AC Coupling with a Schneider SW2524

CleverJay
CleverJay Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
I have an off-grid system with two 1600W strings going through two Outback FM60s feeding25KWH of 24V EG4 batteries with a Schneider SW 2524 Inverter. I would like to add another 1600W (eventually 3200W) AC coupled string using Homiles microinverters @240V. The Schneider documentation seems to want you to tie the AC coupled string to the Load side of the inverter, this seems counter-intuitive to me. Why can't or shouldn't I add the AC coupled String to the AC input side of the inverter, with a transfer switch for my generator?
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,944 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    You need to read more on how AC coupling works, Schneider docs are right on this. Using the outback cc's is a mistake for ac coupling with a CSW 2524, no way to throttle back out of network fm60's. 

    I think it is foolish to do what you are proposing offgrid. My opinion.  Asking for trouble?
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • CleverJay
    CleverJay Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭
    #3
     Dave Angelini said:


    I think it is foolish to do what you are proposing offgrid. My opinion.  Asking for trouble?
    Despite being foolish, I have proceeded with connecting a 1600W Hoymiles micro inverter string to the load side of the inverter. And it is supplying current to the critical loads. I have read the Conext SW inverter AC coupling documentation The problem I am now running into is that my Conext ComBox is not letting me change the AC coupling setting under advanced features. See this image: 
    Anybody out there that is familiar with the SW2524 and why I can't change this setting?
    TIA
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,944 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Firmware good and latest? Also combox has not had firmware update in 10 years or so. I would try an SCP or Insight which would eliminate the combox as the issue. Might be the CSW2524 also.

    Be very careful of AC coupling offgrid ! It is an easy way to destroy a battery bank if not monitored and
    controlled.
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • t00ls
    t00ls Solar Expert Posts: 261 ✭✭✭
    #5
    most people are trying to get away from AC coupling ....little did they know that their grid tie inverters didnt supply power when the grid went down.....if you are off grid and want to stay off grid, stay away from ac coupling
    since you have an SW from Schneider, why not buy their charge controller so it can communicate with the SW inverter
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