Thanks for all the comments folks. To add complexity to this subject, one of my projects is a small BI HI storage upgrade (offgrid), the other is a 500kwh BI HI bank, using multiple Radians or Sol-arks which will be AC-coupled with several string inverters. I'm leaning back to the Radians, at least for the big system.
On Thu, Jan 6, 2022 at 1:26 PM Eric Smiley <e...@vecoop.ca> wrote: > Kirk > We tried using SolArk for off- grid applications but stopped for several > reasons: > - surge on single phase loads > - too many firmware updates (i.e. bugs in the firmware or new features > that are standard in other inverters) > - too many service calls: false positive arc faults, AGS not working, > battery over charging,.. > - not modular. If one component has an error, it can take out the whole > system. > - too reliant on an internet connection > - hidden settings that aren't described in the manual - including one that > could only be accessed via the internet and left a customer without AGS for > several months until they hooked up their satellite internet. We thought we > were going to have to replace the inverter. > > We've gone back to equipment that does less and has a longer track record; > so we don't feel like we're beta testing equipment with our clients and we > know what the limitations are. > Tech support has been great and the monitoring is quite good. It just > hasn't been reliable enough for full time offgrid. > > When we compare the service calls for our Magnum, Outback, Conext, Trace > (yes we still have two SW systems going strong) and SolArk systems, the > initial savings with SokArk disappear. I can't recall the last time I had > to repair/service a Magnum system unless it was user error. > Keep it simple! > > Eric Smiley > Project Manager, North Island > > E: e...@vecoop.ca > T: 1-888-386-0116 ext 702 (toll free) > C: 250-703-6004 > W: viridianenergy.ca > > On Thu., Jan. 6, 2022, 09:28 Jerry Shafer, <jerrysgarag...@gmail.com> > wrote: > >> Kirk >> You can also connect an outback through the NaMaka and the optics, plus >> the Outback has better surge power then the SolArk, We use both Solark and >> Outback coupled with the Blue Planet, 2.0 and now the 3.0, Yes solark can >> do 3 phase including delta, has high voltage dual PV input, Outback has one >> big benefit and that is surge along with being modular from internals to >> charge controllers, all separate and serviceable individually >> >> On Wed, Jan 5, 2022 at 6:45 AM Kirk Herander <kirkh@vermont.solar> wrote: >> >>> Hi All, >>> >>> I am considering changing the inverters on several Blue ion HI LFP >>> storage systems I'm installing this Spring from Outback Radians to Sol-Ark. >>> I have no experience w/ Sol-Ark, but it seems more advanced than the >>> Radian. I'm wondering if Sol-Ark and the BI Namaka gateway/monitor can >>> directly interface as Namaka can with some inverter brands. And I'd be >>> interested in hearing of any experiences you may have as to how nicely >>> these different components play together. Thanks. >>> >>> -- >>> >>> *Kirk Herander / **kirkh@vermont.solar <kirkh@vermont.solar>* >>> >>> *Owner|Principal, VT Solar, LLC* >>> >>> *Celebrating our 31st Anniversary 1991-2022!!* >>> >>> *www.vermont.solar* >>> <https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.vermontsolarnow.com&data=02%7C01%7C%7C9f0330d75a244870112408d685311841%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636842843233477645&sdata=0NjyuKeQbEK6245SNnk8X4XnP9Q%2B%2BqtvcALkdDghvk4%3D&reserved=0> >>> >>> dba Vermont Solar Engineering >>> >>> 802.863.1202 >>> _______________________________________________ >>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance >>> >>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org >>> >>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org >>> >>> Change listserver email address & settings: >>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >>> >>> There are two list archives for searching. 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When one doesn't work, try the >> other: >> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ >> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org >> >> List rules & etiquette: >> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm >> >> Check out or update participant bios: >> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org >> >> _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. 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