Is there a limit on what the above inverter/charger can handle? So, I have 16 off 400W panels, if ( in the summer) they are generating flat out, can the AC 3.0 handle the output, or will it be throttled by the inverter ?
It's worth noting that my panels each have a microinverter on them, so the AC 3.0 only has to direct the power to the home, rectify to feed the battery and/or send to grid.
Roberto The AC3 has a nominal power handling of 3kw with peak output at 3.6kw according to the data sheet. I have one and it pretty much does what it says on the tin - although be aware that there's efficiency loss both ways. My setup seems to top out ot 2.8kw charging and the same output.
So even if your panels generate at full capacity (6.4kw) and your solar inverter is able to handle this the AC3 will manage less than half of this.
The AC3.0 is AC-coupled, so it is not designed for solar panels. You will need to have a separate inverter to convert the solar DC to mains AC. At that point the GivEnergy AC3.0 can be used to charge batteries, but only at up to 3kW - so the other 3.4kW (if you have full Summer sun) would either be diverted to your house (if it needs power) or diverted to the grid (given away free, unless you have an export tariff!).
I have this set up, expect we have two AC3.0 inverters, each with its own battery (plus a Fronius inverter for the solar panels). This gives us 6kW of charging capability to charge the batteries, and 6kW capability to feed the house (if, for example, the oven is on at the same time as the tumble drier). GE does not encourage this kind of set up, but it does work, if you can live with some of the quirks.
Thanks. I should have said that the panels each have their own microinverter. So what I think you have said, is that the AC 3.0 can charge the battery upto 3Kw, with the rest going to the house or grid at the same time as charging the battery?
I am already considering another battery and inverter/charger. But will see how this first winter goes. If I can get through the next 6 weeks with just one, I'll stay as I am.
Roberto There are issues having multiple inverters. My installer has strongly suggested I hold off adding a second AC3 until a new box called an EMS comes out from Giv Energy. Biggest issue appears to be each battery will charge and discharge the other.... My installer did say some people have 2 inverters without any issues but he has a enough customers with problems to convince me to hold off.
THALL I was trying to work out 2 inverters would work.
I'm only 3 weeks in. 16 panels on two roof spaces 90 degrees apart. Sort of SE and SW facing. 9.5kwhr battery and the AC 3.0.
So far the battery has only failed to get to the 03.00 economy 7 charge once.( last night). But that was due partly to bugger all solar and excessive use of the cooker. So hardly worth forking out thousands for.
If I can have a fully charged battery come 15.30 each day that is plenty. It's weekends at home with no solar that will be the challenge. Right now is the toughest time of year for solar. Last week I managed 16 units generated for a couple of days each.
I'm hoping for double that in summer.
Roberto The SE and SW arrays spread generation across a longer period and reduce your peak generation to approx 4.2kW, rather than the 6.4kW you would have with a single south-facing array. I have a similar setup with SE and SW arrays and a single AC3, I've not felt the need to buy a second AC3. Happy to share generation data if it would help to inform you...
Roberto I currently have 1x AC3 and 1x 8.2 and 1x 9.5kw batteries and would love a second AC3. Basically 1 AC3 with a battery connected to each means I could charge and discharge at 6kw total. At the moment I am on Go Faster 5hr and can get 70% charge into the battery from the grid in that window. But I have over 11kw of panels split East West and I would like to capture more of that quicker too. PLUS adding a grid isolator so I can switch to pure battery power during any kind of prolonged power cut. 6kw would run everything run everything comfortably.
My home is 100% electric now. I have an air source heat pump, ev, no gas at all. So the more juice I can use at the 8p rate the better for me.
stevelewis I've got 11 panels on the SE elevation and 5 on the SW one. Not exactly by design, but hey.
And yes, a less peaky, but longer more flat generation is what I'm hoping for on a clear summers day.
I could get 2 more panels on the SW roof, but where do you stop.
Right now ( apart from an hour last night), the battery has been charged on economy 7 and used instead of peak rate.