Help Needed: Choosing the Right 24V Inverter for My Renewable Energy System Upgrade

Apica
Apica Registered Users Posts: 38 ✭✭
edited September 2024 in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1

Hello everyone,

I’m currently planning to upgrade my existing renewable energy system and could use some guidance in selecting the right 24V inverter to ensure the system operates more efficiently. Below is a detailed overview of my current setup and the goals I’m hoping to achieve with the upgrade.

Current System Configuration:

  • Trace DR 1524 MSW 24V Inverter
  • 1 Outback FM80 CC
  • 1 EG4 24V 200AH Lifepower 4 V1 Lifepo4 Battery
  • 8 260W Intenergy Solar Panels -- Total 2080W
  • Midnite E-Panel

The system currently powers approximately 800W of LED lights continuously from 8 AM to 6 PM each day, and it has been running flawlessly. However, my energy needs have increased.

I now need to add:

  • Several ceiling fans and an extractor fan, which will operate daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.
  • A network equipment rack that will run 24/7.

To accommodate this, I’ve recently acquired:

  • 2 additional EG4 24V 200Ah LifePower 4 V1 batteries,
  • Another Outback FM80 charge controller,
  • 8 new solar panels, each rated at 260W, adding a total of 2080W to the system.

I’m looking for recommendations on selecting a 24V inverter in the 3000-4000W range that is compatible with my current and newly added equipment. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!



System A
Victron Multiplus II 48V|3000VA Inverter || 4,980 Watts JA Solar Panels || Outback Flexmax 80, Outback Flexmax 60 || 2 EG4 48V 100AH Lifepower 4 Batteries V1 & V2 || Trimetric 2030 || Raspberry Pi running Venus OS. 

System B
Victron Multiplus II 24V|3000VA Inverter || 4,160 Watts Intenergy Solar Panels. || Outback Flexmax 80A, Midnite Classic 150 || 2 EG4 24V 200AH Lifepower 4 V1 LifePo4 Battery. || Trimetric 2025 || Midnite E-Panel || Raspberry Pi Running Venus OS.
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Comments

  • 706jim
    706jim Solar Expert Posts: 523 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
    I just have to comment because my system is so similar to your existing components.
    My Trace DR1524 is starting its 31st season and still works flawlessly. The FM80 is also a great unit. I'll also comment that I've replaced my 8 Trojan L16's with four Enerwatt AGM batteries (470 A-h) that far outperform the larger bank of FLA's. Something you might consider as you expand your system.
    Island cottage solar system with appriximately 2500 watts of panels, 1kw facing southeast 1.3kw facing southwest 170watt ancient Arco's facing due south. All panels in parallel for a 24 volt system. Trace DR1524 MSW inverter which has performed flawlessly since 1994. Outback Flexmax 80 MPPT charge controller four 467A-h AGM batteries. Insignia 11.5 cubic foot electric fridge 1/4hp GSW piston pump. My 31st year.
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  • Apica
    Apica Registered Users Posts: 38 ✭✭
    #3
    Noted.

    31 Years is truly amazing, my DR1524 has been up and running since 2001 and has been though a few small battery banks including Deka Gel Batteries, Rolls AGM & Now LifePo4.

    My options in choosing a replacement inverter are limited in my region (Jamaica) as most suppliers are now stocking Smart "All in One" type 48V inverters.

    System A
    Victron Multiplus II 48V|3000VA Inverter || 4,980 Watts JA Solar Panels || Outback Flexmax 80, Outback Flexmax 60 || 2 EG4 48V 100AH Lifepower 4 Batteries V1 & V2 || Trimetric 2030 || Raspberry Pi running Venus OS. 

    System B
    Victron Multiplus II 24V|3000VA Inverter || 4,160 Watts Intenergy Solar Panels. || Outback Flexmax 80A, Midnite Classic 150 || 2 EG4 24V 200AH Lifepower 4 V1 LifePo4 Battery. || Trimetric 2025 || Midnite E-Panel || Raspberry Pi Running Venus OS.
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  • Apica
    Apica Registered Users Posts: 38 ✭✭
    #4
    I’ve found two 24V inverters locally: a Schneider 4024 and a Victron MultiPlus II 24V 3000Kva. What advantages might one have over the other that would help me decide?
    System A
    Victron Multiplus II 48V|3000VA Inverter || 4,980 Watts JA Solar Panels || Outback Flexmax 80, Outback Flexmax 60 || 2 EG4 48V 100AH Lifepower 4 Batteries V1 & V2 || Trimetric 2030 || Raspberry Pi running Venus OS. 

    System B
    Victron Multiplus II 24V|3000VA Inverter || 4,160 Watts Intenergy Solar Panels. || Outback Flexmax 80A, Midnite Classic 150 || 2 EG4 24V 200AH Lifepower 4 V1 LifePo4 Battery. || Trimetric 2025 || Midnite E-Panel || Raspberry Pi Running Venus OS.
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