Have been looking at the Axpert hybrid inverters, What is the differences between the Mercer Axpert and the Axpert MKS and the MK II? Was looking at either the Axpert MKS 5kVA 48vDC Inverter 80A MPPT or the Axpert MKS II 5K. I wont have batteries to start with and just want to use PV to suppliment my usage, will start with about 5 to 6 350W panels and then grow this to about 10 or 12 panels.

I was looking at the SMA Sunny boys but they are a bit expensive and If I decide to add batteries later, this needs extra equipment, what do you think as I might only get batteries in a good few years time? 

Sorry also wanted to ask, can the Axpert be used as a "grid tie" inverter, so no batteries connected at all, just PV? so I have 1.5kw PV and my house requires 5kw when someone boils the kettle and has the aircon on, does it pull the deficit (3.5Kw) from the grid?

Edited April 4, 20197 yr by Greglsh

In short, Axpert do not have Grid-Tie capabilities, and Axpert need batteries, It will not even come on without batteries.

you will need to look at the infinisolar range, the Axperts are UPS devices with the "added feature" of having a MPPT solar charger built in

Thanks guys, so glad I asked, are the infinisolar range a decent brand? 

With the price difference between the Axpert King and the Infinisolar, it might be a good idea to go for the Axpert King with one 2.4kW battery.

The Axpert MKS is operating like a "switch over" between Solar, Grid and Batteries and is not sharing loads. Should the solar energy not be enough it will switch to the Grid or Batteries. The Axpert King is able to share loads.

Hope it help.

Edited April 4, 20197 yr by Jaco Venter
Add info

7 minutes ago, Greglsh said:

Thanks guys, so glad I asked, are the infinisolar range a decent brand? 

Do some reading up

Have a look at the Goodwe range of inverters (all in one solution keeps things really simple)

Due the title of your post Plonkster and TTT might miss this post but you can also look at Victron equipment. ( High quality kit but not easy for most people to understand how it all fits together)

5 minutes ago, Greglsh said:

Thanks guys, so glad I asked, are the infinisolar range a decent brand? 

There has been reported issues, on this forum, about support, reliability etc.

Read for example Jaco de Jongh's experiences, see his post: https://powerforum.co.za/topic/1408-new-infini-super/page/4/?tab=comments#comment-41286

Also ask @Mike 's  opinion.
 

1 minute ago, Jaws said:

Due the title of your post Plonkster and TTT might miss this post but you can also look at Victron equipment.

Thanks Jaws! Was moments away from "Mark all as read" ... till I saw Infini question.

Having been around for a while here, there was a lot at one stage about Infini's, very pro Infini's, then not so much anymore.

1 hour ago, The Terrible Triplett said:

Jaco de Jongh's experiences

To be fair, that was the Infini Super... which was everything but what it's name suggested. Once you start looking at an Infini you're in the same ballpark as Goodwe or Victron. The infini is a much better product than the Axpert but remains a horse from the same stable. Some people swear by it. Goodwe and Victron is better quality.

2 hours ago, plonkster said:

The infini is a much better product than the Axpert

In my very limited experience with Infinis, they seem to give more trouble than Axperts.

5 hours ago, Greglsh said:

What is the differences between the Mercer Axpert and the Axpert MKS and the MK II?

Mecer (no "r") is a reseller brand, a popular one in South Africa. It will be manufactured in China by Voltronic Power, who manufacture all the genuine Axperts (there are clones, but as far as I know, none are branded Mecer). Support will be from local company Mustek, I believe. So any Mecer inverter will be exactly equivalent to one of the Axperts, but it's a question of which one, since the reseller can vary the model name.

The Axpert MKS is these days a 5 kVA 5 kW inverter with a SCC (MPPT) that has a maximum voltage of 145 V. The Axpert MKS II is the same thing but with a SCC that has a maximum of 450 V. The latter is more convenient for PV wiring, but since it has no insulation monitoring, is less safe and illegal in some areas, like Australia.

Mecer may or may not put their brand on other models, such as the dual or triple MPPT models (Axpert Plus Duo/Tri), the Axpert King with zero transfer and a detachable display, and so on.

@Coulomb another popular rebranded Voltronic in RSA is RTC sold by distributor Rectron,  which is owned by Mustek.  To the best of my knowledge they rebrand genuine Voltronic equipment but it would be wise for buyers to ask for some form of documentary proof. 

Is Full Circle Solar a rebranded Axpert or is it a clone?

 

On 2020/11/04 at 8:33 PM, Shodan 2736 said:

Is Full Circle Solar a rebranded Axpert or is it a clone?

I've always believed the Full Circle inverters to be genuine, not clones.

I have a Full Circle Solar King inverter 5kva and I'm happy with it.