I just looked into it. Yes there are other options, but none are even
close to the price point of the Iota. They are also super simple to
setup, get the new IQ4 option.
The only downside to the Iota, is they aren't that conducive to a NEC
install; you got to live with some exposed cabling, unless you put the
whole thing in a big enclosure.
R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760
On 10/30/2013 2:16 PM, Dave Palumbo wrote:
Wrenches,
I'm looking for a battery charger to augment an OutBack FX 2012
inverter/charger for a 12V off-grid system that could use shorter
charging times during our cloudy late fall/winter periods in northern
Vermont. Both the generator and the battery bank are amply sized as is
the PV array. I have used Iota chargers in the past, but wondered if
they are other options worth considering.
Thanks,
Dave
David Palumbo
Independent Power LLC
462 Solar Way Drive
Hyde Park, VT 05655**
*/www.independentpowerllc.com /*
Vermont Solar Partner
25 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194
*From:*[email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] *On Behalf Of
*Allan Sindelar
*Sent:* Wednesday, October 30, 2013 10:57 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] To stack or not to stack? Off-grid 240V
Hilton,
Kevin's comments are well taken. To add a bit:
Magnum are exceptionally easy to set up and program. The user
interface is well designed. A few issues to be aware of from my
experience:
- All of our Magnum-based off grid systems have been single inverter.
At 4 kW, a single inverter may not be enough for that particular 3hp
motor - best to CYA with the customer on the possible need for a
stacked pair.
- Magnum allows a pretty wide voltage dip to accomplish surge
capacity, so when the saw starts, expect lights to flicker. Our CF
bulbs flicker when the refrigerator starts.
Our trial with Apollo a couple of years ago was probably the single
most negative experience with an inverter manufacturer of my career.
Kevin's comment that the most basic programming required hooking up to
a computer is accurate. The computer must have their proprietary
software installed, and the hookup was necessary even to initiate an
equalize charge from an AC source. We have several warranty
replacement and takeout units on a shelf here, from two installations
(including in my own home) where the equipment was replaced after
being unable to get it to work reliably. Ultimately, Apollo agreed in
writing to reimburse us for the cost to replace their equipment with
another brand. They never came through.
Allan
*Allan Sindelar*
[email protected]_ <mailto:[email protected]>
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder, *Positive Energy, Inc.*
A Certified B Corporation^TM
3209 Richards Lane
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
*505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell*
_www.positiveenergysolar.com_ <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/>
On 10/29/2013 10:32 PM, Kevin Pegg wrote:
Hi Hilton,
My $0.05 worth as off-grid is my primary domain.
The SW4024 is an excellent inverter, reliable, robust and if you
can find another stack them for 240 and will have no issues with
the 3 HP table saw (assuming batteries can handle that is). I run
my whole home from a 13 year old pair of them.
Magnum makes an excellent, robust, and reliable off-grid inverter.
Available in 120 or 240 without stack. Stacking Magnums (for more
power) is straightforward and the user interface is very simple
and intuitive. There is some different hardware required for
stacking. If a second SW4024 isn't an option then this is what I
would do.
I test installed an Apollo unit last year. What a frustrating
experience that was. It requires a computer and a RS485 interface
to program the most basic features to make the unit usable. Nice
when I was real remote and without Internet. That alone makes it
unappealing in my books. Seems they are a bit behind the rest of
the crowd. I'd not trust a marketing department claim it will
start that saw unless they can demonstrate it. (with of course
some other loads on the system - having to power down the house so
one can work in the shop is hardly usable).
Outback units are common, though suffer from weak battery chargers
and power quality issues while under charge so for off-grid that
involves any significant generator charging they are not ideal.
They are complex to program and operate and end users report lots
of frustration.
Kevin
-----Original Message-----
*From:* [email protected]_
<mailto:[email protected]>
[_mailto:[email protected]_]*On Behalf
Of *Hilton Dier III
*Sent:* October 29, 2013 6:48 PM
*To:* [email protected]_
<mailto:[email protected]>
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] To stack or not to stack? Off-grid 240V
Hello Wrenches,
I have an off-grid client with a 24V system and an old Xantrex
SW4024. He wants 240VAC capability with enough oomph for
sometimes making a cut with his 3 hp table saw without
starting the generator.
I am looking at Apollo, Magnum, and Outback inverters. I'm
most familiar with Outback. I have a couple of installations
out there with stacked 3.6 kW Outbacks.
However, the Apollo marketing promises that their 3.2 kW
inverter will start a 3 hp motor. Will it actually, and is
this a good idea even if it can?
I'd appreciate hearing about your experiences with 240V Apollo
units, stacked Magnums, and stacked Outbacks. I know from
experience that the Outbacks require some hundreds of dollars
of extra fittings and electronics to make a proper stacked
installation. How about Magnum? Any comments on reliability?
Many Thanks,
Hilton
--
Hilton Dier III
Renewable Energy Design
Partner, Solar Gain LLC
453 East Hill Rd.
Middlesex, VT 05602
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address:[email protected]_
<mailto:[email protected]>
Change email address & settings:
_http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org_
List-Archive:_http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org_
List rules & etiquette:
_www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm_
<http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm>
Check out participant bios:
_www.members.re-wrenches.org_ <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org>
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: [email protected]
Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Home Power magazine
List Address: [email protected]
Change email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
