey.... building the second 4.8kw solar array. Time to start digging..... again!

John

 

[Kornbread]

Sorry but had to say it ... I am not a fan of whomever laid those bricks in the goat shed. Straw or anything flammable in the goat shed? Don't see any of those cheap spds in the combiner boxes which is probably a good thing with reports of some of them catching fire.

Did you use white pvc? I get chastised at work for using the stuff, but it's considerably cheaper, $21 vs $8, and as long as the trench is marked, afaik, it's legal.

Anyhow, things are looking pretty dang sweet.