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mackdaddy

(1,968 posts)
11. Actual usage technical information still lacking.
Sun May 3, 2015, 08:47 PM
May 2015

I have been trying to find some actual hookup data, but that is not published on any of their websites yet.

I have designed and installed several PV solar installations, but some critical data is not in the "technical specs" you have above which is all they have out yet.

The fairly high dc rated voltage is typical of what comes out of a string of solar panels. But it is not clear what is going to be used to supply the charging voltage to this box. Will it connect directly to the solar panels and take care of the MPPT energy optimizing from the panels, or will there need to be a separate "charge controller" that interfaces the solar panels to the battery box.

Also it is not obvious how the box is to connect to an inverter to make the power useful for the AC loads in your house, or if the batteries can also be charged from the grid power in low sunlight times or for use as a backup emergency power system. That is a high operating voltage for most battery based off grid or hybrid inverters.

Another major point is that most batteries should NOT be discharged fully, but only to about half of their rated capacity. This is called the "depth of discharge" and is a very important in actually sizing the battery bank needed. Most batteries if discharged beyond about half their capacity have vastly shortened operating life cycles, ie from thousands of cycles to a few hundred. (including lithium-ion types) This recommended depth of discharge, and expected charge cycles lifetime are also critical information.

There also may be a difference in the7kwh and 10 kwh in their configuration, so which to choose may be a little more complicated. One is targeted a daily cycling, and the others at more infrequent cycling. There may be a larger difference between these two models than just their capacity. I am thinking of the difference between a deep discharge cycle battery as used in a golf cart, and the starter battery used in you car which is high current, low discharge. Again this is not clear yet.

This does look like a great prepackaged solution, and I look forward to getting the real installers specs.

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