I was looking at the MLT Oasis manual, and I saw this section:

 

 

I've always wonder how does this physically work/look? Are there 2 sets of cables connected to the batteries (one set from the inverter/charger and one from the mppt)?

 

-G-

@gallderhen

Inverters usually have the following inputs and outputs:

• 2 AC Inputs
  • One for Grid
  • One for Generator (not sure if all inverters have this)
• 2 AC Outputs
  • One for critical Loads
  • One for non-critical loads (not sure if all inverters have this)
• 1 DC input

The cables from the MPPT and Batteries connect to a single busbar, which then goes from the busbar to the DC input of the inverter. 

The AC inputs are fairly self explanatory, but on a grid tied system it would usually pull AC current from either of the AC Inputs (depending on configuration)
It could also pull power from the DC Input at the same time, and convert it to AC (depending on configuration). This basically means all three inputs can be used to supply your loads with clean AC Power.

If your AC inputs are not giving power your Inverter will only draw power from th DC Input, convert it to AC and usually this is where the non-critical outputs are deprived of power and only the critical loads will receive the DC to AC converted power.

But it varies a lot between inverters, types of inverters and how they are configured. 

Hybrid inverters are more or less like explained above. 
Off-grid inverters usually will only have the one AC input for the genie. (i dont know much about em, it might even not have a AC input source)

Most of the inverters talked about on this forum are usually set up in a hybrid/grid-tied fashion which is typically like i have explained above.
 

 

Edited February 22, 20205 yr by stoic