[RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

[bob ellison]

There are a couple things on the Magnum inverters that you will learn about
after using one that really need to be corrected. 
DO NOT backfeed them, they are not protected like most other inverters. Back
feed them and BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN! Read that as expensive.

Also the split phase 120/240 inverters are slow to recover from a voltage
drop. I have never noticed this on the 120 volt units but I don't have any
large loads anymore so I would not see it like someone with a well pump or
other large surge loads. I have had several calls about this from customers
and it is real. If this is a problem or not seems to depend on the customers
attitude, but it can be annoying.

At least they are still made here, and the service is good!

Bob Ellison




-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Brian Faley
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 2:20 PM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?



Hi Jeff,

Just a couple comments to answer your question about Magnum inverters.
See below.
> 
> Message: 6
> Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2010 06:09:35 -0700
> From: Jeff Clearwater <jeffc at villagepower.com>
> To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?
> Message-ID: <p06240800c8523ddca196@[74.220.67.154]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" ; format="flowed"
> 
> Dear Colleagues,
> 
> Well this one's for me!  Nice to do solar for
> oneself after installing for others my whole life!
> 
> I'm putting together an small RV system in my
> Sprinter Van that will also act as a small mobile
> power platform.  SUGGESTIONS?
> 
> I'm considering the following:   What would be better???
> 
> Batteries:  6 or 8 Optima Blue Tops (12 Volt
> System - possibly 24V) (space is limited - it's a
> 144" Sprinter Van)  - Other sealed alternatives
> you think are better?
> 
> Modules:  2 Sanyo HIP-195BA19s (have already)  &
> 1 undetermined 90-120 watt module (all that will
> fit!)  (Anyone have an extra BP 790 or an
> AE-90HE, AE-120HE??? or other 24" x 48" ish
> module?)
> 
> Charge Control:  OB FlexMax 60  or should I wait
> for the Midnight Classic?  (A Sunsaver MPPT will
> be used for the 100 watt module).  (I'll also be
> dumping extra power to hot water).  Or Apollo if
> I use the Apollo inverter below.
> 
> Inverter:  I'd like to eventually have 120/240 so
> I could build from the RV.  So question is:
> 
> A) One Outback 2012 now and then add another for 240 VAC later OR
> B) Apollo TSE2212  OR
> C) Magnum MS 4024 (in which case I'd have to go
> with a 24V pack and a 24>12 DC>DC for 12V loads)

The Magnum MS4024 is a 120V inverter for AE and mobile applications. The
MS4024AE is a 120/240 split phase inverter for AE applications. 
> 
> Monitoring:  OB Mate (Flexnet?) or (Apollo ASNET if I go Apollo).
> 
> QUESTIONS?
> 
> 1)   Opinions of the Blue Top vs ???
> 
> 2)  Best RV inverter - Outback?  Apollo?  Magnum?
> Experience?  Vibration?  Only the Outback offers
> neutral switching in the transfer switch. (Does
> the Magnum?).

Magnum MS4024 (120V single phase output) has neutral/gnd switching in
the transfer switch of the inverter. It is ETL listed to UL458 (mobile
inverters) AND UL1741.
The MS4024AE is a 120/240 split phase inverter intended for AE use
(non-ground switched) It is ETL listed to UL1741.

  Weight is an issue as well as
> space.

MS4024 4kW inverter 55lbs
> 
> 3)  Charge Control - Is the Classic Shipping?
> 
> Thanks for your time!
> 
> Best,
> 
> Jeff C.
> 
> --
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Jeff Clearwater
> Village Power Design
> 
> Solar Design Consultation for the Commercial Sector
> http://www.villagepower.com
> gosolar at villagepower.com
> 
> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ?
> http://www.nabcep.org/
> 
> Voice: 831-427-2799
> Fax: 413-825-0703
> 245 Dufour St
> Santa Cruz, CA 95060
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Regards,
Brian Faley
Chief Engineer
Magnum Energy, Inc
2211 West Casino Rd, Everett, WA 98204
425-353-8833 voice
bfaley at magnumenergy.com
www.magnumenergy.com


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