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**inetdog** · 07-15-2015, 09:39 PM

Hello lost,

Your inverter choice is not unreasonable, at least for a 48V battery bank. The current will be in the 100A range during peak loads, and that is OK for the wiring but a bit much for the battery (>C/4). It should be OK for very short term use. Given both the load and the short sun hours in winter, it might make sense for you to use AGM batteries instead, although that would double the cost and shorten the bank life.

The 40A maximum current to the battery bank from your current panel array choice would not be too much for the batteries.

One way to minimize the need to run the generator in winter would be to throw in more panels, letting the CC keep the charging current from them from going too high the rest of the year.
Also remember the strategy of running the generator in the morning for Bulk and letting what PV there is go to Absorb and Float where the power requirements would be lower and the generator inefficient.

**paulcheung** · 07-15-2015, 11:22 PM

If the daily load in fact only 2.5kwh. It don't make sense to put more panels, the battery bank will give OP 3.5 day before he need to recharge by the generator for 4 hours. The system is a bit over kill for 2.5KWH daily in MHO. But if budget allow it why not. The only concern is the shallow discharge on the battery bank, maybe he can do some heavy load now and then to exercise the battery bank in the summer months.

**lost_in_normalcy** · 07-16-2015, 11:39 AM

Thanks inetdog and Paul.

It is a bit overkill, but when funds allow I want to expand later, seems like buying the right components now is better. If you have any thoughts on optimizing this design without a big cost spike, I would like to hear.

For the panel, I was considering Midnite's e-panel with the bypass breaker kit, but I am confused on how the switch is integrated along with generator support. Any suggestions on that?

**Naptown** · 07-16-2015, 11:45 AM

I believe Schneider makes one that is intended for use with that inverter and will probably integrate easier.

**Mike90250** · 07-17-2015, 02:55 AM

so you have the Conext SW4048, I have the XW6048. I'm not sure what the differences are, the XW has internal transfer switches, 1 for AC1 and 1 for AC2 (Gen input).

The midnight ePanel is a great piece of gear. The epanel has lots of space to install all sorts of breakers and generator bypass stuff.

The inverter will not work the the eu2000, you will have to get a step-up transformer, it needs 240VAC gen input. You will also need a controller box for programming the inverter, I'd suggest the ComBox and interface it with your computer.

**lost_in_normalcy** · 07-17-2015, 04:12 PM

Originally posted by Mike90250 View Post

so you have the Conext SW4048, I have the XW6048. I'm not sure what the differences are, the XW has internal transfer switches, 1 for AC1 and 1 for AC2 (Gen input).

The midnight ePanel is a great piece of gear. The epanel has lots of space to install all sorts of breakers and generator bypass stuff.

The inverter will not work the the eu2000, you will have to get a step-up transformer, it needs 240VAC gen input. You will also need a controller box for programming the inverter, I'd suggest the ComBox and interface it with your computer.

Hi Mike, I haven't bought it yet, just trying to plan out my system so I don't buy gear that I don't need or won't work etc. I think it is the way I want to go...the SW4048, but I could find anything in the SW user manual that requires 240VAC input for the gen...can you please elaborate? Thanks for your help, I need to really dial this in...I don't want an off grid failure!

**Mike90250** · 07-24-2015, 02:41 AM

Originally posted by lost_in_normalcy View Post

Hi Mike, I haven't bought it yet, just trying to plan out my system so I don't buy gear that I don't need or won't work etc. I think it is the way I want to go...the SW4048, but I could find anything in the SW user manual that requires 240VAC input for the gen...can you please elaborate? Thanks for your help, I need to really dial this in...I don't want an off grid failure!

The XW series are are field configurable for either 120V or 240V Factory settings are 240V, which is standard NA Split Phase system. If you have NO 240V loads (well pumps, air compressors, electric stove or dryer or Welder) then you can convert it to 120VAC and be able to use a 120V genset. With mine, I have a step-up transformer, so I can use a 2Kw inverter genset to run all night at low RPM to charge batteries and run loads.

**lost_in_normalcy** · 07-26-2015, 01:48 PM

Originally posted by Mike90250 View Post

The XW series are are field configurable for either 120V or 240V Factory settings are 240V, which is standard NA Split Phase system. If you have NO 240V loads (well pumps, air compressors, electric stove or dryer or Welder) then you can convert it to 120VAC and be able to use a 120V genset. With mine, I have a step-up transformer, so I can use a 2Kw inverter genset to run all night at low RPM to charge batteries and run loads.

Hi Mike, yeah I don't have any 240V loads, so it would be cofigured to 120V. It there any issues with the EU series in general when the conext tries to qualify it...i.e. would I be better off getting a standard small generator instead of an inverter generator to run smaller loads?

**Mike90250** · 07-27-2015, 03:35 PM

No issues with qualifying an inverter generator. Just make sure from your vender. that the model inverter you get,
Has Generator Support
Can be field converted to 120V
I'm basing my comments off the XW I have, the Conext models may vary a bit.

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