[RE-wrenches] midnite new inverter

Wed Apr 10 10:55:22 PDT 2024

Hmmm. New world? It does have to run in the field reliably!  Schneider 
has had a 600v controller since 2012. It is all I use. Totally bullet 
proof reliable. Attached specs.
Good Luck!

Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
    [8]https://offgridsolar1.com/ [9]  [8]
e-mail  offgridsolar at sti.net
text 209 813 0060

On 2024-04-10 10:35 am, jay via RE-wrenches wrote:

> This is exactly the situation that the midnite AIO is addressing or 
> similar.
> 
> Lets say that you go with 11 panels ( and that works keeping it under 
> 600voc).
> 
> If you go with enphase, thats about $3000 with cable. Plus you'll need 
> larger wire due to it only being 240vac vs closer to 380vdc for a DC 
> series.
> That 600v controller will set you back between $1200-2000 with BOS and 
> smaller wire.
> 
> Using the $2000, and $3000.
> If the AIO is say $4500.
> 
> Then for $2500 your getting 3 inputs, 600vdc, AFCI, and all the other 
> bells and whistles.  Much higher efficiency than AC coupling.
> And a 12 kw vs 8kw inverter.
> 
> And if customer decides to go more solar, then the AIO is already set 
> up to add more with $0 expense on the CC side.
> 
> A whole new world
> 
> Jay
> 
> On Apr 10, 2024, at 11:06 AM, Maverick Brown via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> 
> Logan
> 
> Is MidNite making the AIO or is it rebrand like the other guys?
> 
> If MidNite is actually making it, that adds a whole new level of 
> interest. MidNite makes great products already. This would be a game 
> changer.
> 
> Thank you,
> 
> Maverick
> 
> Maverick Brown
> Off-Grid Solar Commander since 2006
> Maverick Solar Enterprises, Inc.
> * Solar Commander Remote Power
> * SunFlow Systems Cathodic Protection
> maverick at mavericksolar.com
> 512-460-9825
> 
> On Apr 10, 2024, at 10:54 AM, William Bryce via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> 
> All
> 
> As a Beta tester and being a part of the development of the MNS All in 
> One,  MNS is working to ensure that the current limitations from the 
> use of  LA batteries will be addressed and supported.
> 
> MNS is addressing the concerns of using an AOI inverter because failure 
> will require the R&R of the unit. This AIO is designed to be completely 
> field serviceable and MNS will stock the boards and  will provide the 
> technical help to get the system back up and running in the field.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Logan
> 
> On Wed, Apr 10, 2024 at 11:01 AM Steve Higgins via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Good Morning Wrenches...
> 
> When it comes to lead batteries, just be cautious of the all-in-ones 
> and some of the hybrid inverters.
> 
> Most of these inverters were not designed for Lead batteries and will 
> struggle to charge them, resulting in sulfation (undercharging) issues. 
> Eventually, this will lead to swelling of VRLA or excessive gassing on 
> Flooded Batteries. Unfortunately, many of the "Hybrid" or "All-in-One" 
> inverters released in the past 5-8 years are tailored more to 
> lithium-chemistry batteries. I can't tell you how many battery banks 
> have been cooked over the past couple of years due to the inability to 
> control charging settings.
> 
> If you can't control the Bulk/Absorb Voltage and Time, as well as the 
> end amps termination setpoints, you will generally struggle to get and 
> keep a Lead-Acid battery charged regardless of the battery you are 
> using.
> 
> I looked at the Midnite site and I don't see a user manual yet,  once 
> it's posted I'll take a look and see if it's compatible for Rolls 
> Batteries,  I'm pretty sure it will as Midnight has been asking battery 
> charging questions the last couple of years.
> 
> [1]
> Steve Higgins ⋅ Technical Services Manager
> t +1.902.597.4020  m +1.206.790.5840
> f +1.902.597.8447  e steve at surrette.com
> [2] [3] [4] [5]
> 
> -------------------------
> 
> CONFIDENTIALITY: The information transmitted herein is intended only 
> for the addressee and may contain confidential, proprietary and/or 
> privileged material. Any unauthorized review, distribution or other use 
> of or the taking of any action in reliance upon this information is 
> prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please contact the 
> sender and delete or destroy this message and all copies.
> -------------------------
> 
> On Wed, Apr 10, 2024 at 7:29 AM jay via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Can you explain what changes the eg4 18 inverter has vs the Envy as to 
> LA programming?
> 
> To me the Envy has a big advantage due to it having AGS warm up/cool 
> down that the EG4 does not.
> 
> Jay
> 
> On Apr 10, 2024, at 7:49 AM, Howie Michaelson via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> 
> John,
> If you are thinking of pairing the Envy with lead-acid batteries, I 
> would strongly suggest not doing it. Even though Fortress sales 
> advertises the Envy to be compatible with lead-acid, after trying it in 
> my off-grid home, I would emphatically say that it is not. The 
> programming is inadequate, to put it kindly. And their support really 
> doesn't have a clue about lead-acid - Fortress support literally said 
> that they don't recommend pairing the Envy with l-a. However, I don't 
> have an opinion about how it does with closed loop Li batteries.
> I did recently install an EG4 18k system, off-grid, with the client's 
> knowledge that this was a bit of an experiment for me. Both the Envy 
> and the EG4 are made by LuxPower and have been, to date, physically and 
> programmatically almost identical. I had stayed away from EG4 since it 
> seemed to be primarily aimed at the DIY market. However, the 18k 
> appears to be a serious contender so far, although this installation is 
> a fairly low stress situation. I've been fairly impressed with the 
> system.   While this 18k is paired with EG4 Lithium batteries, EG4 has 
> been making adjustments to the firmware to make it much more friendly 
> to lead-acid. If you decide to go this route, check with EG4 (installer 
> support - ask for Jarrett or Colt) to see where they are at with 
> upgrading the firmware.
> I am also eagerly awaiting Midnite's AIO entry...
> 
> Howie
> 
> On Wed, Apr 10, 2024 at 9:02 AM John Blittersdorf via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> Time will tell where the failure modes are.   I still don't like all 
> the eggs in one basket. Do you have to send the units back for repair?  
> Had enough of that with Trace SW series inverters..
> For off grid, I'll stick to the tried and true for now.  For Grid tie 
> it is just a financial hit.  For off-grid power loss it is more 
> important to deal with right away..
> 
> I am going to try a Fortress Envy at my off grid home but will keep my 
> Outback field repairable VFXR wired in just in case. I had a massive 
> lightning strike between my house and a guest cabin 1/4 mile away and I 
> lost power from my Fortress Eflex battery at the cabin and my Outback 
> inverter at my house.  I replaced the control board on my inverter ( I 
> always keep one in reserve as it is usually the only board failure due 
> to lightning)  and was back on line in 1/2 hour and Fortress rushed me 
> a new BMS board for the E-flex and a day later and a half hour swap had 
> it back in service,  Now it is a different story with 2 Simpliphi 
> batteries I have from a customer that failed.  I have to ship them to 
> California to have them evaluated to see if we had damaged them by 
> misuse.  Lots of expense and time lost.
> 
> John Blittersdorf
> CV Wind Service / Off Grid Vermont
> 802-770-8625
> 
> On Tue, Apr 9, 2024 at 11:43 PM Scot Arey via RE-wrenches 
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
> 
> Wow, are we in the golden age of inverter/chargers? If it had 200-a.p 
> pass thru it would be near perfect.
> 
> Begs the question: are stand alone charge controllers becoming a 
> historical artifact?
> 
> Howard "Scot" Arey
> Owner, Solar CenTex
> 254-300-1228 _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
> 
> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org [6]
> 
> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> 
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
> 
> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try 
> the other:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
> 
> List rules & etiquette:
> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
> 
> Check out or update participant bios:
> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org [7]
> 
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
> 
> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org [6]
> 
> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> 
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
> 
> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try 
> the other:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
> 
> List rules & etiquette:
> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
> 
> Check out or update participant bios:
> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org [7]
  _______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance

Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org [6]

List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org

Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org