Hilton,
Kevin's comments are well taken. To add a bit:
Magnum are exceptionally easy to set up and program. The user
interface is well designed. A few issues to be aware of from my
experience:
- All of our Magnum-based off grid systems have been single
inverter. At 4 kW, a single inverter may not be enough for that
particular 3hp motor - best to CYA with the customer on the
possible need for a stacked pair.
- Magnum allows a pretty wide voltage dip to accomplish surge
capacity, so when the saw starts, expect lights to flicker. Our CF
bulbs flicker when the refrigerator starts.
Our trial with Apollo a couple of years ago was probably the
single most negative experience with an inverter manufacturer of
my career. Kevin's comment that the most basic programming
required hooking up to a computer is accurate. The computer must
have their proprietary software installed, and the hookup was
necessary even to initiate an equalize charge from an AC source.
We have several warranty replacement and takeout units on a shelf
here, from two installations (including in my own home) where the
equipment was replaced after being unable to get it to work
reliably. Ultimately, Apollo agreed in writing to reimburse us for
the cost to replace their equipment with another brand. They never
came through.
Allan
Allan Sindelar
al...@positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified PV
Installation Professional
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder, Positive Energy, Inc.
A
Certified B CorporationTM
3209
Richards Lane
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112 office 780-2738 cell
www.positiveenergysolar.com
On 10/29/2013 10:32 PM, Kevin Pegg wrote:
Hi Hilton,
My $0.05 worth as off-grid is my
primary domain.
The SW4024 is an excellent inverter,
reliable, robust and if you can find another stack them for
240 and will have no issues with the 3 HP table saw
(assuming batteries can handle that is). I run my whole home
from a 13 year old pair of them.
Magnum makes an excellent, robust, and
reliable off-grid inverter. Available in 120 or 240 without
stack. Stacking Magnums (for more power) is straightforward
and the user interface is very simple and intuitive. There
is some different hardware required for stacking. If a
second SW4024 isn't an option then this is what I would do.
I test installed an Apollo unit last
year. What a frustrating experience that was. It requires a
computer and a RS485 interface to program the most basic
features to make the unit usable. Nice when I was real
remote and without Internet. That alone makes it unappealing
in my books. Seems they are a bit behind the rest of the
crowd. I'd not trust a marketing department claim it will
start that saw unless they can demonstrate it. (with of
course some other loads on the system - having to power down
the house so one can work in the shop is hardly usable).
Outback units are common, though
suffer from weak battery chargers and power quality issues
while under charge so for off-grid that involves any
significant generator charging they are not ideal. They are
complex to program and operate and end users report lots of
frustration.
Kevin
Hello Wrenches,
I have an off-grid client with a 24V system and an old Xantrex
SW4024. He wants 240VAC capability with enough oomph for
sometimes making a cut with his 3 hp table saw without
starting the generator.
I am looking at Apollo, Magnum, and Outback inverters. I'm
most familiar with Outback. I have a couple of installations
out there with stacked 3.6 kW Outbacks.
However, the Apollo marketing promises that their 3.2 kW
inverter will start a 3 hp motor. Will it actually, and is
this a good idea even if it can?
I'd appreciate hearing about your experiences with 240V Apollo
units, stacked Magnums, and stacked Outbacks. I know from
experience that the Outbacks require some hundreds of dollars
of extra fittings and electronics to make a proper stacked
installation. How about Magnum? Any comments on reliability?
Many Thanks,
Hilton
--
Hilton Dier III
Renewable Energy Design
Partner, Solar Gain LLC
453 East Hill Rd.
Middlesex, VT 05602
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