MPP Solar Inverter/Charger choices

iscience

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Oct 7, 2018
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Hi,

I'm trying to compare the different devices that MPP Solar sell, and keepgetting confused.

Does anyone have either a shortlist of models to consider, or a table that encompasses all the different models and their specs? I've tried to search the forums but can't see much other than discussion of specific models (happy to be pointed to a thread I missed though).

I'm thinking of going through their catalogs and making a spreadsheet with all the info but I wanted to check if it's already been done by someone else.




Further details about my setup in case anyone wants to give a recommendation:
48v LiFePO45kWh battery pack for now (will expand hopefully)
Aiming to go off-grid eventually (I'm home during the day and can do most of the power hungry tasks when the sun is out)
On the AC side,240vdevices, 4 kW continuous drawshould be enough.


I'm trying to decide what solar panels to get - either one 5 kW array, or two 2-3 kWarrays (different panels - cheap,second hand).
This then leads to whether I get one good charger/inverter which can take multiple strings, or multiple smaller chargers in parallel - and whether to get separate charger and inverter, or a hybrid unit. And I haven't even started trying to work out which ones can be set to the right voltage for LFP.

Ideally it would be easy to connect everything with a home automation system for monitoring, and turning on/off loads in different situations.

My budget is pretty tight - if I can do it in stages without it costing too much more in the long run, that would be great.

I've been struggling with the comparisons between devices:
- PIP-5048GK vs MS
- PIP-5048MSD vs MPI 5k vs two PCM60X (and a separate inverter),for two solar arrays
 
GK series is HVDC on solar side. Up to 500VDC and can be used/started without battery. Off grid inverter.
MS = Normal offgrid version max 145VDC
MSD = 2 pv input. MST = 3 pv input offgrid
MSI?? Im not aware of any MSI model. If its MPI thats their Hybrid version that kind of exist in the cheaper 5kw model with less function and the more pricey 10kw.
PCM is just a solar charger.

Off grid inverters have built in ATS so can switch load out between solar+ battery or grid. Its eiter or!

Hybrid versions = Can combine solar+ battery + grid and can sell back to grid. Built in ATS and all that. (More expensive)

Charger + inverter of your own choice you need to add logic for doing ATS work and all that.

This is the short summary.
 
Thanks for all the info.
Yep, I meant MPI - I've fixed my original post.
I'll keep researching and post updates.
 
Have a look at the Victron gear, bit more expensive but lower idle draw current & well made gear
Eg Multiplus 48V/5kVA like mine :) great unit.
It does built in switch-over to grid if battery low automatically too.

Victron also do very nice MPPT chargers.

If you go separate modules, it's easier to be flexible with your system. All-in-ones tend to "lock you in"
 
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