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Posted

As a new member of the forum could somebody clarify whether using a large capacity inverter/charger would (or would not) be a better option than using a hybrid inverter? One would do away with the issue of clones, firmware/software issues and the like. A colleague of mine is using a 5000 W capacity inverter to power some of his larger appliances. The unit will switch to grid power and charge his battery bank (as well as running his appliances) if the PV system can't handle the load - for whatever the reason. Comments would be most welkom. Thanks 

Posted (edited)

I generally advocate for using a smaller hybrid, for these reasons:

1. If you're going to use a Lithium battery, or plan to at some point, the hybrid can regulate discharge current and this has an effect on the warranty of the battery. Many suppliers provide a shorter warranty if the inverter isn't a true hybrid.

2. Losing PV when the batteries are full and a large load starts. If the batteries are already full, but the load is too large for the inverter, it switches fully to the grid, and the PV can't be used at all cause the batteries are full.

3. No-load consumption. Larger inverters have a higher no-load consumption. Many of the more .. ahem... popular models no longer have the small power supply that allows it to power itself from the grid, so this is often taken from the battery at night. A 50W no-load consumption can easily add 500Wh of discharge overnight, and adding that much extra battery costs a few k...

Edited to add...

4. Smaller battery banks reason 1: With the hybrid setup the battery is sized more towards the essential loads and only for 2-4 hours (typical load-shedding slots), while using PV to lower consumption. With the off-grid switcharoo inverter the bank needs to be large enough to carry the larger loads during the day, otherwise it constantly switches back to the grid. See 2 above.

5. Smaller battery bank reason 2: Especially with lead acid banks, small battery banks puts limits on how much PV you safely install, which again influences how large the day-time loads can be, getting back to 2 above...

6. Smaller battery reason 3: Smaller battery banks means you can afford a LiFePO4 bank at a price that is closer to that large lead-acid bank you'd normally need...

The reason you don't go for the hybrid is pretty much just one: Cheaper entry price.

Edited by plonkster

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