48VDC inverters for larger applications?

[sidpost]

I'm having a hard time finding 48VDC inverters that are >2.000W. I am essentially trying to run some 20A 120V circuits off my batteries but, finding an appropriate inverter is proving a big challenge. I am not opposed to running a single larger inverter that I can split between multiple circuits.

I also need a recommendation for one to run my 230V well on a 1.5Hp pump which I think is in the 1100W range single-phase.

Thanks,
Sid

[organic farmer]

Have you looked at the Sol-Ark invertor?

https://unboundsolar.com/2650000/sol-ark/solar-inverters-electrical/sol-ark-12k-120v-240v-208v-solar-hybrid-inverter

[chrisski]

There are not many 48 volt inverters alone. Most of the bigger ones seem to be inverter / chargers or all in ones. Aims does make a 5000 watt 48 volt inverter. I don’t have that, but I did get a Aims Charger.

[sidpost]

Have you looked at the Sol-Ark invertor?

https://unboundsolar.com/2650000/sol-ark/solar-inverters-electrical/sol-ark-12k-120v-240v-208v-solar-hybrid-inverter

Sol-Ark seems pretty expensive. I'm also not the biggest fan of all-in-one systems like this. For example: If a charge control dies or some new feature comes along, I'd rather swap in a new 'piece' versus replacing a whole system or trying to retrofit some boards into a legacy system.

[sidpost]

There are not many 48 volt inverters alone. Most of the bigger ones seem to be inverter / chargers or all in ones. Aims does make a 5000 watt 48 volt inverter. I don’t have that, but I did get a Aims Charger.

Thanks! I guess I need to rethink the options some ...

Maybe a Schneider Conext XW Pro 6.8kW 120/240 Volt Inverter 48V Charger isn't such a bad idea after all. Or an Outback Magnum ...

[Mike90250]

I'm partial to the Schneider XW's, owning 2 of them, 6048 & 6848pro

[Ampster]

.............
Maybe a Schneider Conext XW Pro 6.8kW 120/240 Volt Inverter 48V Charger isn't such a bad idea after all. Or an Outback Magnum ...

The user GXMnow on that other forum uses a Schneider. Also, I use an Outback Skybox and Outback makes other inverters but Magnum is another brand.

[extrafu]

I'm partial to the Schneider XW's, owning 2 of them, 6048 & 6848pro

Out of curiosity, why two? Replacing the 6048 with the 6848 Pro?

Thanks Mike!

[GTAZ]

Sol-Ark seems pretty expensive. I'm also not the biggest fan of all-in-one systems like this. For example: If a charge control dies or some new feature comes along, I'd rather swap in a new 'piece' versus replacing a whole system or trying to retrofit some boards into a legacy system.

I felt the same initially. Separate components sometimes make troubleshooting easier and replacing a single component cheaper, but the more I looked into it, the more I like the Sol-Ark for several reasons.

1. The component systems I looked at wound up costing more (Victron, Connex, Outback). Integrating mixed manufactures can some times be simple, sometimes not, and sometimes you give up a feature if they don't play well together.

2: I've spoken with Sol-Ark engineers twice in the past week. They are easy to reach by phone. Their support is great. They are in the US and they speak English (ha ha ). And they are very DIY friendly. If I ever do have an issue, I very much want to talk with an engineer directly and quickly. That feature alone is worth a bit to me. I've sent emails out to several other manufactures in the past week (because they don't have a phone number I can find) and most of them have not replied yet. Imagine sitting around with a system that is not working waiting (hoping?) they send you an email. And what kind of support will I actually get if/when they do get back to me? And if I need a part, will it have to ship from China? Will I have to ship mine back?

3. Power consumption. Every component consumes power. When looking at a component system (or putting smaller all-in-one units in series) take a look at the idle power consumption. It starts to add up. I've seen some that are upwards of 300watts. The Sol-Ark is a single 70w consumption.

Every one's system and priorities are different, so you can/should make your own decision, but the Sol-Ark does offer a lot and it's not quite as expensive as it first appears if you add in everything you'll buy in a component system (Victron is especially bad about selling every little functionality separate).

The one down side to the Sol-Ark 12k is it is actually a 9kw system. Yes, it will take 12kw input from panels, but it will only output 9kw AC and even that does not load balance. It's actually 4500w per leg hard limit. So for example, if you're running a large240 load, such as central AC, you can reduce the remaining supply on each leg to around 2000w. just having a few devices on is reduces that further and then a single 120v appliance (coffee maker, vacuum, etc) can trip the device off even though your total load is still well below 9kw. Component systems with auto transformer don't have this problem, but they also consume more power, generate more heat, make more noise, and the transformer adds cost.

The upside to this story is Sol-Ark has a new 15k unit coming out this year. and it's a true 15kw system. Rated for 15kw continuous. It will supply a full 15kw (7500w per leg) in AC if you have the panels to produce it. And it will push that 15kw to your load, your batteries, and into the grid simultaneously. The battery charging is a hefty 185amps, which I appreciate on short winter days when I need to get a charge in quickly.

Just food for thought ...

[sidpost]

Good points.

Yes, some of the individual components are pretty power hungry and added up quickly when you have several of them. I noticed that with some of the configurations I considered.

Buying individual components can add up pretty quickly for both power and cost so, that needs to be balanced with a more integrated system component. Personally, I see a lot of changes in the not so distant future so, 'future-proofing' to me suggest it is worth a bit extra to be able to swap in individual components. Whether this is worth it to anyone else is TBD.

Regarding a "new" inverter or charge controller coming to market, I will believe it when I see it! Lots of companies have advertised and promoted lots of products that are at this point YEARS LATE in some cases. I'm done waiting for 'better' batteries and "settled" on LiFeP04 which should serve me well for a decade or two based on my experience with lead-acid batteries. Charge controllers and Inverters, in general, have a lot of room for advancement but, for whatever reason are being held up and kept off the market.

I like Victron products a lot but, they are not really targeted at the USA domestic market IMHO and, nickel and dime you a lot for each feature. The USA domestic manufacturers for whatever reason seem really slow to market generally. Add a lot of new demand from consumers for solar products in general, it can be hard to find anything in stock or at a NON-PRICE GOUGED cost.

[Mike90250]

Out of curiosity, why two? Replacing the 6048 with the 6848 Pro?

Thanks Mike!

Yes, did a proactive replacement, and keeping the 6048 as a spare. Just haven't updated my .sig

[extrafu]

Yes, did a proactive replacement, and keeping the 6048 as a spare. Just haven't updated my .sig

How long did you use the 6048 before replacing it? Have you noticed any sign of weakness?

[Mike90250]

How long did you use the 6048 before replacing it? Have you noticed any sign of weakness?

12+ years, no issues. Indoors, not even dust on the innards. But with long lead times forming up, I wanted to have a fresh inverter and use the old as a backup

[jflorey2]

I'm having a hard time finding 48VDC inverters that are >2.000W

I've used the Renogy 48V 3500 with some success. I have not pushed it harder than 1500 watts though.