Outback generator support [WAS Advice sought for large off grid PV system; 4

[Allan Sindelar]

No, Outback doesn't have generator support, at least not yet.

The lack of generator support is a real issue. Somehow I just hadn't
realized the consequence of this, even after four years of working with FX
inverters. So I am calling attention to this now so others don't make the
same mistake.

You can set the charge rate for the inverter, but you can't size the
inverter to optimize generator charging. This is because the inverter won't
limit the pass-through load. Outback suggests about 50% overcapacity beyond
what is necessary for charging.

At our elevation range, a 3kW inverter-generator will put out around 18-19A
AC continuous, which is ideally suited for charging with one Outback, which
draws 19A maximum for charging purposes. However, if charging is set at this
level, there is no headroom for additional pass-through loads.

The Yamaha 3kW inverter-generator will just lug, I have learned, until the
load is reduced. But the 3kW Honda inverter-generator will trip its output
breaker, which requires manual restart of the gennie.

I understand that Outback is working on this obvious shortcoming. My hope is
that it will be available as a field upgrade, at least for existing non-GT
models.

For now, on the one single-FX off-grid system that has an existing 3kW
Honda, we instructed the customer to turn off the main AC load breaker when
charging from the generator. It's a less than satisfactory solution, but so
is arbitrarily turning down the charge rate.

Be forewarned, and avoid my mistake.

Allan at Positive Energy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "William Miller" <wrmiller at charter.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2007 9:48 AM
>
> Outback has generator support?  That is news to me!  When did this occur?
>
> William Miller
>
>
> At 08:53 PM 3/28/2007, you wrote:
>
> >Outback and xantrex can support generator power, I
> >have a 3 phase support system that was originally to
> >be 55kW, and I found it to be cost effective up to the
> >55 kW.  Also Outback, and Xantrex, and SMA have
> >products that can generator support and inverter
> >support.
> >
> >What is wrong with using transformers?
> >
> >Darryl


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