Midnite (was inverter bypass slide) [RE-wrenches]

[John Raynes]

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Count me in as another convert to the Midnite camp.  I agree entirely with 
the comments thus far, with the possible exception that I think it actually 
only takes 1/3 to 1/4 the time to wire a Midnite panel vs. a Flexware 
panel, once you've gone through the first couple.  Less cost to customer, 
more profit for us, what's not to like?

I'm disappointed with Flexware.  At best, it's a move sideways, at worst a 
move backwards.  There are some improvements, but they're pretty 
minor.  Flexware takes more installer time to wire than the green boxes 
did, while costing more off the shelf (even before the price 
increases).  The deeper AC and DC cabinets are a negative to me - if and 
when I do another Flexware system, I won't ever wire another X-240 inside 
the AC enclosure.  It's just darn near impossible to reach your hands in to 
access the neutral and ground busses with the X-240 in place.

We've kind of standardized on the Midnite "stretched" Outback versions - 
the smaller units are a bit too tight for my tastes, and you've really got 
to be careful with thinking through your on-site conduit routing and 
entries in advance, since there aren't as many.  But that's fine - the 
stretched versions are readily available and don't cost much more.

Not only is Robin great to work with, but if you want additional breaker 
mounting brackets, additional small busbars, etc. that the distributors may 
not carry, he's happy to ship out small quantities direct.  We're going to 
start figuring in an additional breaker mounting plate (without the 
additional bypass switch) on the opposite side in our Midnite costs, so 
that we keep the DC breakers on the same side as the MX60.  Makes for a 
much easier to understand layout for the customer, and keeps the DC and AC 
internal wiring further separated.  If you've got a stock of the old 
ODBC-style (Airpax) breakers, which Midnite doesn't use standard, he's got 
mounting plates for them as well.

Funny thing is, I'm sure I sold more Outback systems this year because of 
Midnite.  A Midnite package will get Outback inverters in lots more places 
(both physically and cost-wise) for the reasons already stated.

John Raynes
RE Solar
Torrey, UT



At 07:48 AM 11/29/2007 -0700, you wrote:

>Yes, it has become our default platform for a single-inverter offgrid
>package. A full BOS, not including batteries, will fit in a closet. Given
>the current cost of construction, that's a big advantage to a homeowner. It
>also works well for an "extreme makeover" system upgrade, given its
>compactness.
>
>And when I call Midnite with a question or suggestion, Robin personally
>answers. That means a lot. And he listens: several of the design details in
>the units came from feedback we gave him.
>
>Allan at Positive Energy
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Todd Cory, Mt. Shasta Energy Services" <toddcory at finestplanet.com>
> >
> > Yes, I just did my first Midnight system and was VERY impressed with the
> > ease of wiring accommodated by the hinged inverter mount. In addition,
> > it cost less then an OB PS2 configuration, takes far less wall space and
> > took me about 1/2 the time to wire it. Also the bypass switch is
> > ingenious and works flawlessly.
> >
> > For a single inverter, this is surely the way to go!
> >
> > Todd
>


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