subject:"\[RE\-wrenches\] BP HI \/ Namaka with Sol\-ark inverters"

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-07 Thread Jay

Hi Jeff

Thanks for the info. 

As to out of balance 120v.

How are you configuring for that?  Just putting potential problem loads on the 
xformer or ?

Which transformer are you using with a 9kw inverter?  Most I’ve seen are only 
5-6kw. 

And as many people are using the sol ark, a question about repairing. Is it 
possible to repair in the field?  Has anyone actually done it?  If not field 
repairable, how quickly/easily is the repair/warranty process working

Thanks
Jay



> On Jan 6, 2022, at 9:04 PM, Jeff Clearwater  
> wrote:
> 
>  We just ordered a 3 Sol-Ark system with 16 Storz Power batteries I'll let 
> you know this Spring once I have it up and running.  Yes they are closed loop 
> will be UL9540 soon.
> 
> We have several Sol-Arks in the field - all working great - yes a few minor 
> issues that have required software updates - but tech support is great and 
> they push the updates for me.  I love the monitoring and ability to remote 
> program every parameter.  Conversion efficiency in all modes is high (though 
> slightly under what they claim but still great)
> 
> Surge is fine per leg with multiple inverters or a balancing transformer.  
> Gen support could use an upgrade  for sure but they are working on it.
> 
> The  Time-of -use  features and interface we love as you can really fine tune 
> daily cycles - optimizing solar and battery and grid and generator inputs - 
> Especially great for grid-tie with strong off-grid capability as opposed to 
> most  lightweight GTTB systems.  In pure Off-grid I find them robust and 
> reliable so far.
> 
> Enjoy!
> 
> Jeff Clearwater
> Village Power Design
> 
> 
> 
>> Jason Szumlanski January 6, 2022 at 5:52 PM
>> Is anyone installing Storz? From what I understand, they have closed loop 
>> comms with Sol-Ark and a very close working relationship between 
>> manufacturers. I believe all customer support for Storz supplied Sol-Arks 
>> goes through Storz. They have a special Sol-Ark firmware that they maintain. 
>> 
>> Maybe users have a better experience with this collaboration. 
>> 
>> Jason Szumlanski
>> Florida Solar Design Group
>> 
>> 
>> 
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>> Mac Lewis January 6, 2022 at 5:09 PM
>> Eric and Wrenches,
>> 
>> We have come to the same conclusion.  Sol-Ark isn't ready for prime-time 
>> off-grid.  Too many glitches...
>> 
>> One serious off-grid disadvantage with Sol-Ark is idle consumption.  It 
>> really is much, much higher than older style inverters so it needs to be 
>> factored into the load analysis.  The spec sheet is not accurate.  The 
>> firmware is all over the place, many glitches and issues.
>> 
>> I do admire that they are diving into the battery communication arena but 
>> voltage control works quite well.  If a system can't effectively keep power 
>> on, do we care if the charging algorithm  is slightly more efficient?
>> 
>> My big question, that I've never really understood is why is it so hard to 
>> standardize battery communication?  Isn't CanBus, Modbus and RS-485 a 
>> standard?  Doesn't that mean that it should be easy and structured?  I must 
>> not really get it...
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Mac Lewis
>> 
>> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>> 
>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
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>> other:
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>> 
>> Christopher Warfel January 6, 2022 at 11:59 AM
>> Eric, Have you had the same issues with SolArk when multi-mode?  We are 
>> getting ready to put one in.  Chris
>> 
>> On 1/6/2022 1:25 PM, Eric Smiley wrote:
>> 
>> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-07 Thread Jeff Clearwater


Hi Jay and All,

So I jumped the gun a bit on the auto-former - My experience thus far is 
mostly with multiple inverter systems (3 systems of 2 & 3 units) and so 
I have not had any single leg issues on those systems.  And the few 
single inverter systems I do have out there (2 systems) I haven't had 
any problem - so I was just suggesting that could be a way to deal with 
it if you were having  that issue - I should be more careful to speak 
only from experience!


As for field repair I do know that some early Sol-Arks had issues with 
sharing the load while paralleling and there is an MC board ("Master 
Control" I assume)  that they offer for those instances that is field 
installable.  I have not had that problem.


I've had customer calls twice on those 5 systems in a years time - both 
times a simple reboot solved the problem and other issues I've had were 
simply my learning curve with settings as they are a lot of options 
-especially if using the Time-of-use interface.   The one system I have 
that is a single inverter that is in GTBB mode (on grid as sell-back 99% 
of time with battery there for outages) has not burped once in a year's 
time so that's simple.  The Off-Grid systems work like a charm though 
high loads did cause a reboot once.


It's true what  Eric says that there are settings on the PowerView 
interface that are not covered in the Manual - the control software is 
more powerful than most inverters but it does take some time to get to 
the bottom of all of them and it seams even Sol-Ark tech support is 
learning.  The control is highly customizable and that has come in super 
handy with a customer that is on-grid but really likes to be off grid as 
much as possible - so during the seasons in New England she changes her 
Time-of-Use settings to match the seasons and that has worked out super 
well (it's just changing the SOC levels that we let the batteries come 
to at different times of day)  - can't imagine doing what she's doing 
with any other inverter.


In talking with tech support one tech did mention that sometimes some 
data gets into the "wrong ledger" or some such and that's why a simple 
reboot works and they say they are refining that in subsequent 
firmware.  A deeper level reboot is sometimes required he says by doing 
a factory reset rather than just a restart but then you have to reset 
settings but he says that is a rare need.  They have had multiple (like 
4 or 5?) firmware upgrades over the year but none seemed to be that 
critical.


So that's my fuller report.  I consider the Sol-Ark my replacement for 
the Sunny Island (that sadly simply isn't evolving with the times except 
perhaps the European model)  - Robust - stackable and much easier to 
install with DC coupling option and included switchgear.  Yes you do 
need to learn the software interface but I find it clearly no more 
complicated than say the Outback or Schneider XW interface once you are 
use to it and once you do you have much more control and easy remote 
programming both on laptops and phones and the customer has the same 
access if you want to programmables.


I've never been put on hold for Sol Ark tech support and they spend as 
much time as it needs while looking at the same data you are looking at 
through PowerView - super helpful.


Hope that helps!

Best,

Jeff






Jay 
January 7, 2022 at 5:55 AM
Hi Jeff

Thanks for the info.

As to out of balance 120v.

How are you configuring for that?  Just putting potential problem 
loads on the xformer or ?


Which transformer are you using with a 9kw inverter?  Most I’ve seen 
are only 5-6kw.


And as many people are using the sol ark, a question about repairing. 
Is it possible to repair in the field?  Has anyone actually done it? 
 If not field repairable, how quickly/easily is the repair/warranty 
process working


Thanks
Jay



Jeff Clearwater 
January 6, 2022 at 8:04 PM
We just ordered a 3 Sol-Ark system with 16 Storz Power batteries I'll 
let you know this Spring once I have it up and running.  Yes they are 
closed loop will be UL9540 soon.


We have several Sol-Arks in the field - all working great - yes a few 
minor issues that have required software updates - but tech support is 
great and they push the updates for me.  I love the monitoring and 
ability to remote program every parameter.  Conversion efficiency in 
all modes is high (though slightly under what they claim but still great)


Surge is fine per leg with multiple inverters or a balancing 
transformer.  Gen support could use an upgrade  for sure but they are 
working on it.


The  Time-of -use  features and interface we love as you can really 
fine tune daily cycles - optimizing solar and battery and grid and 
generator inputs - Especially great for grid-tie with strong off-grid 
capability as opposed to most  lightweight GTTB systems.  In pure 
Off-grid I find them robust and reliable so far.


Enjoy!

Jeff

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-06 Thread Jeff Clearwater

We just ordered a 3 Sol-Ark system with 16 Storz Power batteries I'll 
let you know this Spring once I have it up and running.  Yes they are 
closed loop will be UL9540 soon.


We have several Sol-Arks in the field - all working great - yes a few 
minor issues that have required software updates - but tech support is 
great and they push the updates for me.  I love the monitoring and 
ability to remote program every parameter.  Conversion efficiency in all 
modes is high (though slightly under what they claim but still great)


Surge is fine per leg with multiple inverters or a balancing 
transformer.  Gen support could use an upgrade  for sure but they are 
working on it.


The  Time-of -use  features and interface we love as you can really fine 
tune daily cycles - optimizing solar and battery and grid and generator 
inputs - Especially great for grid-tie with strong off-grid capability 
as opposed to most  lightweight GTTB systems.  In pure Off-grid I find 
them robust and reliable so far.


Enjoy!

Jeff Clearwater
Village Power Design




Jason Szumlanski 
January 6, 2022 at 5:52 PM
Is anyone installing Storz? From what I understand, they have closed 
loop comms with Sol-Ark and a very close working relationship between 
manufacturers. I believe all customer support for Storz supplied 
Sol-Arks goes through Storz. They have a special Sol-Ark firmware that 
they maintain.


Maybe users have a better experience with this collaboration.

Jason Szumlanski
Florida Solar Design Group



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Mac Lewis 
January 6, 2022 at 5:09 PM
Eric and Wrenches,

We have come to the same conclusion.  Sol-Ark isn't ready for 
prime-time off-grid.  Too many glitches...


One serious off-grid disadvantage with Sol-Ark is idle consumption.  
It really is much, much higher than older style inverters so it 
needs to be factored into the load analysis.  The spec sheet is not 
accurate.  The firmware is all over the place, many glitches and issues.


I do admire that they are diving into the battery communication arena 
but voltage control works quite well.  If a system can't effectively 
keep power on, do we care if the charging algorithm  is slightly more 
efficient?


My big question, that I've never really understood is why is it so 
hard to standardize battery communication?  Isn't CanBus, Modbus and 
RS-485 a standard?  Doesn't that mean that it should be easy 
and structured?  I must not really get it...









--



Mac Lewis

*

"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates

*


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Christopher Warfel 
January 6, 2022 at 11:59 AM

Eric, Have you had the same issues with SolArk when multi-mode?  We 
are getting ready to put one in.  Chris


On 1/6/2022 1:25 PM, Eric Smiley wrote:


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Eric Smiley 
January 6, 2022 at 10:25 AM
Kirk
We tried using SolArk for off- grid applications but stopped for 
several reasons:

- surge on single phase loads
- too many firmware updates  (i.e.

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-06 Thread Jason Szumlanski

Is anyone installing Storz? From what I understand, they have closed loop
comms with Sol-Ark and a very close working relationship between
manufacturers. I believe all customer support for Storz supplied Sol-Arks
goes through Storz. They have a special Sol-Ark firmware that they
maintain.

Maybe users have a better experience with this collaboration.

Jason Szumlanski
Florida Solar Design Group

On Thu, Jan 6, 2022, 8:09 PM Mac Lewis  wrote:

> Eric and Wrenches,
>
> We have come to the same conclusion.  Sol-Ark isn't ready for prime-time
> off-grid.  Too many glitches...
>
> One serious off-grid disadvantage with Sol-Ark is idle consumption.  It
> really is much, much higher than older style inverters so it needs to be
> factored into the load analysis.  The spec sheet is not accurate.  The
> firmware is all over the place, many glitches and issues.
>
> I do admire that they are diving into the battery communication arena but
> voltage control works quite well.  If a system can't effectively keep power
> on, do we care if the charging algorithm  is slightly more efficient?
>
> My big question, that I've never really understood is why is it so hard to
> standardize battery communication?  Isn't CanBus, Modbus and RS-485 a
> standard?  Doesn't that mean that it should be easy and structured?  I must
> not really get it...
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jan 6, 2022 at 12:59 PM Christopher Warfel <
> cwar...@entech-engineering.com> wrote:
>
>> Eric, Have you had the same issues with SolArk when multi-mode?  We are
>> getting ready to put one in.  Chris
>> On 1/6/2022 1:25 PM, Eric Smiley wrote:
>>
>> Kirk
>> We tried using SolArk for off- grid applications but stopped for several
>> reasons:
>> - surge on single phase loads
>> - too many firmware updates  (i.e. bugs in the firmware or new features
>> that are standard in other inverters)
>> - too many service calls: false positive arc faults, AGS not working,
>> battery over charging,..
>> - not modular. If one component has an error, it can take out the whole
>> system.
>> - too reliant on an internet connection
>> - hidden settings that aren't described in the manual - including one
>> that could only be accessed via the internet and left a customer without
>> AGS for several months until they hooked up their satellite internet. We
>> thought we were going to have to replace the inverter.
>>
>> We've gone back to equipment that does less and has a longer track
>> record; so we don't feel like we're beta testing equipment with our clients
>> and we know what the limitations are.
>> Tech support has been great and the monitoring is quite good. It just
>> hasn't been reliable enough for full time offgrid.
>>
>> When we compare the service calls for our Magnum, Outback, Conext, Trace
>> (yes we still have two SW systems going strong) and SolArk systems, the
>> initial savings with SokArk disappear. I can't recall the last time I had
>> to repair/service a Magnum system unless it was user error.
>> Keep it simple!
>>
>> Eric Smiley
>> Project Manager, North Island
>>
>> E:  e...@vecoop.ca
>> T:  1-888-386-0116 ext 702 (toll free)
>> C:  250-703-6004
>> W:  viridianenergy.ca
>>
>> On Thu., Jan. 6, 2022, 09:28 Jerry Shafer, 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Kirk
>>> You can also connect an outback through the NaMaka and the optics, plus
>>> the Outback has better surge power then the SolArk, We use both Solark and
>>> Outback coupled with the Blue Planet, 2.0 and now the 3.0, Yes solark can
>>> do 3 phase including delta, has high voltage dual PV input, Outback has one
>>> big benefit and that is surge along with being modular from internals to
>>> charge controllers, all separate and serviceable individually
>>>
>>> On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 6:45 AM Kirk Herander 
>>>  wrote:
>>>
 Hi All,

 I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP
 storage systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark.
 I have no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the
 Radian. I'm wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can
 directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be
 interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely
 these different components play together. Thanks.

 --

 *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *

 *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*

 *Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!*

 *www.vermont.solar*
 

 dba Vermont Solar Engineering

 802.863.1202
 ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-06 Thread Mac Lewis

Eric and Wrenches,

We have come to the same conclusion.  Sol-Ark isn't ready for prime-time
off-grid.  Too many glitches...

One serious off-grid disadvantage with Sol-Ark is idle consumption.  It
really is much, much higher than older style inverters so it needs to be
factored into the load analysis.  The spec sheet is not accurate.  The
firmware is all over the place, many glitches and issues.

I do admire that they are diving into the battery communication arena but
voltage control works quite well.  If a system can't effectively keep power
on, do we care if the charging algorithm  is slightly more efficient?

My big question, that I've never really understood is why is it so hard to
standardize battery communication?  Isn't CanBus, Modbus and RS-485 a
standard?  Doesn't that mean that it should be easy and structured?  I must
not really get it...






On Thu, Jan 6, 2022 at 12:59 PM Christopher Warfel <
cwar...@entech-engineering.com> wrote:

> Eric, Have you had the same issues with SolArk when multi-mode?  We are
> getting ready to put one in.  Chris
> On 1/6/2022 1:25 PM, Eric Smiley wrote:
>
> Kirk
> We tried using SolArk for off- grid applications but stopped for several
> reasons:
> - surge on single phase loads
> - too many firmware updates  (i.e. bugs in the firmware or new features
> that are standard in other inverters)
> - too many service calls: false positive arc faults, AGS not working,
> battery over charging,..
> - not modular. If one component has an error, it can take out the whole
> system.
> - too reliant on an internet connection
> - hidden settings that aren't described in the manual - including one that
> could only be accessed via the internet and left a customer without AGS for
> several months until they hooked up their satellite internet. We thought we
> were going to have to replace the inverter.
>
> We've gone back to equipment that does less and has a longer track record;
> so we don't feel like we're beta testing equipment with our clients and we
> know what the limitations are.
> Tech support has been great and the monitoring is quite good. It just
> hasn't been reliable enough for full time offgrid.
>
> When we compare the service calls for our Magnum, Outback, Conext, Trace
> (yes we still have two SW systems going strong) and SolArk systems, the
> initial savings with SokArk disappear. I can't recall the last time I had
> to repair/service a Magnum system unless it was user error.
> Keep it simple!
>
> Eric Smiley
> Project Manager, North Island
>
> E:  e...@vecoop.ca
> T:  1-888-386-0116 ext 702 (toll free)
> C:  250-703-6004
> W:  viridianenergy.ca
>
> On Thu., Jan. 6, 2022, 09:28 Jerry Shafer, 
> wrote:
>
>> Kirk
>> You can also connect an outback through the NaMaka and the optics, plus
>> the Outback has better surge power then the SolArk, We use both Solark and
>> Outback coupled with the Blue Planet, 2.0 and now the 3.0, Yes solark can
>> do 3 phase including delta, has high voltage dual PV input, Outback has one
>> big benefit and that is surge along with being modular from internals to
>> charge controllers, all separate and serviceable individually
>>
>> On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 6:45 AM Kirk Herander 
>>  wrote:
>>
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP
>>> storage systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark.
>>> I have no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the
>>> Radian. I'm wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can
>>> directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be
>>> interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely
>>> these different components play together. Thanks.
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>>>
>>> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>>>
>>> *Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!*
>>>
>>> *www.vermont.solar*
>>> 
>>>
>>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>>>
>>> 802.863.1202
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>>
>>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try
>>> the other:
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
>>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> List rules & etiquette:
>>> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>>
>>> Check out or update participant bios:
>>> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>>

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-06 Thread Christopher Warfel

Eric, Have you had the same issues with SolArk when multi-mode?  We are 
getting ready to put one in.  Chris


On 1/6/2022 1:25 PM, Eric Smiley wrote:

Kirk
We tried using SolArk for off- grid applications but stopped for 
several reasons:

- surge on single phase loads
- too many firmware updates  (i.e. bugs in the firmware or new 
features that are standard in other inverters)
- too many service calls: false positive arc faults, AGS not working, 
battery over charging,..
- not modular. If one component has an error, it can take out the 
whole system.

- too reliant on an internet connection
- hidden settings that aren't described in the manual - including one 
that could only be accessed via the internet and left a customer 
without AGS for several months until they hooked up their satellite 
internet. We thought we were going to have to replace the inverter.


We've gone back to equipment that does less and has a longer track 
record; so we don't feel like we're beta testing equipment with our 
clients and we know what the limitations are.
Tech support has been great and the monitoring is quite good. It just 
hasn't been reliable enough for full time offgrid.


When we compare the service calls for our Magnum, Outback, Conext, 
Trace (yes we still have two SW systems going strong) and SolArk 
systems, the initial savings with SokArk disappear. I can't recall the 
last time I had to repair/service a Magnum system unless it was user 
error.

Keep it simple!

Eric Smiley
Project Manager, North Island

E: e...@vecoop.ca
T:  1-888-386-0116 ext 702 (toll free)
C:  250-703-6004
W: viridianenergy.ca 

On Thu., Jan. 6, 2022, 09:28 Jerry Shafer,  
wrote:


Kirk
You can also connect an outback through the NaMaka and the optics,
plus the Outback has better surge power then the SolArk, We use
both Solark and Outback coupled with the Blue Planet, 2.0 and now
the 3.0, Yes solark can do 3 phase including delta, has high
voltage dual PV input, Outback has one big benefit and that is
surge along with being modular from internals to charge
controllers, all separate and serviceable individually

On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 6:45 AM Kirk Herander 
wrote:

Hi All,

I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI
LFP storage systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback
Radians to Sol-Ark. I have no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it
seems more advanced than the Radian. I'm wondering if Sol-Ark
and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can directly interface as
Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be interested in
hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely these
different components play together. Thanks.

-- 


*Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar*

*Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*

*/Celebrating our 31^st  Anniversary 1991-2022!!/*

*www.vermont.solar*



dba Vermont Solar Engineering

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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-06 Thread Kirk Herander

Thanks for all the comments folks. To add complexity to this subject, one
of my projects is a small BI HI storage upgrade (offgrid), the other is a
500kwh BI HI bank, using multiple Radians or Sol-arks which will be
AC-coupled with several string inverters. I'm leaning back to the Radians,
at least for the big system.

On Thu, Jan 6, 2022 at 1:26 PM Eric Smiley  wrote:

> Kirk
> We tried using SolArk for off- grid applications but stopped for several
> reasons:
> - surge on single phase loads
> - too many firmware updates  (i.e. bugs in the firmware or new features
> that are standard in other inverters)
> - too many service calls: false positive arc faults, AGS not working,
> battery over charging,..
> - not modular. If one component has an error, it can take out the whole
> system.
> - too reliant on an internet connection
> - hidden settings that aren't described in the manual - including one that
> could only be accessed via the internet and left a customer without AGS for
> several months until they hooked up their satellite internet. We thought we
> were going to have to replace the inverter.
>
> We've gone back to equipment that does less and has a longer track record;
> so we don't feel like we're beta testing equipment with our clients and we
> know what the limitations are.
> Tech support has been great and the monitoring is quite good. It just
> hasn't been reliable enough for full time offgrid.
>
> When we compare the service calls for our Magnum, Outback, Conext, Trace
> (yes we still have two SW systems going strong) and SolArk systems, the
> initial savings with SokArk disappear. I can't recall the last time I had
> to repair/service a Magnum system unless it was user error.
> Keep it simple!
>
> Eric Smiley
> Project Manager, North Island
>
> E:  e...@vecoop.ca
> T:  1-888-386-0116 ext 702 (toll free)
> C:  250-703-6004
> W:  viridianenergy.ca
>
> On Thu., Jan. 6, 2022, 09:28 Jerry Shafer, 
> wrote:
>
>> Kirk
>> You can also connect an outback through the NaMaka and the optics, plus
>> the Outback has better surge power then the SolArk, We use both Solark and
>> Outback coupled with the Blue Planet, 2.0 and now the 3.0, Yes solark can
>> do 3 phase including delta, has high voltage dual PV input, Outback has one
>> big benefit and that is surge along with being modular from internals to
>> charge controllers, all separate and serviceable individually
>>
>> On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 6:45 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:
>>
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP
>>> storage systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark.
>>> I have no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the
>>> Radian. I'm wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can
>>> directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be
>>> interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely
>>> these different components play together. Thanks.
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>>>
>>> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>>>
>>> *Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!*
>>>
>>> *www.vermont.solar*
>>> 
>>>
>>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>>>
>>> 802.863.1202
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>>
>>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>>
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-06 Thread Eric Smiley

Kirk
We tried using SolArk for off- grid applications but stopped for several
reasons:
- surge on single phase loads
- too many firmware updates  (i.e. bugs in the firmware or new features
that are standard in other inverters)
- too many service calls: false positive arc faults, AGS not working,
battery over charging,..
- not modular. If one component has an error, it can take out the whole
system.
- too reliant on an internet connection
- hidden settings that aren't described in the manual - including one that
could only be accessed via the internet and left a customer without AGS for
several months until they hooked up their satellite internet. We thought we
were going to have to replace the inverter.

We've gone back to equipment that does less and has a longer track record;
so we don't feel like we're beta testing equipment with our clients and we
know what the limitations are.
Tech support has been great and the monitoring is quite good. It just
hasn't been reliable enough for full time offgrid.

When we compare the service calls for our Magnum, Outback, Conext, Trace
(yes we still have two SW systems going strong) and SolArk systems, the
initial savings with SokArk disappear. I can't recall the last time I had
to repair/service a Magnum system unless it was user error.
Keep it simple!

Eric Smiley
Project Manager, North Island

E:  e...@vecoop.ca
T:  1-888-386-0116 ext 702 (toll free)
C:  250-703-6004
W:  viridianenergy.ca

On Thu., Jan. 6, 2022, 09:28 Jerry Shafer,  wrote:

> Kirk
> You can also connect an outback through the NaMaka and the optics, plus
> the Outback has better surge power then the SolArk, We use both Solark and
> Outback coupled with the Blue Planet, 2.0 and now the 3.0, Yes solark can
> do 3 phase including delta, has high voltage dual PV input, Outback has one
> big benefit and that is surge along with being modular from internals to
> charge controllers, all separate and serviceable individually
>
> On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 6:45 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:
>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP
>> storage systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark.
>> I have no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the
>> Radian. I'm wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can
>> directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be
>> interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely
>> these different components play together. Thanks.
>>
>> --
>>
>> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>>
>> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>>
>> *Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!*
>>
>> *www.vermont.solar*
>> 
>>
>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>>
>> 802.863.1202
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
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>>
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>> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>
>> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-06 Thread Jerry Shafer

Kirk
You can also connect an outback through the NaMaka and the optics, plus the
Outback has better surge power then the SolArk, We use both Solark and
Outback coupled with the Blue Planet, 2.0 and now the 3.0, Yes solark can
do 3 phase including delta, has high voltage dual PV input, Outback has one
big benefit and that is surge along with being modular from internals to
charge controllers, all separate and serviceable individually

On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 6:45 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP storage
> systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark. I have
> no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the Radian. I'm
> wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can
> directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be
> interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely
> these different components play together. Thanks.
>
> --
>
> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>
> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>
> *Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!*
>
> *www.vermont.solar*
> 
>
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>
> 802.863.1202
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the
> other:
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-05 Thread Jeff Clearwater

Hey Chris and All,

So my understanding of open versus closed loop and my experience is that closed 
loop is ideal and will be increasingly required by UL9540 or utilities that 
require that. However many inverters don’t use SOC from the BMS to determine 
charge states anyway and they will be relying on voltage and since it’s easy to 
regulate LFP’s with voltage, open loop works fine for most inverter- LFP pairs 
as long as you have your settings correct.  We have several systems in the 
field open loop and I have one in my van-   All work just fine. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 5, 2022, at 8:52 AM, Chris Schaefer  wrote:
> 
> 
> Correct me if I'm wrong but my research seems to lean towards the prefered 
> method to implement Lithium batteries with an inverter system is via closed 
> loop communication, over open loop? Currently looking into installing a BI 
> and Fortress system of similar size side by side here at our Design and 
> Training center to see how they perform with a lot of data collection 
> equipment.
> 
> Christopher
> 
>> On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 11:37 AM Mac Lewis  wrote:
>> Hi Kirk,
>> 
>> Yes, Sol-Ark and Blue Ion communicate fine through the Namaka Gateway.  You 
>> do need to make sure that the firmware is up to date on the Sol-Ark because 
>> there are older versions out there that don't work.  Purchase their 
>> auto-updater dongle if you aren't going to have internet on the site and 
>> preload the new firmware on the dongle.
>> 
>> I also have quite a few Radians out there working fine with the Blue Ion 
>> just using voltage and programming the Flexnet per Blue Ion.  The SOC on the 
>> flexnet seems to track really well if the batteries are filling up often.  
>> 
>> My only serious gripe with Sol-Ark is generator interaction.  It is very 
>> rigid and glitchy compared to Outback and strange to program.  This will get 
>> better though.  I do think its easy to 
>> 
>> Good Luck
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 7:45 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:
>>> Hi All,
>>> 
>>> I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP storage 
>>> systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark. I have 
>>> no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the Radian. I'm 
>>> wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can directly 
>>> interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be interested in 
>>> hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely these different 
>>> components play together. Thanks.
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> Kirk Herander / kirkh@vermont.solar
>>> Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC
>>> Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!
>>> www.vermont.solar
>>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>>> 802.863.1202
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>> 
>>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>> 
>>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>> 
>>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>> 
>>> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the 
>>> other:
>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
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>>> List rules & etiquette:
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>>> Check out or update participant bios:
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>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Mac Lewis
>> 
>> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
>> 
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
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>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
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> 
> 
> -- 
> Chris Schaefer’s
> 
> Tel/Fax 585-229-2083 or Cell 585-748-1870 
> 5115 South Hill Road ~ Canandaigua New York 14424
> www.solarandwindfx.com ~ E-mail: ch...@solarandwindfx.com
> 
> 
> 
> Thomas Jefferson, the author of our great Constitution, once said, 
> "democracy" will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing 
> to work and give to those who would not."
> 
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-05 Thread Chris Schaefer

Correct me if I'm wrong but my research seems to lean towards the prefered
method to implement Lithium batteries with an inverter system is via closed
loop communication, over open loop? Currently looking into installing a BI
and Fortress system of similar size side by side here at our Design and
Training center to see how they perform with a lot of data collection
equipment.

Christopher

On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 11:37 AM Mac Lewis  wrote:

> Hi Kirk,
>
> Yes, Sol-Ark and Blue Ion communicate fine through the Namaka Gateway.
> You do need to make sure that the firmware is up to date on the Sol-Ark
> because there are older versions out there that don't work.  Purchase their
> auto-updater dongle if you aren't going to have internet on the site and
> preload the new firmware on the dongle.
>
> I also have quite a few Radians out there working fine with the Blue Ion
> just using voltage and programming the Flexnet per Blue Ion.  The SOC on
> the flexnet seems to track really well if the batteries are filling up
> often.
>
> My only serious gripe with Sol-Ark is generator interaction.  It is very
> rigid and glitchy compared to Outback and strange to program.  This will
> get better though.  I do think its easy to
>
> Good Luck
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 7:45 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:
>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP
>> storage systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark.
>> I have no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the
>> Radian. I'm wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can
>> directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be
>> interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely
>> these different components play together. Thanks.
>>
>> --
>>
>> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>>
>> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>>
>> *Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!*
>>
>> *www.vermont.solar*
>> 
>>
>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>>
>> 802.863.1202
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
>> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the
>> other:
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>
>> Check out or update participant bios:
>> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>
>>
>
> --
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
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>

-- 

Chris Schaefer’s


*Tel/Fax 585-229-2083 or Cell 585-748-1870 *
*5115 South Hill Road ~ Canandaigua New York 14424**www.solarandwindfx.com
 ~ E-mail: ch...@solarandwindfx.com
*


Thomas Jefferson, the author of our great Constitution, once said,
"democracy" will cease to exist when you take away from those who are
willing to work and give to those who would not."
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-05 Thread Mac Lewis

Hi Kirk,

Yes, Sol-Ark and Blue Ion communicate fine through the Namaka Gateway.  You
do need to make sure that the firmware is up to date on the Sol-Ark because
there are older versions out there that don't work.  Purchase their
auto-updater dongle if you aren't going to have internet on the site and
preload the new firmware on the dongle.

I also have quite a few Radians out there working fine with the Blue Ion
just using voltage and programming the Flexnet per Blue Ion.  The SOC on
the flexnet seems to track really well if the batteries are filling up
often.

My only serious gripe with Sol-Ark is generator interaction.  It is very
rigid and glitchy compared to Outback and strange to program.  This will
get better though.  I do think its easy to

Good Luck

On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 7:45 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP storage
> systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark. I have
> no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the Radian. I'm
> wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can
> directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be
> interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely
> these different components play together. Thanks.
>
> --
>
> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>
> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>
> *Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!*
>
> *www.vermont.solar*
> 
>
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>
> 802.863.1202
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Mac Lewis

*"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-05 Thread Howie Michaelson

Hi,
I'd also be interested to hear people's general experience with the Namaka
interface, and how it behaves with an XW Pro. I have a couple of BI 2.0
installations, and generally like them, but they seem to be a the pricier
end of LiFePO4 batteries, and it sounds like there are lots of others out
there that are high quality and may be somewhat more affordable,
specifically Discover AES and Fortress. I'd be very interested to hear
about experience with any LiFePO4 batteries, and also specifically in
off-grid situations.  I don't have enough clients that are ready to spring
for the expense to be able to build up my own experience with the rapidly
expanding options, and I'd rather not spend the money necessary to replace
a set of Lithium batteries that don't meet expectations...
Thanks,
Howie

*Howie Michaelson**Sun Catcher*

*NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™*

*Solar Electric Systems Sales & Service802-272-0004*

On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 9:45 AM Kirk Herander  wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP storage
> systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark. I have
> no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the Radian. I'm
> wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can
> directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be
> interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely
> these different components play together. Thanks.
>
> --
>
> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *
>
> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*
>
> *Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!*
>
> *www.vermont.solar*
> 
>
> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>
> 802.863.1202
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
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[RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

2022-01-05 Thread Kirk Herander

Hi All,

I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP storage
systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark. I have
no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the Radian. I'm
wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can
directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be
interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely
these different components play together. Thanks.

-- 

*Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar *

*Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC*

*Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!*

*www.vermont.solar*


dba Vermont Solar Engineering

802.863.1202
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Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Re: [RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

[RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

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