[RE-wrenches] BP HI / Namaka with Sol-ark inverters

Fri Jan 7 08:55:09 EST 2022

Hi Jeff

Thanks for the info. 

As to out of balance 120v.

How are you configuring for that?  Just putting potential problem loads on the xformer or ?

Which transformer are you using with a 9kw inverter?  Most I’ve seen are only 5-6kw. 

And as many people are using the sol ark, a question about repairing. Is it possible to repair in the field?  Has anyone actually done it?  If not field repairable, how quickly/easily is the repair/warranty process working

Thanks
Jay

> On Jan 6, 2022, at 9:04 PM, Jeff Clearwater <jeffc at villagepowerdesign.com> wrote:
> 
>  We just ordered a 3 Sol-Ark system with 16 Storz Power batteries I'll let you know this Spring once I have it up and running.  Yes they are closed loop will be UL9540 soon.
> 
> We have several Sol-Arks in the field - all working great - yes a few minor issues that have required software updates - but tech support is great and they push the updates for me.  I love the monitoring and ability to remote program every parameter.  Conversion efficiency in all modes is high (though slightly under what they claim but still great)
> 
> Surge is fine per leg with multiple inverters or a balancing transformer.  Gen support could use an upgrade  for sure but they are working on it.
> 
> The  Time-of -use  features and interface we love as you can really fine tune daily cycles - optimizing solar and battery and grid and generator inputs - Especially great for grid-tie with strong off-grid capability as opposed to most  lightweight GTTB systems.  In pure Off-grid I find them robust and reliable so far.
> 
> Enjoy!
> 
> Jeff Clearwater
> Village Power Design
> 
> 
> 
>> Jason Szumlanski January 6, 2022 at 5:52 PM
>> Is anyone installing Storz? From what I understand, they have closed loop comms with Sol-Ark and a very close working relationship between manufacturers. I believe all customer support for Storz supplied Sol-Arks goes through Storz. They have a special Sol-Ark firmware that they maintain. 
>> 
>> Maybe users have a better experience with this collaboration. 
>> 
>> Jason Szumlanski
>> Florida Solar Design Group
>> 
>> 
>> 
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>> Mac Lewis January 6, 2022 at 5:09 PM
>> Eric and Wrenches,
>> 
>> We have come to the same conclusion.  Sol-Ark isn't ready for prime-time off-grid.  Too many glitches...
>> 
>> One serious off-grid disadvantage with Sol-Ark is idle consumption.  It really is much, much higher than older style inverters so it needs to be factored into the load analysis.  The spec sheet is not accurate.  The firmware is all over the place, many glitches and issues.
>> 
>> I do admire that they are diving into the battery communication arena but voltage control works quite well.  If a system can't effectively keep power on, do we care if the charging algorithm  is slightly more efficient?
>> 
>> My big question, that I've never really understood is why is it so hard to standardize battery communication?  Isn't CanBus, Modbus and RS-485 a standard?  Doesn't that mean that it should be easy and structured?  I must not really get it...
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Mac Lewis
>> 
>> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
>> 
>> 
>> 
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>> Christopher Warfel January 6, 2022 at 11:59 AM
>> Eric, Have you had the same issues with SolArk when multi-mode?  We are getting ready to put one in.  Chris
>> 
>> On 1/6/2022 1:25 PM, Eric Smiley wrote:
>> 
>> 
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>> Eric Smiley January 6, 2022 at 10:25 AM
>> Kirk
>> We tried using SolArk for off- grid applications but stopped for several reasons: 
>> - surge on single phase loads
>> - too many firmware updates  (i.e. bugs in the firmware or new features that are standard in other inverters)
>> - too many service calls: false positive arc faults, AGS not working, battery over charging,..
>> - not modular. If one component has an error, it can take out the whole system. 
>> - too reliant on an internet connection
>> - hidden settings that aren't described in the manual - including one that could only be accessed via the internet and left a customer without AGS for several months until they hooked up their satellite internet. We thought we were going to have to replace the inverter.
>> 
>> We've gone back to equipment that does less and has a longer track record; so we don't feel like we're beta testing equipment with our clients and we know what the limitations are.
>> Tech support has been great and the monitoring is quite good. It just hasn't been reliable enough for full time offgrid. 
>> 
>> When we compare the service calls for our Magnum, Outback, Conext, Trace (yes we still have two SW systems going strong) and SolArk systems, the initial savings with SokArk disappear. I can't recall the last time I had to repair/service a Magnum system unless it was user error.
>> Keep it simple!
>> 
>> Eric Smiley
>> Project Manager, North Island
>> 
>> E:  eric at vecoop.ca
>> T:  1-888-386-0116 ext 702 (toll free)
>> C:  250-703-6004
>> W:  viridianenergy.ca
>> 
>> 
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>> Jerry Shafer January 6, 2022 at 9:28 AM
>> Kirk
>> You can also connect an outback through the NaMaka and the optics, plus the Outback has better surge power then the SolArk, We use both Solark and Outback coupled with the Blue Planet, 2.0 and now the 3.0, Yes solark can do 3 phase including delta, has high voltage dual PV input, Outback has one big benefit and that is surge along with being modular from internals to charge controllers, all separate and serviceable individually
>> 
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>> Kirk Herander January 5, 2022 at 6:44 AM
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP storage systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark. I have no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the Radian. I'm wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely these different components play together. Thanks.
>> 
>> -- 
>> Kirk Herander / kirkh at vermont.solar
>> Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC
>> Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!
>> www.vermont.solar
>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering
>> 802.863.1202
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