[RE-wrenches] Midnite Inverter products, monitoring

Thu Mar 27 12:14:21 PDT 2025

A few comments regarding my experience with the AIO:
1. Firmware updates can be accomplished with the special hardware
mentioned, or can be pushed by tech support, who usually recommend that
someone competent is on site, in case there is a hiccup in the upgrade.
I've done it both ways on several different sites with no issues to date.
2. Monitoring web and app platforms is fairly robust.  I've had only 1 site
where I had access on my app, but not through a browser - this was fixed by
having my distributor reinstall the site at their end.  Easy fix. Otherwise
there is always more I want from monitoring, and some of that is
potentially in the works. It is highly recommended that a small battery
backup is put on the internet access so that there is still communication
with the AIO when it goes into standby mode.
3. Remote programming has mostly worked flawlessly, although occasionally a
program change hasn't gone through.  It is always good to "read" the
program settings after you push a change to make sure it took - an extra 3
second double check.  I do agree that not having direct access to the
machine, (other than an "On/Standy" button, and internal breakers) could
end up being a shortcoming. When local to the machine, you log into it via
a bluetooth connection directly to it, which gets rid of the typical 5
minute delay in info flow from the machine, to the Midnite server, back to
your phone or browser. With a bluetooth connection, there is only a brief
(1-3 second) delay in info.  The platform is currently designed and run by
a third party.  My understanding is Midnite's short term goal is to bring
that in house, although as with everything, that is taking way more time
and effort than imagined.
4. So far, I have not had the startup problem that Ray has experienced, but
it is good to know that it's potentially an issue waiting to catch me
unawares.
5. Tech support is excellent and available almost always - almost too
accessible 🙃

Having said all that, I have had several issues small and large in several
sites, most critically, off-grid, as I've had with just about every model
of equipment I've used for the last 24 years. Inverter shutdowns for
unknown or difficult to determine reasons can certainly shorten my expected
lifespan, as well as damage my client's trust in me. The biggest one I'm
dealing with at the moment is the B1-PV error, which puts the inverter into
standby. I've had a string of these errors on at least 3 recent sites,
which is more than frustrating since in these cases it has been hard to
chase down what is being reported and insulation voltage leakages, since
they are more often than not, short lived. These errors have been happening
on systems where I've installed Tigo Optimizers and Rapid shutdown
devices.  I'm starting to wonder if those devices might be implicated in
these errors.  I'd be curious to hear if others are having any similar
experiences.  Midnite says the AIO is very sensitive to voltage leaks,
which is fine - and the sensitivity can be adjusted. I just wish the
machine wouldn't drop into standby when that error appears.

Howie

Howie Michaelson

On Thu, Mar 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM Ray Walters via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Firmware updates of the Midnite AIO are Not via the app.  You have to get
> a special dongle thing from Midnite, and Yes use a Windows based laptop to
> do it.
>
> 2nd issue:  you can not do any programming or change voltage settings on
> the inverter itself, everything is through the phone app.
>
> 3rd issue: the App doesn't always work, and I had to download it and
> delete it, redownload it 5 times, before I could finally connect to the
> AIO.  I was in Puerto Rico with very poor cell service, so Frustration
> levels were very high.
>
> 4th issue: if you turn on the AIO without doing the programming setup, you
> can lock the inverter. Stupid me thought I could just turn the inverter ON,
> and it would start inverting.  It took several hours to get it to work and
> take the programming.  I was literally about to Cry.  I've been in offgrid
> solar since 1988, and this was one of the worst experiences I've ever had.
> Luckily Midnite support is excellent, and they hung in there until we
> finally got it.
>
> 5th issue: programming doesn't necessarily take the first time, and I had
> to change settings sometimes 3 times, before it would finally take.  My
> confidence level that it will do what I thought is low.  Leaving it in a
> remote location, with no one local knowledgeable to correct issues, is
> seriously troubling.
>
> Once again, regardless of manufacturer, ALL AIOs are made in China,
> designed in China, programmed in China, and are IMO, not suitable for off
> grid remote applications.  They are for DIY folks and avg. grid tie solar
> companies that want to play around with GTB.  I've tried Solark, Midnite,
> Fortress, EG4, and all have not instilled confidence, and/ or had major
> problems off grid.  Fine for GTB, but live full time on it?  Stake your
> family's lives on it?  NO WAY.
>
> I'm willing to try the Rosie for my next off grid job, because I still
> trust Midnite, and because I just don't see any good alternatives, now that
> Magnum and Outback are down.   BTW, I still have old Trace SWs inverting
> their hearts' out.  Not ready to replace them.
>
> Ray Walters
> Remote Solar
> On 3/27/2025 9:27 AM, Jay via RE-wrenches wrote:
>
> I’m pretty sure it’s all done via an app on your phone ( either platform)
> to set up the wifi connection.
> Then via the app you can do all sorts of things or via the web browser.
> Again either platform works.
>
> Jay
>
> On Mar 27, 2025, at 9:07 AM, Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> wrote:
>
> 
> My first AIO/PowerFlo16 is coming up, and it's a triple inverter
> installation. I can't wait!
>
> But I thought the Firmware update process was much easier – all available
> to do remotely. Is that not the case? I assume it requires a Windows laptop
> like EG4, HomeGrid, etc. That's something else I don't want to carry in my
> truck. I'm a Mac user.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
> NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
> Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
> Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208
>
>
> On Thu, Mar 27, 2025 at 10:15 AM Tyrone Houck via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> In my experience the communication between battery/inverter has been
>> seamless, the internet connectivity has also been very reliable. You can
>> program settings and monitor remotely. No email notifications. I have only
>> installed the AIO and haven't used the Rosie, Hawkes Bay, or Barcelona..my
>> favorite inverter/battery combo by far is the AIO/Powerflo16. Installer
>> monitoring platform works consistently though it would be great if they
>> came up with a more mobile friendly platform for the installer. The user
>> app is good and could probably be improved but I don't have any overt
>> complaints. It's important to update inverter firmware immediately upon
>> installation.. but the firmware installation program is super easy to
>> use(you need a special cable assembly and a laptop). So far we have 7
>> separate sites in the field and all are working very well. Soon we will be
>> installing our first multi inverter parallel system with the AIO and are
>> looking forward to it.
>> Overall, I'm a fan.
>>
>> Tyrone Houck
>> Oregon Solarworks LLC
>> CCB #204937 LRT #076
>> 541-787-1366
>> tyrone at oregonsolarworks.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Mar 27, 2025, 6:22 AM Mac Lewis via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello Wrenches,
>>>
>>> I would appreciate opinions about the Midnite product line up, strengths
>>> and weaknesses in regard to off-grid deployment.
>>> 1.   Midnite AIO
>>> 2.   Midnite Rosie, Barcelona, Hawkes Bay system
>>> 3.   How is the online monitoring/control platform for these systems?
>>> Last I checked it was in development, but its been a while.  Can you adjust
>>> system parameters remotely?  Receive warning/error emails?
>>> 4.  Any issues with battery communications?
>>>
>>> Generally, Im a big fan of Midnite, I really like how you can call them
>>> and talk with someone smart.
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance!
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Mac Lewis
>>>
>>> * "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates *
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>>
>>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>>
>>> 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
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>
>> 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
>>
>> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>
> 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
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>
> 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
>
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>
> 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
>
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20250327/43e38eb7/attachment-0001.htm>