Mix brands of inverters?

[vinoman]

I have what I hope is a simple question, but can't find the answer.

I am planning my installation and have some parts already.

I will have two parallel runs of 24V panels (6 panels per each FM60). 200 W panels.

I plan to have two Outback FM60 units, connected to a MATE2, and HUB4.

Problem is I have one inverter already (Xantrex Prosine 2.5, 24V, 2500W) that I wish to use and then add a second inverter, possibly an Outback FX unit, 24V, 2500W to take advantage of the Outback hub.

So, the question: Can I mix brands on inverters? And do they just both feed outpuit into the solar AC output lines directly, no interaction problems?

I think the answer is yes, but I worry about mixing brands like that, don't want to catch on fire, and also don't want to throw out the Xantrex I already have. I realize the smart part of the Outback could not talk with the Xantrex.

[Sunking]

I am not sure about cascading mix brands and have doubts that you can do that.

[Mike90250]

You can hang several charge controllers onto the battery bank

You can power several inverters from the battery bank

You CANNOT connect the AC output of inverters together, unless you like lots of smoke and flames.

Often - someone off grid will have a small inverter powering critical loads 24/7 And their large inverter is in "search" mode, coming on only when needed. But the outputs can never be connected, except if you have a "sync" cable between twin inverters.

[Mike90250]

I plan to have two Outback FM60 units, connected to a MATE2, and HUB4. Problem is I have one inverter already (Xantrex Prosine 2.5, 24V, 2500W) that I wish to use and then add a second inverter, possibly an Outback FX unit, 24V, 2500W to take advantage of the Outback hub.

What is the "advantage" of the outback hub that you see and want to spend $$ on ??

[vinoman]

Outback mate/hub

What is the "advantage" of the outback hub that you see and want to spend $$ on ??

Hi Mike,

Thanks for that info. That all makes sense. I had a nagging sense of doom in my head when thinking about paralleling 120V inverter outputs. So,..... I will have a separate sub(load) panel for each inverter. No problem. As long as 2 inverters on one battery bank works, I am good to go.

About that Outback hub/mate setup. I don't know for sure. Just reading their literature, it seems to do some load balancing (maybe only if I had two Outback inverters). I am not sure how it can regulate the two Outback MPPT charger controllers, other than monitor them for PC output and tracking performance. I like that idea. I am a gadget geek, so I am considering that option. Any other input form Outback users is welcome to enlighten us all. Throwing in that Xantrex inverter (not hubbed) might negate any benefit I could get from it.

It is amazing and frustrating to me to realize that my BS in EE didn't teach me squat about some things. Most of my real/innate knowledge about wiring and electronics came from my dad (electrical contractor) and my junior high school geeky projects I did for fun, not from school. And of, course being shocked by 120V a few times and watching things smoke and burn, helped too.

Thanks
David

[Mike90250]

....
It is amazing and frustrating to me to realize that my BS in EE didn't teach me squat about some things. Most of my real/innate knowledge about wiring and electronics came from my dad (electrical contractor) and my junior high school geeky projects I did for fun, not from school. And of, course being shocked by 120V a few times and watching things smoke and burn, helped too.

The School Of Hard Knocks is a great one !

Don't worry about mixing inverters and chargers, they all work OK together, if they are quality ones. (the ones you mention are)

[Sunking]

It is amazing and frustrating to me to realize that my BS in EE didn't teach me squat about some things.

That is an understatement.

School hardly taught you anything, it just gave you the tools to go out and start the real education of application that takes another 5 years or so to learn the real work and applications.

I have a MSEE, PE licensure, 33 years of experience, and own/operate my own design/build firm and I am still learning.

[russ]

One of my favorite sayings to the guys working for me was, 'The day you don't learn anything is a wasted day'.