Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-12-27 Thread Drake
Have you found the 50% capacity true for Outbacks?  I'm considering 
AC coupling 2000 watts into a VFX 3524.  With the roof angle, on cold 
days, this inverter could get STC solar production easily.


Drake


At 07:53 PM 12/25/2010, you wrote:
I have answered an eariler email, but in regards to backfeed, I have 
back feed up to 2kW of grid tied inverter into my Magnum 4024 AE and 
it held grid specification for the DGI inverter.  Above 2kW into the 
Magnum the Grid tied inverter kicks out on frequency 
specification.  Other inverters do the same for me, cause DGI kick 
out also at about the same level ie  about 50% of capacity.  Sorry I 
do not have many examples of this. but I do not have any contra 
indictating examples.


--- On Thu, 12/23/10, bob ellison reelli...@gmail.com wrote:

 From: bob ellison reelli...@gmail.com
 Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?
 To: 'RE-wrenches' re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Date: Thursday, December 23, 2010, 6:58 PM
 There are a couple things on the
 Magnum inverters that you will learn about
 after using one that really need to be corrected.
 DO NOT backfeed them, they are not protected like most
 other inverters. Back
 feed them and BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN! Read that as
 expensive.

 Also the split phase 120/240 inverters are slow to recover
 from a voltage
 drop. I have never noticed this on the 120 volt units but I
 don't have any
 large loads anymore so I would not see it like someone with
 a well pump or
 other large surge loads. I have had several calls about
 this from customers
 and it is real. If this is a problem or not seems to depend
 on the customers
 attitude, but it can be annoying.

 At least they are still made here, and the service is
 good!

 Bob Ellison




 -Original Message-
 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
 [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
 On Behalf Of Brian Faley
 Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 2:20 PM
 To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Subject: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo
 Solar?



 Hi Jeff,

 Just a couple comments to answer your question about Magnum
 inverters.
 See below.
 
  Message: 6
  Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2010 06:09:35 -0700
  From: Jeff Clearwater je...@villagepower.com
  To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
  Subject: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV -
 Apollo Solar?
  Message-ID:
 p06240800c8523ddca...@[74.220.67.154]
  Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ;
 format=flowed
 
  Dear Colleagues,
 
  Well this one's for me!  Nice to do solar for
  oneself after installing for others my whole life!
 
  I'm putting together an small RV system in my
  Sprinter Van that will also act as a small mobile
  power platform.  SUGGESTIONS?
 
  I'm considering the following:   What
 would be better???
 
  Batteries:  6 or 8 Optima Blue Tops (12 Volt
  System - possibly 24V) (space is limited - it's a
  144 Sprinter Van)  - Other sealed alternatives
  you think are better?
 
  Modules:  2 Sanyo HIP-195BA19s (have
 already)  
  1 undetermined 90-120 watt module (all that will
  fit!)  (Anyone have an extra BP 790 or an
  AE-90HE, AE-120HE??? or other 24 x 48 ish
  module?)
 
  Charge Control:  OB FlexMax 60  or should I
 wait
  for the Midnight Classic?  (A Sunsaver MPPT will
  be used for the 100 watt module).  (I'll also be
  dumping extra power to hot water).  Or Apollo if
  I use the Apollo inverter below.
 
  Inverter:  I'd like to eventually have 120/240
 so
  I could build from the RV.  So question is:
 
  A) One Outback 2012 now and then add another for 240
 VAC later OR
  B) Apollo TSE2212  OR
  C) Magnum MS 4024 (in which case I'd have to go
  with a 24V pack and a 2412 DCDC for 12V
 loads)

 The Magnum MS4024 is a 120V inverter for AE and mobile
 applications. The
 MS4024AE is a 120/240 split phase inverter for AE
 applications.
 
  Monitoring:  OB Mate (Flexnet?) or (Apollo ASNET
 if I go Apollo).
 
  QUESTIONS?
 
  1)   Opinions of the Blue Top vs ???
 
  2)  Best RV inverter - Outback?
 Apollo?  Magnum?
  Experience?  Vibration?  Only the Outback
 offers
  neutral switching in the transfer switch. (Does
  the Magnum?).

 Magnum MS4024 (120V single phase output) has neutral/gnd
 switching in
 the transfer switch of the inverter. It is ETL listed to
 UL458 (mobile
 inverters) AND UL1741.
 The MS4024AE is a 120/240 split phase inverter intended for
 AE use
 (non-ground switched) It is ETL listed to UL1741.

   Weight is an issue as well as
  space.

 MS4024 4kW inverter 55lbs
 
  3)  Charge Control - Is the Classic Shipping?
 
  Thanks for your time!
 
  Best,
 
  Jeff C.
 
  --
  ~~~
  Jeff Clearwater
  Village Power Design
 
  Solar Design Consultation for the Commercial Sector
  http://www.villagepower.com
  goso...@villagepower.com
 
  NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ?
  http://www.nabcep.org/
 
  Voice: 831-427-2799
  Fax: 413-825-0703
  245 Dufour St
  Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-12-27 Thread jay peltz
Hi Bob,

Thanks,

jay

peltz power
On Dec 24, 2010, at 12:17 PM, Bob Ellison wrote:

 Know how the lights blink when an inverter gets hit with a heavy load ? 
 It seems to take them longer to recover than outback or even my 18 y/o heart 
 interface inverters!
 I would not think either problem would be hard to cure, everyone else has 
 done it !
 
 Dom't get me wrong, they are good inverters they just have these 2 warts that 
 really should be improved
 
 Merry Christmas,
 
 
 Bob ellison
 
 
 
 Sent from my iPod
 Bob Ellison
 
 On Dec 24, 2010, at 11:00 AM, jay peltz j...@asis.com wrote:
 
 Hi Bob,
 
 Thanks for the input.
 
 When you say slow to recover from a voltage drop can you be more specific?
 
 jay
 
 peltz power
 
 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-12-26 Thread bob ellison
Darryl,
The backfeed that I was speaking of is feeding AC power into the AC out end
of the inverter.
It lets the smoke out of the thing and should be protected from what is user
stupidity like all the other major inverters out there.

Later,
Bob

-Original Message-
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Darryl
Thayer
Sent: Saturday, December 25, 2010 7:53 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

I have answered an eariler email, but in regards to backfeed, I have back
feed up to 2kW of grid tied inverter into my Magnum 4024 AE and it held grid
specification for the DGI inverter.  Above 2kW into the Magnum the Grid tied
inverter kicks out on frequency specification.  Other inverters do the same
for me, cause DGI kick out also at about the same level ie  about 50% of
capacity.  Sorry I do not have many examples of this. but I do not have any
contra indictating examples. 

--- On Thu, 12/23/10, bob ellison reelli...@gmail.com wrote:

 From: bob ellison reelli...@gmail.com
 Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?
 To: 'RE-wrenches' re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Date: Thursday, December 23, 2010, 6:58 PM
 There are a couple things on the
 Magnum inverters that you will learn about
 after using one that really need to be corrected. 
 DO NOT backfeed them, they are not protected like most
 other inverters. Back
 feed them and BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN! Read that as
 expensive.
 
 Also the split phase 120/240 inverters are slow to recover
 from a voltage
 drop. I have never noticed this on the 120 volt units but I
 don't have any
 large loads anymore so I would not see it like someone with
 a well pump or
 other large surge loads. I have had several calls about
 this from customers
 and it is real. If this is a problem or not seems to depend
 on the customers
 attitude, but it can be annoying.
 
 At least they are still made here, and the service is
 good!
 
 Bob Ellison
 
 
 
 
 -Original Message-
 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
 [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
 On Behalf Of Brian Faley
 Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 2:20 PM
 To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Subject: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo
 Solar?
 
 
 
 Hi Jeff,
 
 Just a couple comments to answer your question about Magnum
 inverters.
 See below.
  
  Message: 6
  Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2010 06:09:35 -0700
  From: Jeff Clearwater je...@villagepower.com
  To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
  Subject: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV -
 Apollo Solar?
  Message-ID:
 p06240800c8523ddca...@[74.220.67.154]
  Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ;
 format=flowed
  
  Dear Colleagues,
  
  Well this one's for me!  Nice to do solar for
  oneself after installing for others my whole life!
  
  I'm putting together an small RV system in my
  Sprinter Van that will also act as a small mobile
  power platform.  SUGGESTIONS?
  
  I'm considering the following:   What
 would be better???
  
  Batteries:  6 or 8 Optima Blue Tops (12 Volt
  System - possibly 24V) (space is limited - it's a
  144 Sprinter Van)  - Other sealed alternatives
  you think are better?
  
  Modules:  2 Sanyo HIP-195BA19s (have
 already)  
  1 undetermined 90-120 watt module (all that will
  fit!)  (Anyone have an extra BP 790 or an
  AE-90HE, AE-120HE??? or other 24 x 48 ish
  module?)
  
  Charge Control:  OB FlexMax 60  or should I
 wait
  for the Midnight Classic?  (A Sunsaver MPPT will
  be used for the 100 watt module).  (I'll also be
  dumping extra power to hot water).  Or Apollo if
  I use the Apollo inverter below.
  
  Inverter:  I'd like to eventually have 120/240
 so
  I could build from the RV.  So question is:
  
  A) One Outback 2012 now and then add another for 240
 VAC later OR
  B) Apollo TSE2212  OR
  C) Magnum MS 4024 (in which case I'd have to go
  with a 24V pack and a 2412 DCDC for 12V
 loads)
 
 The Magnum MS4024 is a 120V inverter for AE and mobile
 applications. The
 MS4024AE is a 120/240 split phase inverter for AE
 applications. 
  
  Monitoring:  OB Mate (Flexnet?) or (Apollo ASNET
 if I go Apollo).
  
  QUESTIONS?
  
  1)   Opinions of the Blue Top vs ???
  
  2)  Best RV inverter - Outback? 
 Apollo?  Magnum?
  Experience?  Vibration?  Only the Outback
 offers
  neutral switching in the transfer switch. (Does
  the Magnum?).
 
 Magnum MS4024 (120V single phase output) has neutral/gnd
 switching in
 the transfer switch of the inverter. It is ETL listed to
 UL458 (mobile
 inverters) AND UL1741.
 The MS4024AE is a 120/240 split phase inverter intended for
 AE use
 (non-ground switched) It is ETL listed to UL1741.
 
   Weight is an issue as well as
  space.
 
 MS4024 4kW inverter 55lbs
  
  3)  Charge Control - Is the Classic Shipping?
  
  Thanks for your time!
  
  Best,
  
  Jeff C

Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-12-25 Thread Darryl Thayer
My experance is pperhaps to limited with Magnum but I have been impressed with 
the surge capacity of the Magnum AE and I assume the PAE is the same.  I have 
started larger motors than most other inverters, where the others will kick out 
on low voltage the magnum seems to hold longer. I have measured 270 amps at 24 
volts on the input of a Magnum 4024 AE and it stupplying a 70 amp 120 volt 
load.  And this would hold until the large motor would start.  I know this is 
fantastic surge capacity, and my customer is very happy it has only been 
operation for 6 months but it has never failed to start the motor.  I tried my 
most commom inverter the Outback but two Outback 3524s can not match the 
reliability of the one Magnum in starting this motor load.I am amazed and 
puzzled as to how guttzy in starting loads the Magnum is.   I am offering a 
paper on my install at the small wind conference in June at Stevens Point Wisc. 
if accepted I will help by emailing to
 interested parties.  I have been rejected before because the paper had been 
presented before.
Darryl

--- On Fri, 12/24/10, Bob Ellison reelli...@gmail.com wrote:

 From: Bob Ellison reelli...@gmail.com
 Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?
 To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Date: Friday, December 24, 2010, 2:17 PM
 Know how the lights blink when an
 inverter gets hit with a heavy load ? 
 It seems to take them longer to recover than outback or
 even my 18 y/o heart interface inverters!
 I would not think either problem would be hard to cure,
 everyone else has done it !
 
 Dom't get me wrong, they are good inverters they just have
 these 2 warts that really should be improved
 
 Merry Christmas,
 
 
 Bob ellison
 
 
 
 Sent from my iPod
 Bob Ellison
 
 On Dec 24, 2010, at 11:00 AM, jay peltz j...@asis.com
 wrote:
 
  Hi Bob,
  
  Thanks for the input.
  
  When you say slow to recover from a voltage drop can
 you be more specific?
  
  jay
  
  peltz power
  
  
  On Dec 23, 2010, at 4:58 PM, bob ellison wrote:
  
  There are a couple things on the Magnum inverters
 that you will learn about
  after using one that really need to be corrected.
 
  DO NOT backfeed them, they are not protected like
 most other inverters. Back
  feed them and BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN! Read that as
 expensive.
  
  Also the split phase 120/240 inverters are slow to
 recover from a voltage
  drop. I have never noticed this on the 120 volt
 units but I don't have any
  large loads anymore so I would not see it like
 someone with a well pump or
  other large surge loads. I have had several calls
 about this from customers
  and it is real. If this is a problem or not seems
 to depend on the customers
  attitude, but it can be annoying.
  
  At least they are still made here, and the service
 is good!
  
  Bob Ellison
  
  
  
  
  ___
  List sponsored by Home Power magazine
  
  List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
  
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 ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-12-25 Thread Darryl Thayer
I have answered an eariler email, but in regards to backfeed, I have back feed 
up to 2kW of grid tied inverter into my Magnum 4024 AE and it held grid 
specification for the DGI inverter.  Above 2kW into the Magnum the Grid tied 
inverter kicks out on frequency specification.  Other inverters do the same for 
me, cause DGI kick out also at about the same level ie  about 50% of capacity.  
Sorry I do not have many examples of this. but I do not have any contra 
indictating examples. 

--- On Thu, 12/23/10, bob ellison reelli...@gmail.com wrote:

 From: bob ellison reelli...@gmail.com
 Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?
 To: 'RE-wrenches' re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Date: Thursday, December 23, 2010, 6:58 PM
 There are a couple things on the
 Magnum inverters that you will learn about
 after using one that really need to be corrected. 
 DO NOT backfeed them, they are not protected like most
 other inverters. Back
 feed them and BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN! Read that as
 expensive.
 
 Also the split phase 120/240 inverters are slow to recover
 from a voltage
 drop. I have never noticed this on the 120 volt units but I
 don't have any
 large loads anymore so I would not see it like someone with
 a well pump or
 other large surge loads. I have had several calls about
 this from customers
 and it is real. If this is a problem or not seems to depend
 on the customers
 attitude, but it can be annoying.
 
 At least they are still made here, and the service is
 good!
 
 Bob Ellison
 
 
 
 
 -Original Message-
 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
 [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
 On Behalf Of Brian Faley
 Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 2:20 PM
 To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Subject: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo
 Solar?
 
 
 
 Hi Jeff,
 
 Just a couple comments to answer your question about Magnum
 inverters.
 See below.
  
  Message: 6
  Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2010 06:09:35 -0700
  From: Jeff Clearwater je...@villagepower.com
  To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
  Subject: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV -
 Apollo Solar?
  Message-ID:
 p06240800c8523ddca...@[74.220.67.154]
  Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ;
 format=flowed
  
  Dear Colleagues,
  
  Well this one's for me!  Nice to do solar for
  oneself after installing for others my whole life!
  
  I'm putting together an small RV system in my
  Sprinter Van that will also act as a small mobile
  power platform.  SUGGESTIONS?
  
  I'm considering the following:   What
 would be better???
  
  Batteries:  6 or 8 Optima Blue Tops (12 Volt
  System - possibly 24V) (space is limited - it's a
  144 Sprinter Van)  - Other sealed alternatives
  you think are better?
  
  Modules:  2 Sanyo HIP-195BA19s (have
 already)  
  1 undetermined 90-120 watt module (all that will
  fit!)  (Anyone have an extra BP 790 or an
  AE-90HE, AE-120HE??? or other 24 x 48 ish
  module?)
  
  Charge Control:  OB FlexMax 60  or should I
 wait
  for the Midnight Classic?  (A Sunsaver MPPT will
  be used for the 100 watt module).  (I'll also be
  dumping extra power to hot water).  Or Apollo if
  I use the Apollo inverter below.
  
  Inverter:  I'd like to eventually have 120/240
 so
  I could build from the RV.  So question is:
  
  A) One Outback 2012 now and then add another for 240
 VAC later OR
  B) Apollo TSE2212  OR
  C) Magnum MS 4024 (in which case I'd have to go
  with a 24V pack and a 2412 DCDC for 12V
 loads)
 
 The Magnum MS4024 is a 120V inverter for AE and mobile
 applications. The
 MS4024AE is a 120/240 split phase inverter for AE
 applications. 
  
  Monitoring:  OB Mate (Flexnet?) or (Apollo ASNET
 if I go Apollo).
  
  QUESTIONS?
  
  1)   Opinions of the Blue Top vs ???
  
  2)  Best RV inverter - Outback? 
 Apollo?  Magnum?
  Experience?  Vibration?  Only the Outback
 offers
  neutral switching in the transfer switch. (Does
  the Magnum?).
 
 Magnum MS4024 (120V single phase output) has neutral/gnd
 switching in
 the transfer switch of the inverter. It is ETL listed to
 UL458 (mobile
 inverters) AND UL1741.
 The MS4024AE is a 120/240 split phase inverter intended for
 AE use
 (non-ground switched) It is ETL listed to UL1741.
 
   Weight is an issue as well as
  space.
 
 MS4024 4kW inverter 55lbs
  
  3)  Charge Control - Is the Classic Shipping?
  
  Thanks for your time!
  
  Best,
  
  Jeff C.
  
  --
  ~~~
  Jeff Clearwater
  Village Power Design
  
  Solar Design Consultation for the Commercial Sector
  http://www.villagepower.com
  goso...@villagepower.com
  
  NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ?
  http://www.nabcep.org/
  
  Voice: 831-427-2799
  Fax: 413-825-0703
  245 Dufour St
  Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  ~
 
 Regards,
 Brian Faley
 Chief Engineer
 Magnum Energy, Inc
 2211 West Casino Rd, Everett, WA 98204
 425-353-8833 voice
 bfa...@magnumenergy.com

Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-12-24 Thread Bob Ellison
Know how the lights blink when an inverter gets hit with a heavy load ? 
It seems to take them longer to recover than outback or even my 18 y/o heart 
interface inverters!
I would not think either problem would be hard to cure, everyone else has done 
it !

Dom't get me wrong, they are good inverters they just have these 2 warts that 
really should be improved

Merry Christmas,


Bob ellison



Sent from my iPod
Bob Ellison

On Dec 24, 2010, at 11:00 AM, jay peltz j...@asis.com wrote:

 Hi Bob,
 
 Thanks for the input.
 
 When you say slow to recover from a voltage drop can you be more specific?
 
 jay
 
 peltz power
 
 
 On Dec 23, 2010, at 4:58 PM, bob ellison wrote:
 
 There are a couple things on the Magnum inverters that you will learn about
 after using one that really need to be corrected. 
 DO NOT backfeed them, they are not protected like most other inverters. Back
 feed them and BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN! Read that as expensive.
 
 Also the split phase 120/240 inverters are slow to recover from a voltage
 drop. I have never noticed this on the 120 volt units but I don't have any
 large loads anymore so I would not see it like someone with a well pump or
 other large surge loads. I have had several calls about this from customers
 and it is real. If this is a problem or not seems to depend on the customers
 attitude, but it can be annoying.
 
 At least they are still made here, and the service is good!
 
 Bob Ellison
 
 
 
 
 ___
 List sponsored by Home Power magazine
 
 List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 
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[RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-07-01 Thread Jeff Clearwater

Dear Colleagues,

Well this one's for me!  Nice to do solar for 
oneself after installing for others my whole life!


I'm putting together an small RV system in my 
Sprinter Van that will also act as a small mobile 
power platform.  SUGGESTIONS?


I'm considering the following:   What would be better???

Batteries:  6 or 8 Optima Blue Tops (12 Volt 
System - possibly 24V) (space is limited - it's a 
144 Sprinter Van)  - Other sealed alternatives 
you think are better?


Modules:  2 Sanyo HIP-195BA19s (have already)   
1 undetermined 90-120 watt module (all that will 
fit!)  (Anyone have an extra BP 790 or an 
AE-90HE, AE-120HE??? or other 24 x 48 ish 
module?)


Charge Control:  OB FlexMax 60  or should I wait 
for the Midnight Classic?  (A Sunsaver MPPT will 
be used for the 100 watt module).  (I'll also be 
dumping extra power to hot water).  Or Apollo if 
I use the Apollo inverter below.


Inverter:  I'd like to eventually have 120/240 so 
I could build from the RV.  So question is:


A) One Outback 2012 now and then add another for 240 VAC later OR
B) Apollo TSE2212  OR
C) Magnum MS 4024 (in which case I'd have to go 
with a 24V pack and a 2412 DCDC for 12V loads)


Monitoring:  OB Mate (Flexnet?) or (Apollo ASNET if I go Apollo).

QUESTIONS?

1)   Opinions of the Blue Top vs ???

2)  Best RV inverter - Outback?  Apollo?  Magnum? 
Experience?  Vibration?  Only the Outback offers 
neutral switching in the transfer switch. (Does 
the Magnum?).  Weight is an issue as well as 
space.


3)  Charge Control - Is the Classic Shipping?

Thanks for your time!

Best,

Jeff C.

--
~~~
Jeff Clearwater
Village Power Design

Solar Design Consultation for the Commercial Sector
http://www.villagepower.com
goso...@villagepower.com

NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer 
http://www.nabcep.org/

Voice: 831-427-2799
Fax: 413-825-0703
245 Dufour St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
~
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-07-01 Thread R Ray Walters
See below:

R. Walters
r...@solarray.com
Solar Engineer

On Jul 1, 2010, at 7:09 AM, Jeff Clearwater wrote:

 Dear Colleagues,
 
 Well this one's for me!  Nice to do solar for oneself after installing for 
 others my whole life!
 
 I'm putting together an small RV system in my Sprinter Van that will also act 
 as a small mobile power platform.  SUGGESTIONS?
 
 I'm considering the following:   What would be better???
 
 Batteries:  6 or 8 Optima Blue Tops (12 Volt System - possibly 24V) (space is 
 limited - it's a 144 Sprinter Van)  - Other sealed alternatives you think 
 are better?

Blue tops are a Marine type battery, not their best deep cycle battery, which 
is the yellow top. Personally I think the Optimas are  way over priced, and 
they just don't last that long. I've used them in some electric vehicle 
projects. I like BB for sealed batteries.
Their spec sheet info is the best I've seen, and prices direct from the factory 
are excellent. 

 
 Modules:  2 Sanyo HIP-195BA19s (have already)   1 undetermined 90-120 watt 
 module (all that will fit!)  (Anyone have an extra BP 790 or an AE-90HE, 
 AE-120HE??? or other 24 x 48 ish module?)
 
 Charge Control:  OB FlexMax 60  or should I wait for the Midnight Classic?  
 (A Sunsaver MPPT will be used for the 100 watt module).  (I'll also be 
 dumping extra power to hot water).  Or Apollo if I use the Apollo inverter 
 below.
 
 Inverter:  I'd like to eventually have 120/240 so I could build from the RV.  
 So question is:
 
 A) One Outback 2012 now and then add another for 240 VAC later OR
 B) Apollo TSE2212  OR
 C) Magnum MS 4024 (in which case I'd have to go with a 24V pack and a 2412 
 DCDC for 12V loads)
 
 Monitoring:  OB Mate (Flexnet?) or (Apollo ASNET if I go Apollo).
 
 QUESTIONS?
 
 1)   Opinions of the Blue Top vs ???
 
 2)  Best RV inverter - Outback?  Apollo?  Magnum? Experience?  Vibration?  
 Only the Outback offers neutral switching in the transfer switch. (Does the 
 Magnum?).  Weight is an issue as well as space.
 
 3)  Charge Control - Is the Classic Shipping?
 
 Thanks for your time!
 
 Best,
 
 Jeff C.
 
 -- 
 ~~~
 Jeff Clearwater
 Village Power Design
 
 Solar Design Consultation for the Commercial Sector
 http://www.villagepower.com
 goso...@villagepower.com
 
 NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ™
 http://www.nabcep.org/
 
 Voice: 831-427-2799
 Fax: 413-825-0703
 245 Dufour St
 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
 ~
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-07-01 Thread Jeff Clearwater

HI Ray,

Yes I meant to say Yellow Tops.  They are 
overpriced - indeed!  We've also had limited 
success in EV projects.


Do you have a supplier for BB?

Thanks for the tip!

Best,

Jeff C.




See below:

R. Walters
r...@solarray.com
Solar Engineer

On Jul 1, 2010, at 7:09 AM, Jeff Clearwater wrote:


 Dear Colleagues,

 Well this one's for me!  Nice to do solar for 
oneself after installing for others my whole 
life!


 I'm putting together an small RV system in my 
Sprinter Van that will also act as a small 
mobile power platform.  SUGGESTIONS?


 I'm considering the following:   What would be better???

 Batteries:  6 or 8 Optima Blue Tops (12 Volt 
System - possibly 24V) (space is limited - it's 
a 144 Sprinter Van)  - Other sealed 
alternatives you think are better?


Blue tops are a Marine type battery, not their 
best deep cycle battery, which is the yellow 
top. Personally I think the Optimas are  way 
over priced, and they just don't last that long. 
I've used them in some electric vehicle 
projects. I like BB for sealed batteries.
Their spec sheet info is the best I've seen, and 
prices direct from the factory are excellent.




 Modules:  2 Sanyo HIP-195BA19s (have already) 
 1 undetermined 90-120 watt module (all that 
will fit!)  (Anyone have an extra BP 790 or an 
AE-90HE, AE-120HE??? or other 24 x 48 ish 
module?)


 Charge Control:  OB FlexMax 60  or should I 
wait for the Midnight Classic?  (A Sunsaver 
MPPT will be used for the 100 watt module). 
(I'll also be dumping extra power to hot 
water).  Or Apollo if I use the Apollo inverter 
below.


 Inverter:  I'd like to eventually have 120/240 
so I could build from the RV.  So question is:


 A) One Outback 2012 now and then add another for 240 VAC later OR
 B) Apollo TSE2212  OR
 C) Magnum MS 4024 (in which case I'd have to 
go with a 24V pack and a 2412 DCDC for 12V 
loads)


 Monitoring:  OB Mate (Flexnet?) or (Apollo ASNET if I go Apollo).

 QUESTIONS?

 1)   Opinions of the Blue Top vs ???

 2)  Best RV inverter - Outback?  Apollo? 
Magnum? Experience?  Vibration?  Only the 
Outback offers neutral switching in the 
transfer switch. (Does the Magnum?).  Weight is 
an issue as well as space.


 3)  Charge Control - Is the Classic Shipping?

 Thanks for your time!

 Best,

 Jeff C.

 --
 ~~~
 Jeff Clearwater
 Village Power Design

 Solar Design Consultation for the Commercial Sector
 http://www.villagepower.com
 goso...@villagepower.com

 NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer 
 http://www.nabcep.org/

 Voice: 831-427-2799
 Fax: 413-825-0703
 245 Dufour St
 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
 ~
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 www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm

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--
~~~
Jeff Clearwater Lernould
Village Power Design

Solar Design Consultation for the Commercial Sector
http://www.villagepower.com
goso...@villagepower.com

NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer 
http://www.nabcep.org/

Voice: 831-427-2799
Fax: 413-825-0703
245 Dufour St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
~
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[RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-07-01 Thread Brian Faley


Hi Jeff,

Just a couple comments to answer your question about Magnum inverters.
See below.
 
 Message: 6
 Date: Thu, 1 Jul 2010 06:09:35 -0700
 From: Jeff Clearwater je...@villagepower.com
 To: RE-wrenches re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
 Subject: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?
 Message-ID: p06240800c8523ddca...@[74.220.67.154]
 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 ; format=flowed
 
 Dear Colleagues,
 
 Well this one's for me!  Nice to do solar for
 oneself after installing for others my whole life!
 
 I'm putting together an small RV system in my
 Sprinter Van that will also act as a small mobile
 power platform.  SUGGESTIONS?
 
 I'm considering the following:   What would be better???
 
 Batteries:  6 or 8 Optima Blue Tops (12 Volt
 System - possibly 24V) (space is limited - it's a
 144 Sprinter Van)  - Other sealed alternatives
 you think are better?
 
 Modules:  2 Sanyo HIP-195BA19s (have already)  
 1 undetermined 90-120 watt module (all that will
 fit!)  (Anyone have an extra BP 790 or an
 AE-90HE, AE-120HE??? or other 24 x 48 ish
 module?)
 
 Charge Control:  OB FlexMax 60  or should I wait
 for the Midnight Classic?  (A Sunsaver MPPT will
 be used for the 100 watt module).  (I'll also be
 dumping extra power to hot water).  Or Apollo if
 I use the Apollo inverter below.
 
 Inverter:  I'd like to eventually have 120/240 so
 I could build from the RV.  So question is:
 
 A) One Outback 2012 now and then add another for 240 VAC later OR
 B) Apollo TSE2212  OR
 C) Magnum MS 4024 (in which case I'd have to go
 with a 24V pack and a 2412 DCDC for 12V loads)

The Magnum MS4024 is a 120V inverter for AE and mobile applications. The
MS4024AE is a 120/240 split phase inverter for AE applications. 
 
 Monitoring:  OB Mate (Flexnet?) or (Apollo ASNET if I go Apollo).
 
 QUESTIONS?
 
 1)   Opinions of the Blue Top vs ???
 
 2)  Best RV inverter - Outback?  Apollo?  Magnum?
 Experience?  Vibration?  Only the Outback offers
 neutral switching in the transfer switch. (Does
 the Magnum?).

Magnum MS4024 (120V single phase output) has neutral/gnd switching in
the transfer switch of the inverter. It is ETL listed to UL458 (mobile
inverters) AND UL1741.
The MS4024AE is a 120/240 split phase inverter intended for AE use
(non-ground switched) It is ETL listed to UL1741.

  Weight is an issue as well as
 space.

MS4024 4kW inverter 55lbs
 
 3)  Charge Control - Is the Classic Shipping?
 
 Thanks for your time!
 
 Best,
 
 Jeff C.
 
 --
 ~~~
 Jeff Clearwater
 Village Power Design
 
 Solar Design Consultation for the Commercial Sector
 http://www.villagepower.com
 goso...@villagepower.com
 
 NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ?
 http://www.nabcep.org/
 
 Voice: 831-427-2799
 Fax: 413-825-0703
 245 Dufour St
 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
 ~

Regards,
Brian Faley
Chief Engineer
Magnum Energy, Inc
2211 West Casino Rd, Everett, WA 98204
425-353-8833 voice
bfa...@magnumenergy.com
www.magnumenergy.com


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Re: [RE-wrenches] Component Choices for MY RV - Apollo Solar?

2010-07-01 Thread R Ray Walters
http://www.bb-battery.com/  

they should sell direct. I'd look at the MPL-90 battery, its a sealed deep 
cycle battery 12 v 90 aH. Make sure and ask for the flag terminal, the post 
terminals are too small for 2/0  cable.
We've used them on grid tie w/ battery backup, and off grid stuff that needed 
sealed batteries.
They have cycle life charts, so you can compare them to other batteries. I 
recall them having 350 to 400 cycles at 80% DOD, not up with a golf cart 
battery or L16, but really good for the small sealed battery realm. Definitely 
will outlast the Optima in deep cycling.

R. Walters
r...@solarray.com
Solar Engineer




On Jul 1, 2010, at 12:07 PM, Jeff Clearwater wrote:

 HI Ray,
 
 Yes I meant to say Yellow Tops.  They are overpriced - indeed!  We've also 
 had limited success in EV projects.
 
 Do you have a supplier for BB?
 
 Thanks for the tip!
 
 Best,
 
 Jeff C.
 
 
 
 See below:
 
 R. Walters
 r...@solarray.com
 Solar Engineer
 
 On Jul 1, 2010, at 7:09 AM, Jeff Clearwater wrote:
 
 Dear Colleagues,
 
 Well this one's for me!  Nice to do solar for oneself after installing for 
 others my whole life!
 
 I'm putting together an small RV system in my Sprinter Van that will also 
 act as a small mobile power platform.  SUGGESTIONS?
 
 I'm considering the following:   What would be better???
 
 Batteries:  6 or 8 Optima Blue Tops (12 Volt System - possibly 24V) (space 
 is limited - it's a 144 Sprinter Van)  - Other sealed alternatives you 
 think are better?
 
 Blue tops are a Marine type battery, not their best deep cycle battery, 
 which is the yellow top. Personally I think the Optimas are  way over 
 priced, and they just don't last that long. I've used them in some electric 
 vehicle projects. I like BB for sealed batteries.
 Their spec sheet info is the best I've seen, and prices direct from the 
 factory are excellent.
 
 
 Modules:  2 Sanyo HIP-195BA19s (have already)  1 undetermined 90-120 watt 
 module (all that will fit!)  (Anyone have an extra BP 790 or an AE-90HE, 
 AE-120HE??? or other 24 x 48 ish module?)
 
 Charge Control:  OB FlexMax 60  or should I wait for the Midnight Classic?  
 (A Sunsaver MPPT will be used for the 100 watt module). (I'll also be 
 dumping extra power to hot water).  Or Apollo if I use the Apollo inverter 
 below.
 
 Inverter:  I'd like to eventually have 120/240 so I could build from the 
 RV.  So question is:
 
 A) One Outback 2012 now and then add another for 240 VAC later OR
 B) Apollo TSE2212  OR
 C) Magnum MS 4024 (in which case I'd have to go with a 24V pack and a 2412 
 DCDC for 12V loads)
 
 Monitoring:  OB Mate (Flexnet?) or (Apollo ASNET if I go Apollo).
 
 QUESTIONS?
 
 1)   Opinions of the Blue Top vs ???
 
 2)  Best RV inverter - Outback?  Apollo? Magnum? Experience?  Vibration?  
 Only the Outback offers neutral switching in the transfer switch. (Does the 
 Magnum?).  Weight is an issue as well as space.
 
 3)  Charge Control - Is the Classic Shipping?
 
 Thanks for your time!
 
 Best,
 
 Jeff C.
 
 --
 ~~~
 Jeff Clearwater
 Village Power Design
 
 Solar Design Consultation for the Commercial Sector
 http://www.villagepower.com
 goso...@villagepower.com
 
 NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ™
 http://www.nabcep.org/
 
 Voice: 831-427-2799
 Fax: 413-825-0703
 245 Dufour St
 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
 ~
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 -- 
 ~~~
 Jeff Clearwater Lernould
 Village Power Design
 
 Solar Design Consultation for the Commercial Sector
 http://www.villagepower.com
 goso...@villagepower.com
 
 NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ™
 http://www.nabcep.org/
 
 Voice: 831-427-2799
 Fax: 413-825-0703
 245 Dufour St
 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
 ~
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