[RE-wrenches] Number of Controllers

[Philip]

The origins of SunSpec certainly started with grid tie, as that's where the volume has been. However, they've welcomed participation in creating a charge controller standard with open arms, and they are actively developing an inverter control standard. OutBack just received certification at the Spring Plugfest for a Modbus device which provides remote monitoring and control capabilities, and SunSpec is working to get more participation from other battery based manufacturers. 

By driving standardization, we all win. Few of us can afford to develop a custom developed monitoring platform, especially at the relatively low volume of most battery based installs. However, if we could chose gear which can plug the data from a charge controller, say, into a standard monitoring platform from one company and add environmentals from another box without custom drivers and interfaces, life is good. 

Btw, I have an IPN controller and pro remote display in my mutt-mix system in my home, and it's a great combination. I have a high level of respect for Rick, and like yourself I highly recommend his IPN gear. 

Phil Undercuffler




On May 24, 2012, at 1:04 PM, "Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems"<larry at starlightsolar.com> wrote:

> After looking at their Member section, it seems unlikely that they are pursuing the off grid portion of the industry. I see that Outback Power is a member but the rest are related to grid tie.
> 
> Larry 
> 
> On May 24, 2012, at 11:07 AM, Glenn Burt wrote:
> 
> Maybe this organization will make some headway on the interoperability
> question.
> 
> http://www.sunspec.org/
> 
> -Glenn Burt
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry
> Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems
> Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 9:35 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Number of Controllers
> 
> I'm with you on that, William, a communications protocol  for all RE
> products............................oh, sorry, I was dreaming.
> 
> Perhaps the new UCM bridge module will help. Here's a quote about it from
> this page http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/products/details/ucm/
> 
> "A standard Modbus RTU interface is provided both as isolated RS-485 and
> TCP\IP Ethernet based Modbus/IP. Additional Ethernet connectivity includes a
> built in HTTP web site server allowing data view and parameter setup with a
> standard web browser either locally, or globally over the Internet without a
> subscription. The ability for periodic real time FTP data upload to a remote
> server is also provided."
> 
> Larry Crutcher
> Starlight Solar Power Systems
> 
> 
> On May 23, 2012, at 10:46 PM, William Miller wrote:
> 
> Larry:
> 
> Thank  you for the update on this intriguing product.  It would be helpful
> if the charger network could talk to a Mate or an SCP, but I doubt that will
> ever happen.  
> 
> Here's an idea:  A standard CAT5 protocol for exchanging data/settings in RE
> equipment.  Utopia or Chaos?
> 
> William
> 
> At 10:42 PM 5/23/2012, Larry Crutcher, wrote:
>> Colin,
>> 
>> The IPN Network charge controllers from Blue Sky Energy can be configured
> as Master & Slave so ALL controllers work together. With up to 8 controllers
> on the network, you can have multiple arrays and orintations. Their new Duo
> model will function as hydro or wind diversion control. AND, each controller
> has a fully programmable lighting control! Sounds like this is the
> controller to meet all your requests. We have sold hundreds and I highly
> recommend them.
>> 
>> Larry Crutcher
>> Starlight Solar Power Systems
>> (928) 342-9103
>> www.starlightsolar.com
> 
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