Battery Backup and Grid Tie Done Right!

[@mm92117]

I'm happy to see you talk about micro inverters. I'm not seeing too much about how they are used in actual application on KZbin.

[@tomlampros7122]

Overall a nice, neat system. You might consider an enclosure for the batteries to prevent accidental exposure of the terminals to objects which could short them.

[@wyattoneable]

Hi Scott. I've been with you a long time and wanted to say "thank you" for all you do here...now back to the video.

[@engineer775]

You are welcome sir!

[@Darth-.-Vaper]

+engineer775 Practical Preppers do some port forwarding @ the router and some (dynamic)DNS work and you can access the panel from outside world.

[@lazerusmfh]

I use the 4400 watt 48v inverter with 50kwh of lithium batteries. To my delight, it can phase with my SMA grid tie inverter in an off grid situation and pull current from the solar to charge batteries, and gives me extra amps while the suns out. Pretty trick inverter, haven’t had to add another one yet it is very good at taking an over current situation

[@markakins8388]

Is there any way you can post a topology diagram on how things are hooked up? and possibly a list of equipment?

[@jimdavis8804]

At least if the grid goes down they will have battery Back up for Small appliances. Light fan and communication. We in Florida don’t stand a chance during hurricane season without Batterie Back up. We have gone 11Days without Power. No fun. And gas lines get long. Poor seniors are in big trouble.

[@martynholder1971]

Hi Scott, great video, my system has a Kstarhybrid inverter, unfortunately, my supplier used batteries that were not suitable it worked OK for about 4 years then it closed down when back working the lights for back up and charging were not on, batteries have a good charge in them but the inverter is not giving me any, now I am told by several installers that I will have to replce both the batteries and a new inverter

[@kuhrd]

With all of the things, you put into the critical load's panel they couldn't have had much left other than a few large appliances that would have gone over the rating of the inverter. I look at the extra work it takes to add a critical loads panel and wonder if it wouldn't be more cost-effective to put in a larger inverter in the first place. I know when I am ready to install a backup system in my house I plan to just install a 20-30KW inverter and an automatic transfer switch.

[@Over40pirate1217]

It's not just your KW that matters but the amps to cover the demands. Sounds like you would be trying to run HVAC and that would be very tough without smoking your inverters.

[@mikedelcaribe7422]

Instead of moving the critical loads to a new panel, could you have put noncritical loads on shunt trip breakers to automatically disconnect them when on battery?

[@seniordockman2946]

I am looking forward to adding batteries to a DC solar edge system with optimizers. Goal is backup with time of use so the batteries can take over when the sun goes down. Not sure what is possible.

[@4nrgy]

why? why not just add standard battery charger connected to grid? easy fast upgrade

[@andrewborntrager7909]

Great video! I see that this video is 2 years old now. I trust you are using LiFePO4 batteries now. WAYY more bang for the buck (yes I know they are expensive), much better charge profile, and way more charge cycles.

[@stevebakker6884]

Thanx for this video Scott. I just completed my first system (3.6kW) using the Magnum inverter and mini panel you used here. Very pleased. No micro inverters though. And we used LiFePO4 batteries. I held my breath on the lithium cells but so far so good. Was able to program the Magnum charger and a Midnite Classic 150 charge controller to charge the batteries properly. So we will see in say 5 years. btw - I spent 13K on the system, 3.6kW of solar panels, the inverter, wiring panel, charge controller, all the "extras", and 144AH of LiFePO4 cells in a 48v array. Price included battery management system and ground mount system. Question: Any plans to install a Powerwall 2?

[@ElPasoTom]

Thanks for posting this. This is the system I've been looking for. Well done nice install. Wished you lived in NM.

[@luisaviles6066]

Nice and super professional installation.

[@odxrfk188]

Why is this new generation of microinverters such a dramatic indie experience

[@FishingBuddiesTV]

What was the total cost including labor for this system? thanks

[@timm7599]

20 to 30k for a standard home. Depends on location and quantity of materials

[@terencehood]

I've been wondering this and you might know better than many. I've been wondering if they make a variety of circuit breaker that is similar to the common house 15 / 20 amp breakers but it has three positions. For example Grid power if flipped to the far left, Off in the center, and Secondary power if flipped to the far right. The appeal here would be being able to choose what in the house runs off the grid and what runs off Battery, Solar, ect. with a flip of a switch without over complicating the rest of the wiring. Or is this even allowed to have two power sources coming into the same box.

[@engineer775]

Sounds like a simple Reliance transfer switch. It has, Grid, off and Generator selections. The Generator selection can be a generator or a solar inverter.

[@terencehood]

Thanks for information, looks like that would get the job done. Something like an A510C Pro/Tran 2. I would probably have to get two of them if I wanted options for an entire house as the largest one I'm seeing is for 10 circuits.

[@engineer775]

Correct

[@ADPrevost21]

Will this system run the main (magnasign) inverter and charge the batteries when the grid is down?

[@garyweeks6017]

Hi Scott, I love your videos and I'm hoping that when I'm finally able to move some property I'd love to have you design a system for me. I probably won't be able to afford you but, I've been following your work for years now.

[@fourzerofour7860]

Wooo... those are some nice big batteries! Where would one go to buy those and not get ripped off? (South Eastern USA if that matters.)

[@jimdavis8804]

Awesome grid tie don the professional way.

[@Subgunman]

Are these available in 220-230 volt 50 Hz?

[@almulaire4072]

Wonderful video, as always. I am curious as to why you chose the Magnum GT500s+4048 option instead of a Schneider 5548 hybrid option. I think all-in costs are similar, and the 5548 gives you a bit more juice. Thanks again for another insightful video.

[@badrasta5]

Why no diversion load controller to protect the batteries? I thought that although MicroGT does a great job at allowing the PAE to throttle things, that it still needs a diversion load controll (either AC such as the Magnum ACLD-40, or the older DC style one would also work), Just curious, because I have a similar setup (Magnum PAE w/ MicroGT 500's) and I wanted to know what you thought about it. But other than that, nice AC coupled setup! It's nice. And throttling rocks! Good job on the clean roof mount too.

[@badrasta5]

Ok it's been 2 years... I can take a hint you don't care LOL

[@royamberg9177]

Magnum seems to build a good System. I haven't done one of these yet. looks like it should do well

[@engineer775]

They have a good track record.

[@royamberg9177]

I've used Magnum on several projects but not with the mini inverter System

[@rkaag99]

roughly speaking, what kind of effort would it take to move the panels if roof work needs to be done (replacement etc.)? Are there 'quick-release' type mechanisms for such a situation? I've always leaned towards ground mounted systems (no I'm not a professional) for a few reasons. Maintenance doesn't require a climb; roofing work doesn't have any extra steps/work-arounds; and I can clear snow easier if I can reach it not to mention I am uncomfortable poking holes in a perfectly good roof.

[@gardenwonders3308]

It seems like that in California SDGE, that the only inverters that are approved are only grid-tied inverters. You seem to be using one. Then you seem to be adding the other one which I suppose functions as a charger controller. I would rather have a one in all system, but it seems like SDGE does not have these certified. Did you have a similar issue with this system, or did you just decide to start with the simple grid-tied inverter?

[@ivx8345]

I always think (do not know but hope) that your groundwork (research?) may benefit humanity someday in the future with regards to spreading our wings in to space, the moon or on to other planets as well. Is this realistic?

[@ochardkeo9458]

I am really curious, like if my house use 3kwh but I installed a backup of 1kwh, which means I only have 20mins of electricity during a power outage. Would the solar charge the batteries quick enough to keep the house running more than 20 mins during a sunny day? I am abit confused about this, figuring how to cut down cost, being in Cambodia and sunny all the time.

[@DerykRobosson]

Being AC coupled, how is black start being accounted for?

[@rustusandroid]

Because firefighters get on top of burning metal roofs all the time... Damn that NEC.

[@deltaskyhawk]

What was the total cost of this installation?

[@engineer775]

25k

[@atomicsmith]

What was the cost of the components?

[@mlg779]

At 25k this is actually very expensive. I understand that is your work and knowledge but dont understand how you come up with those prices. I still do not understand why using 2 magnum inverter/panel makes sense. if you use 7 inverters x 500 that is 3.5kW. If the system is 4kW you lose 500W at peak production. Also 7 magnum inverters are more expensive than a SMA inverter where you can connect 7kW of panels and have secure power. maybe you can illuminate me; Is the AC coupling on the magnum works only with Magnum inverters? Also a Schneider Hybrid inverter is not cheaper? because it is like $2700? and it is all in one and puts out more than 4000W.

[@vap0rtranz]

Same question. These microinverters that push the AC further back to the panels keep popping us as the new thing and I want to know why. Is this DC hate or efficiency of conductors or what? I don't like it b/c there's double inversion for battery storage systems: "New" way: panel -> DC -> AC microinvertor -> AC (mega)inverter -> DC -> battery Old way: panel -> DC -> charge controller -> DC -> battery. The benefit of the "new" way, we're told, is 1) easier wiring of AC strings from panel, 2) isolation of panels / arrays. (1) so using fat gauge wire to push DC versus thin gauge wire for AC is cheaper? OK sure but then you have to buy all these microinverters and this big Magnum inverter too, so what is the net savings?! (2) isolating panels can be accomplished with basic, parallel wiring! Before someone says how efficient inverters are now, the MOST efficient inverter is NOT having one! Maybe this setup is fine for grid tied or systems without batteries because there's no reason to keep the DC around, but otherwise what am I missing?

[@lickalittle]

@@vap0rtranz you're not missing anything, hes all about the money all this equipment cost bucks and the retail markup is enormous, I started doing the research and finding who really builds a lot of newer solar equipment and buying direct myself. On average around $500 savings almost on each piece, manufacturers don't pay squat to build most of their stuff , it's all about the money, Oh and micro inverters it's a fad you really shouldn't use them.

[@dwfdwf5371]

This is the way I would go for my next system seems too good to be true.

[@timelwood2555]

Brilliant...just brilliant... You two put McGiiver to shame.....

[@salifdieme5863]

Hello. your video is very interesting. I would like to know if it is possible to use a pure sine wave converter 12v 220-240v instead of a hybrid inverter. thank you very much.

[@drsolar]

Nice system. Can't wait to install them. Love the rack

[@tinysparky]

only 60 amps feeding everything on the sub panel?

[@MrMeowalikat]

Can you tell me. Is this acting as a grid tie with battery back up?, or as a power supply with battery for backup?

[@mrbodo69]

How is battery charge control handled with this set up?

[@idokerpel5840]

Why maximum 14 grid tied panels per Magnum inverter?

[@ek9772]

I am curious on your opinion regarding AGM batteries vs. NiFe batteries. Would it make sense to use a small, balanced ultra capacitor bank with either set of batteries to compensate for motors and compressors? Could the battery bank be smaller if it is not compensating for motors when using a capacitor bank?

[@loganv0410]

What keeps you so shy of nickel-iron batteries?

[@engineer775]

They cost too much.

[@loganv0410]

Over a 30-year life? Figures I've seen by users say over that time they're cheaper than lead-acid.

[@stevebakker6884]

I ran the numbers on the nickel-iron, and assuming the long life, they were more cost effective. But the dealer was a little flaky so I switched to LiFePo4... and paid a PREMIUM.

[@russb2945]

Did you use the S12-240AGM 12 Volt Rolls in this configuration, serial /parallel at 48V for 430Ah?

[@yankos_]

Hi engineer775, Recently, after a grid tie inverter failure, I discovered that my inverter, JFY JSI2000TL, has a no load, night time, power consumption of 70W!!!! What is you experience with this. Manufacturer does not list standby power wattage. Is there as solution to this? PV output is at about 400VDC. I am thinking about installing a, PV power sourced, relay cutout circuit when the PV array is not producing power. Your thoughts again. Thank you, Love your work, Bill, MechEng, Sydney Australia

[@abuxxx3607]

A relay or contactor will do.

[@kcarmical]

Great video as usual. I love watching the solar stuff. When you say 8-10 years on the batteries, is that assuming heavy load/charge cycles or is it 8-10 even if they just sit there in maintenance charge most of the time?

[@mikedelcaribe7422]

Do these new AGM batteries have lifetime energy rating in KWH at different depths of discharge? Can this Magnum charger inverter be programmed to do a good job of charging LiFePO4 batteries if an external battery management system is used?

[@Jasmyne2738]

your work is a Pro!

[@ELRYANK]

keep em coming! need you out in cali. we need some solar asap

[@sbollmeyer]

Nice system deployment. Question, your opinion of the MagWeb software, please?

[@DirkME1022]

Alright, if you can't call the price on KZbin, maybe you could PM the cost? How would you consider a system like this without knowing an estimate 🤔

[@zeroxxx321]

1st video I bumped into you nice and clean made me a Subscriber keep up the good job

[@sethlavinder]

I want a system like this but man I do not want a ton of holes screwed into my expensive metal roof

[@jarettcreason2691]

Depending on your roof, you don't need to: www.s-5.com/resources/clamp-to-seam-tool/

[@rickrude9523]

You mention grid assist and not grid tied.Does this mean that ac side is for battery charging only?And if so how would that affect ROI?

[@engineer775]

Rick Rude sorry for being confusing no this is grid tie as well.

[@corycKTM51]

Scott, Im looking for a small pure sine wave inverter. Probably 1500 watts. What do you think about the go power inverters off amazon? Is there a brand that you recommend?

[@SkashTheKitsune]

all throughout this video, I had a nerdgasm... oh thank you for showing us this

[@iwantosavemoney]

would if something like this would be ok as a bigger system like 10 kw

[@maximumwoof8662]

the magweb should have a builtin webserver that you should be able to log in to at the aforementioned (displayed) ip address.. now there simply may be the question of " or "httpS://"...

[@traveltogetherwithds9334]

I am working on a design for a vacation home and debating about battery bank sizing. Based on location and direction the 9 panels we can install will get about 6hrs of peak sunlight. If I dedicate about 33% of the current generated during the day to charge batteries I can fully charge batteries from about 10% in a little over 6 hrs. I am looking at using 48V panels with a Hybrid Inverter. Thoughts?

[@ek9772]

Is there a FIT with the grid tied side?

[@joels1234]

excellent video, this is a sweet system...thx

[@ai4px]

You said 14 panels / 7 micro inverters per magnasine inverter.... so a 4400 watt inverter/charger can handle 3500watts of frequency shifted AC coupled power. OK. You can also stack the magnasine inverters, so is it safe to say that the inverters are simply connected another 14 panels / 7 magna micro inverters? Just that easy??

[@StephenMattison66]

Nice! Great video, thank you!

[@reneebrown5598]

Where are y'all located? the reason i ask is because i live in southern Alabama. i am most definitely interested in solar. Not sure if I will have the money to do a complete solar off grid. But i am interested in finding out the costs for a solar set up. And can a small system be set up and added to as i get the money. I am definitely looking for the most bang for my buck

[@engineer775]

If you want to discuss details, please visit my website and fill out the contact us form. I will get back to you as soon as possible. Here is the link. www.practicalpreppers.com/consultation

[@edbouhl3100]

Their website lists an 864 area code which puts it in South Carolina. Of course being preppaired that doesn’t guarantee that’s where they actually are.😉

[@Trev811]

Why is a agm the right battery for a grid tied solar system

[@engineer775]

For one reason it's still a little bit cheaper than lithium and the next big reason is that the battery stays floated and isn't used on a daily basis so the battery is not being cycled until there is a power outage. We have seen AGM batteries in this type of hybrid situation still doing well at 14 15 years out.

[@russb2945]

What was was the cost of materials ..minus the labor costs....?

[@stevebakker6884]

He probably does not want to reveal his margin. Was actually very nice to reveal the project cost. Since they quoted all the brand/model of equipment you should be able to estimate cost pretty close. The wild card in that system are the micro inverters. I have an acquaintance who does a lot of solar and he's had a 100% failure rate over time. It was not the model shown in this video but note that Magnum did not design these micro inverters. They are rebranding an OEM. Just sayin'.

[@mikedelcaribe7422]

How are the warranties on these micro-inverters? I think the Enphases have 25 year warranties and are electrolytic capacitor free, although their early generation units were supposed to be very unreliable.

[@leexgx]

If you do use them it's best to make sure you have easy access to the back of them for when they fail (not seen this brand of micro inverters) been looked at micro AC inverters long time, early micro (empas dc to dc more reliable but still failed at the time, but AC micro inverters was not reliable enough)

[@409mark]

what do you think of the tesla system

[@engineer775]

What Tesla system? We don't have time for all the changes and empty promises.

[@dcending]

Very cool!

[@dr.greatliving8550]

Scott, we had the Solar Ark system put in with 15 panels with batteries and a grid tie system of 16 panels with no batteries and 4 more panels for a solar hot water heater installed over the last few months and have seen zero savings on our bill. No one can explain to us why this is so. Solar Ark refers us to the installers they recommended but they have been out many times and seem to not know what to do. Since we are not getting any savings on our system can you help with any suggestion on what to do. (The electricians all seemed like drug addicts).

[@engineer775]

Where are you? That is ridiculous. you have close to 8kw of solar. you should be saving 100-$130 per month. Were the drug addicts recommended by Solark? If you can email me what all you have for equipment I can at least let you know what I think. [e-mail]

[@dr.greatliving8550]

I just looked at our electric company website and we are not showing savings. We were supposed to have it installed by the end of December but they didn't get it with the right switch that the electric company would take until April 29 and still haven't completed what they said they would do. We were supposed to be able to use our two split panel air conditions on the Solar Ark system as well as our rain water pumps and well pumps. The electric company shows we generated a little over 12 kWh in April. Twice that in May and June was around 52 kWh. That is not even 10% of our load since we consumer 2700 or so. We are in the Austin area and I asked SolarArk to recommend an installer since my husband is 80 and we couldn't do it. The installers seemed to know nothing about solar at all and they hired the electricians and they said they kept messing things up. We are not seeing anywhere near 100-130 a month. Maybe 50 this last month. The installation took month and still isn't finished. When I contacted Tom at SolarArk he first said it had been a cloudy year. Then, two months later he said I needed to talk to the installers. And the installers are nice but they don't seem to have a clue what is wrong or how to fix it and overtime they do anything it makes it worse. I am just at a loss. I will email you too. I love the idea of SolarArk's EMP proof system but we are not even seeing a savings on that either. I would appreciate any ideas you have. We have been sitting on this system for months with no savings to speak of. Our bills are the same as last year and the average temperature was higher last year according to the electric company. Thanks, Scott. I wish you were here!

[@jamest.5001]

you wouldn't believe how many are. electricians druggies that is. the companies I worked for. 7-8 of 10 were kind of out there. you are usually better off with a middle aged or older guy. or a woman. they tend to have something to prove. well they think any way. so they usually work harder. and know what they are doing. shame they are so few female electricians out there.

[@dr.greatliving8550]

The middle age clean guy bid the job but the druggies were the workers.

[@dr.greatliving8550]

engineer775PraticalPreppers Did you ever get my email? I got a warning message that the email address didn't appear to be real?

[@jasoncloutier4182]

How much was the total price of the system.

[@engineer775]

Jason Cloutier 25k

[@Rononeil82]

is that a mobile?

[@scifycartoon]

very nice

[@droman752]

How much?

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

I used good ol' Magnums once and ended up with a kid...talk about an unsatisfied customer.

[@engineer775]

a kid? A midnite kid?

[@maximumwoof8662]

perhaps he was just "kidding"...

[@joeprimal2044]

Magnum condom ... ended up with a kid...dissatisfied customer..I get it.

[@markjohnson9402]

You Tuber Magnum's only work if you can fill them up ;-)

[@ljprep6250]

What happened? You put it on the wrong thumb?

[@geozim5265]

l love your video's, Thanks

[@davidnickerson2684]

I like it

[@allthatmatters2441]

just telling a story!

[@allthatmatters2441]

need procedures!

[@billmarcipan3921]

Looking to supplement with solar or wind power bills are Kill in me and I'm down for any technology that I can use to save a buck but my knowledge in this dept is nill if you or anyone experienced can leave a comment I'll respond w/ email address Thanks for reading

[@robertdoell4321]

Useless explanation using abbreviations and trade terms. Why bother? Engineers know how to do it without your help.

[@alext9067]

Video was a no value whatsoever.

[@abuxxx3607]

Then definitely this video is not for you. Better shut up. If you are engineer, why watch vids like this? Or you are KZbin engineer!