Hi guys

So I have been doing allot of research and currently this is the plan.

1x Mecer 5kw hybrid inverter

6x Canadian 600W panels

And some batteries that I am importing.

(I know somebody that is running a similar setup so at least I known the part should work together)

The shops all have different titles (some sat hybrid others say 2400w pwm controller) and the main Mecer website does not even list the inverter at all

The first place I came across this inverter was https://www.unlimitedsolar.co.za/product/mecer-5kw-hybrid-inverter/

But their price seems steep compared to the other stores

They also have very limited detail so no even sure it is the same as on the other stores like

https://www.quicktech.co.za/collections/loadshedding/products/mecer-5kw-inverter-2400w-pwm-controller 

https://www.comx-computers.co.za/SOL-I-AX-5VP-Mecer-Axpert-V-5kW-Pure-Sine-Wave-Inverter-Buy-p-266544.php

https://www.comx-computers.co.za/SOL-I-AX-5VP-Mecer-Axpert-V-5kW-Pure-Sine-Wave-Inverter-Buy-p-266544.php

Then I came across this stored that says it is discontinued https://www.enway.co.za/axpert-inverter-5kw

Thing is if later I wanted to add another 5kw inverter I read on this forum that it needs to be the same model, if that is true then buying a discontinued product seems like a bad idea.

 

So the inverter is really confusing me.

Person I spoke to says Synsync is overkill and suggested the Mecer.

The fact that it is not even on Mecer site makes me worried.

Are there better 5kw future proof alternatives in the same pricerange?

Also what is a reputable store with competitive prices as unlimited solar seems to be about a third more expensive (if it is even the same thing)

Edited December 25, 20222 yr by lavaland
added link to another store selling same inverter

I'm curious. Any half decent explanation from the guy as to why the Sunsynk is overkill?

These Mecers are clones of Axperts. The word 'hybrid' is used loosely in the advertising. Extremely misleading and by design from the folks pushing it. 

Were I in your position I'd avoid these inverter types like the plague. From experience they are more hassle than they're worth. Certainly more hassle than spending the contextually small difference for a Sunsynk/Deye/Solis/Goodwe. Some inverters are simply set and forget for the most part and then you get the Axperts and their clones which is set and hope and pray it works tomorrow and even when it does you hope and pray it doesn't go pop in the middle of the night for no apparent reason at all. 

 

Come to think of it, I was in your position 😁 Went through an Axpert and a fork of it, Growatt. Both worked flawlessly till it didn't. With zero changes they both shit the bed. They're simply not reliable in my humble opinion.

17 minutes ago, LumexClipsal said:

I'm curious. Any half decent explanation from the guy as to why the Sunsynk is overkill?

These Mecers are clones of Axperts. The word 'hybrid' is used loosely in the advertising. Extremely misleading and by design from the folks pushing it. 

 

Snakeoil salesman thinking they can lure you into buying a cheaper inverter that is as good as a Sunsynk/Deye. 

No matter how much you do research rather talk and accept what people tell that used to have a Mecer/Axpert and upgraded to Synsynk/Deye. Paper is very patient. You can state anything. 

The cheaper option is a hybrid because it can also do AC charging and PV. Never a true hybrid that works in a bi-directional way. 

You get what you pay for. 

Edited December 25, 20222 yr by Scorp007

16 hours ago, LumexClipsal said:

These Mecers are clones of Axperts.

No, they are genuine and made in the Voltronic factory. Clones are made from stolen or reverse engineered plans, the quality is unknown, and support is usually non-existent. Yet to the untrained eye they look the same. It's a crazy world.

1 hour ago, Coulomb said:

No, they are genuine and made in the Voltronic factory. Clones are made from stolen or reverse engineered plans, the quality is unknown, and support is usually non-existent. Yet to the untrained eye they look the same. It's a crazy world.

Interesting. Same applies for Axperts? Out the Voltronic factory?

18 hours ago, LumexClipsal said:

I'm curious. Any half decent explanation from the guy as to why the Sunsynk is overkill?

Because it costs more. Sure, you get more too. 

3 hours ago, LumexClipsal said:

Same applies for Axperts? Out the Voltronic factory?

Yes, "Axpert" is the Voltronic name for their entire off-grid inverter series. Some of the resellers choose to use the "Axpert" name as part of their model name/number. I'm sure a lot of clone manufacturers do too, though.

There are a score of legitimate resellers: MPPSolar, Mecer, RCT, Kodak, Effekta, Voltex...

@LumexClipsal @Scorp007

The Sunsync being overkill comment was not from someone trying to sell me something.

I have a few electrical engineers in the family.

2 years ago they put together 5 full solar system for their homes.

They basically put it like this.

The Sunsync is the Rolls Royce of inverters, unless you want to do very specific things they are overkill and you are better off buying smaller inverter like the mecer and even run 2 in paralel if needed. Then rather spend the extra money on better battery and more panels.

So really did not try to sell anything.

@Scorp007

I see your point about struggeling and that is the last thing I want.

But when I look at threads like this one 

I see people running a cheaper inverter with little to no problems.

That would also mean I can put up allot more panels as R13k is allot better than $30+k and allot less damage if lightning fries it.

 

At this point I am seriously considering the Luxpower  and extra panels

@Scorp007 do you have any bad expriences with the Luxpower?

Edited January 1, 20232 yr by lavaland

1 hour ago, lavaland said:

At this point I am seriously considering the Luxpower  and extra panels

Don't know the Luxpower from personal experience, just looking at the specs in the link above, and noted the battery charge/discharge rate of 66A, and UPS output power of 3600W. The 5000W output is only achievable in the presence of solar input. If this works for you, then that's fine. Just feel personally unsure of it, wondering how many people are buying this as an advertised 5kW inverter for loadshedding backup, when what they are getting is for that intent a 3.6kW unit if you read further.

Totally open to correction if anyone knows it better.

I do understand the line of thinking to opt for a cheaper inverter. Not just financial aspects, just in general, maybe you don't need export capabilities or blending of power, or a BMS, or product support, or maybe a lower expected lifespan or a shorter warranty or a lower UPS power is fine for your application. Best might be to line up the spec sheets of all options against your own needs in some type of decision table.

Edited January 2, 20232 yr by GreenFields

For 3 phase i have noticed the Solis brand units seem to be priced well for the features and outputs available.

 

On 2023/01/02 at 1:27 AM, lavaland said:

@LumexClipsal @Scorp007

The Sunsync being overkill comment was not from someone trying to sell me something.

I have a few electrical engineers in the family.

2 years ago they put together 5 full solar system for their homes.

They basically put it like this.

The Sunsync is the Rolls Royce of inverters, unless you want to do very specific things they are overkill and you are better off buying smaller inverter like the mecer and even run 2 in paralel if needed. Then rather spend the extra money on better battery and more panels.

So really did not try to sell anything.

@Scorp007

I see your point about struggeling and that is the last thing I want.

But when I look at threads like this one 

I see people running a cheaper inverter with little to no problems.

That would also mean I can put up allot more panels as R13k is allot better than $30+k and allot less damage if lightning fries it.

 

At this point I am seriously considering the Luxpower  and extra panels

@Scorp007 do you have any bad expriences with the Luxpower?

I have zero knowledge of the Luxpower. I have also read only specs. My inputs is normally based on the older Axpert and Solis grid tied. I do however think the Sunsynk allows or possible combinations and a control system running on an inverter. If you don't want to fiddle and adjust as conditions dictate then at least get the installer to take time and do the settings that suits the client.