[RE-wrenches] Remote monitoring for off-grid system

[Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems]

Davis,

If you are using 24 volts, Blue Sky Energy has a remote monitor product as well, the UCM module. It has ethernet and MODBUS RS-485 built in. With BSE IPN controllers you can have up to 240 amps charge current, full remote programing for controllers and monitor the PV solar arrays and battery bank. 128 days of data logging and more.

One valuable feature of the BSE controllers with the IPN Pro is the ability to end charging based on net battery current. It will stay at the absorb voltage for only as long as necessary which means never overcharging BUT can stay in absorb all day if necessary. I don't think any others controllers do this. If you're not familiar with Blue Sky Energy, we have sold many hundreds of their controllers and I highly recommend them. 

Check out http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/products/details/ucm

Larry

On Dec 5, 2013, at 2:03 PM, Davis Terrell <Davis at mckernongroup.com> wrote:

Hi Wrenches,
 
I am evaluating remote monitoring solutions for an off-grid project and wanted to get any feedback people were willing to share.  I see my three main choices as Outback, SMA Sunny Island, or an XW system, the first two of which I have a good bit of experience with. 
 
It looks like the only good remote options for Outback are 3rd party which I couldn’t get much info on, despite emails to the manufacturers.  Anyone have any experience with GreenHouse Gas and Electric dataloggers?
 
A Sunny Island with a Webbox and Sunny Portal seems the most straightforward, but doesn’t have real-time data.
 
I stumbled upon the Connext Combox on the Schneider site and it looks like a great product, but I am a little wary.  What comments I did find out about it online weren’t very favorable.  And it looks like setting it up for remote access is not very straightforward.
 
Thanks for any thoughts/experiences!
 
 
Davis Terrell
Project Manager
Green Earth Energy
davis at mckernongroup.com
office: (802) 247-1200
mobile: (802) 989-1661
 
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