Mixed system - Schneider and Midnight Classic or Outback

Riley

Hi Folks – As you see from below, I have a Schneider system (inverter, AGS and charge controller). I am working through my various options for adding more PV power. The problem is that I can only add another 1500watts of PV until I run into current handling issues with my 6AWG PV cable run.

I know that adding a second charge controller would be the easiest way around this problem but adding that second PV run has it’s own issues in terms of routing another PV cable from the roof to my mechanical room (current PV cable was installed during construction phase).

So, I am considering reconfiguring my PV array to run at a high voltage which means getting a new charge controller. I had first thought to use Schneider’s 100/600 controller (although it’s expensive) but the starting PV voltage needs to be very high (230VDC) for it to even run. That high PV starting point makes very poor use of my existing investment in panels and shading issues because of very few strings. In addition, I’m not sure if I can get anything out of the controller on very cloudy overcast days (one issue I am trying to improve on).

So my question – I see a lot of guys running Midnight Classic OR Outback charge controllers which are available in higher voltage variants (250V to 300V). The main drawback in my mind is having different components and thus the SW monitoring solution gets clunky between the 2 different types of gear. So many guys seem to mix gear that it mustn’t be that big a deal. Any advice on a mixed system and alternative high voltage (not too high) charge controllers?

MichaelK

I'm running two Schneider inverter systems, a 48V 6848 and a 24V 4024.  Both have Midnight 200 controllers feeding their battery banks.  The solar for both system is running at 120VDC.  I don't worry about remote monitoring at all.  I prefer sitting in the utility room at sunrise, coffee cup in hand, to watch system parameters.