Using step down transformer to convert 220v to 110v

[osullivr]

Greetings from the mountains in El Salvador. I have a pretty straightforward off-grid solar system, consisting of
- 8 x 250W Solar Panels
- 2 x 60A Charge Controllers
- 1 x 3000W Inverter
- 8 x 120Ah batteries

It has all worked very well for nearly four years without any issues, but I think that my cheap inverter is probably going to malfunction soon....as they all do

I have an option of a good price on a 230V 5KW hybrid Inverter from a friend, left over from a project; its a Opti SP5000 Efecto

I know that I need to remove the charge controllers and re-arrange to batter bank to be 48v, but of course it's rated at 230v. So my question is, can I just slot it into my existing system, with the addition of a simple step-down transformer between my new inverter and my power box (or fuse box, or energy box, lots of different names for this).

I have seen step down transformers on ebay for around 200 dollars

I would appreciated any advice, and comments or suggestions

Cheers

[NewBostonConst]

Transformers work great when connected to the grid but not sure what an inverter is going to do with seeing a transformer load.

Quick search gave " inrush current is initially 6 - 10 times the rated load current"

That doesn't sound like an inverter is going to like that....but I am not an expert and have never tried it.

Good Luck....

[emartin00]

Is this inverter outputting 240V on one wire and 0V on the other, or standard split phase residential 240V?
If it's split phase, then you would just need to wire in a standard load center and split your usage between the 2 phases.

[osullivr]

The item description for the inverter states that it cannot be connected directly to a split phase system, so I am guessing that it is not the standard split phase residential inverter.

Thank you for your reply

lLink to inverter description https://www.ebay.com/itm/5KW-5KVA-SO...c5be%7Ciid%3A1

[jflorey2]

I know that I need to remove the charge controllers and re-arrange to batter bank to be 48v, but of course it's rated at 230v. So my question is, can I just slot it into my existing system, with the addition of a simple step-down transformer between my new inverter and my power box (or fuse box, or energy box, lots of different names for this).

I would wait until you see a good deal on a better inverter for your application. Sounds like you have a little time. Adding a transformer will increase losses and cause startup problems.

[Mike90250]

I would not add a ebay step down transformer.

Maybe an outback PSX 120-240 transformer, but they are $600 on ebay

[neweclipse]

Take it that OP is looking at a non-North America inverter at 230 volt 50Hz...no 120 v or spit-phase...
A quick search says his location uses same as NAs 120/240 split-phase...

Thought the OB PSX 120-240 Autotransformer were ' 'balancing' type transformer??? OP would want to cut volts in half if wanting 115 v., but can that make the 3rd wire (neutral) required for the 'split-phase'system?

[ButchDeal]

Thought the OB PSX 120-240 Autotransformer were ' 'balancing' type transformer??? OP would want to cut volts in half if wanting 115 v., but can that make the 3rd wire (neutral) required for the 'split-phase'system?

The PSX can be used to ballance, convert from 120v to 240v, or convert 240v to 120v depending on how it is wired.
i use mine to make 240v from my 120v backup inverter for the well pump.

[Karlos]

Hi thanks for your reply.im sorry to appear a bit lost.my transformer is 1kw only onto a pure sin when inverter rated 4000w/8000w will it either cause one of the two power sauces to burn out??