Need suggestion for Grid Tie Inverter for Net Metering (24v solar panels to 120v AC) ~3500 Watts

So far, the best deal I can find is the 3500 Watt Outback Power GVFX3524 Inverter. $1780.00
But it has some extras like battery charging. It seems they all do.
Is there something comparable, without the bells and whistles, that is cheaper?
If not, a question I have is;
If the inverter says it can use battery backup to supplement utility power, does that mean, if I know I don't need some of the stored power; can I push that extra back through the inverter and into the grid as generation?
If that's possible, that may interest me and make it worthwhile to go ahead and get the extras.
Thanks in advance.
But it has some extras like battery charging. It seems they all do.
Is there something comparable, without the bells and whistles, that is cheaper?
If not, a question I have is;
If the inverter says it can use battery backup to supplement utility power, does that mean, if I know I don't need some of the stored power; can I push that extra back through the inverter and into the grid as generation?
If that's possible, that may interest me and make it worthwhile to go ahead and get the extras.
Thanks in advance.
Comments
http://www.solar-electric.com/inverters-controllers-accessories/gridtiesolar/sma-sunnyboy-grid-tie-inverters/sma-sunny-boy-standard-inverters.html
It looks like the Sunnyboy's require over 100V DC. My setup is using 24V. It's tougher than I thought to find what I'm looking for.
I have a feeling that what I am looking for is too cheap for manufacturer's to deal with. The bells and whistles make the cost profitable, I guess. Anyone have any information on 24V Grid Tie Inverters?
SMA Sunny Boy SB240 Microinverter For Grid-Tie Solar Systems
has- MPP voltage range / rated input voltage: 23 - 39 VDC / 29.5 VDC
My solar panels are 12V panels in series to make the 24V. Would it possible to use two panels in series with this microinverter?Conext XW6848 with PDP, SCP, 80/600 controller, 60/150 controller and Conext battery monitor
21 SW280 panels on Schletter ground mount
48v Rolls 6CS 27P
http://www.solar-electric.com/inverters-controllers-accessories/inverters/ouin/outback-power-renewable-a-series-inverters/outback-power-vfxr3524a-hybrid-inverter.html
-Bill
Plus, I like the low voltage setup on the roof better. Might not be as efficient, but they aren't long runs; using 8 gauge copper; 24v @ ~ 2.5 amps per string.
Thanks for the input. How many manufacturers are there that are UL listed and for 60Hz?
SMA
Outback
Schneider
Fronius
Magnum
SolarEdge
Solis
Enphase
There are "interesting" reasons that one can mix GT inverters with off grid and/or Hybrid inverters... But for a pure off grid system, it is usually better just to not use the GT inverter unless you have a specific need to address.
For a grid tied home--Then you have the whole question of how much GT to utility power do you want (to turn your meter backwards/save money on your bill) vs some sort of backup power system (storms, etc.) that you want to protect against (how long of outage, how often of outages, genset vs battery backup, etc.).
-Bill
If your power outages are rare (once or twice a year) and short (less than a day), then a backup genset (propane, gasoline, diesel, etc.) fueled genset is going to be more cost efficient.
If you have lots of outages and/or long outages (week or two long or longer), then keeping your battery bank may be worth while.
Part of the question is "how generator adverse" you are (noise, fumes, fuel handling, etc.). Batteries are just a pain in general.
-Bill
I am really rethinking this. It really seems like I should have the array restrung to a higher DC voltage. I'm going to keep looking at GT inverters and keep the OG one I like in the back of my mind. With 14 panels/1.4kw already in place, I may just add the few I need to get to that 200v DC range for going with GT.
Thanks for walking me through the thought process.
You may get about that much if you sell them used into somebody with a smaller off grid system.
For a larger gt system (over 1,400 watts), new panels for a gt inverter is going to be much less headaches, and may cost less too.
-Bill