Connecting a solar array charging source to PROsine series system [RE-wrenches]

Bob Clark bclark at solar-wind.us
Mon Oct 9 14:51:34 PDT 2006



Dear Wrenches:

BASIC QUESTION:  HOW and WHERE do I connect a DC charging source (solar array fed through an MX60 charge controller) to an existing AC charging/inverting system?

BACKGROUND:  This OFF-GRID client is interested in decreasing his generator run time (he has logged over 8000 hours in 4 years!) by helping to charge his large battery banks with solar (he has already purchased 6, 175W SHARP panels and erected the pole and rack to hold the panels and an Outback MX60 charge controller).  It seems he has kept the batteries in a good state of charge, so they are probably still serviceable.

EXISTING SYSTEM:  GenPro 10 kW generator feeds into the main panel power bus (i.e., the generator serves as the "grid").  The system is two Xantrex PROsine 2.0 inverter/chargers each with an array of 10, 12V/200AH Xantrex XS12-200 sealed batteries wired in parallel for a 12V, 2000AH battery bank connected thereto (these are separate battery banks, one battery bank per inverter/charger, they are not wired together).  The inverter/chargers are, however, wired for "series operation."  Series operation refers a wiring configuration that allows you to connect two PROsines in a way that produces two, 120V phases which are synchronized to produce 240V.  This is commonly referred to as a "120/240VAC split-phase" supply or "240V single-phase with a center-tap neutral" and is the same as the utility connection to most houses. This series system can power both 120VAC and 240VAC single-phase loads. Two PROsines connected in series can provide up to 4kW continuous power to almost any combination of 120V and 240V loads.  His major (perhaps only) 240V load is his well pump.

ALTERNATIVE QUESTIONS:  Should this system be redesigned totally using different components, such as an Outback inverter or two, PS2DC breaker panel, X240 auto transformer, plus more solar panels?  Which is likely to be the most cost-effective and most user-friendly system in the long-run--adding to the existing system, if possible; or a complete redesign?

Thank you for your responses.

Bob Clark
SolarWind Energy Systems, LLC
bclark at solar-wind.us<mailto:bclark at solar-wind.us>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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