Monitoring and Inet control. Am I married to a manufacturer?

Per my other threads, I am compiling a system. Obviously is smart to have monitoring on any system and web based systems make good sense. However, I would like to know if I have to get in bed with the OEM of the inverter unit or if systems can be somewhat universal? In the case of Schneider, must I use their system to see all their data? If I use a different charge controller that is not Schneider, can I still work with it?
I think one that burns me is Outback. Apparently you MUST(?) buy their Mate just to program the inverter? They are purposely making this harder than it should be.
What I basically need and want is a web based system so I can monitor the system on the go and operate AGS functions manually if needed, and possibly shut the system down if ever needed.
I think one that burns me is Outback. Apparently you MUST(?) buy their Mate just to program the inverter? They are purposely making this harder than it should be.
What I basically need and want is a web based system so I can monitor the system on the go and operate AGS functions manually if needed, and possibly shut the system down if ever needed.
Comments
I haven't got around to seeing what can be done with my Outback inverters yet.
Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
As Estragon said you can program with Modbus any of the Schneider or Outback inverters.
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
E-mail [email protected]
|| Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
|| VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A
solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,
Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
I wish a Mate was $200 but looks like well over $400, and I don't even like their interface. I took a tour and like Schneider better. However, since Schneider cannot be bothered on the phone, I am excusing them for an inverter. I liked how Schneider was able to capture and graph transient current events which help see when something is hitting the line. For the most part, the Outback system looks like something a teenager could design.
There is also issue of staying with the same OEM for all equipment. I will need at least 2-3 charge controllers and considering Midnite, but I won't be using their inverters.
What I really want is an interface that I can operate some of the system remotely. If I have a charging issue with a controller and I am 500mi away, I need to shut the controller down. It would be helpful to have other simple inputs like temp sensors, and maybe a couple webcams? that might be pushing it.....lol
What other systems are out there worth considering? Do they void factory warranty?
|| Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
|| VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A
solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,
Regarding the AGS, I absolutely agree!!! The AGS is one area that I want tons of settings and I am designing my own autostart conversion for my Hondas. I am an engine builder and electronics guy by trade so I sort of know what I want regarding start routines.
I seemed to like the Schneider setup on the AGS.
https://forum.solar-electric.com/discussion/353921/new-inverter-xw-pro-new-conext-gateway-with-easy-remote-monitoring-on-conext-insight-2
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
E-mail [email protected]
http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmware.php?firmwareProduct_ID=6
I agree Mate interface is a bit clunky. I only use it for changing genny limits when changing generator charging source. I would never do AGS remotely, so haven't bothered with a DIY version yet.
Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter