Barezzi:
Thanks Pranil, very detailed response.

Incase you have not come across the DIY tesla streamer has done very good job in explaining simple terms use of fuse / breakers etc.

- for fuses see


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFTK6c8iqXI&list=PLID-GiwIm8LO5FVtQgBDXfoWxuExG5yqC&index=5

His other videos are also great for D.I.Y enthusiast hwo have no professional background in electrical Engineering

Both of my inverters have a USB "B" type port. I connect the inverter to my laptop (I have tried 3 laptops) with the USB cable provided(I have tried 3 USB cables), Windows detects and installs the inverter but watchpower software doesn't detect anything.

pranil:


Yes both all type of connections, Serail , USb and even connected to my remote display unit no issues . Can confirm that Zinox also uses it at many locations

Are your inverters serial ( the cable is like network cable at inverter end and DB-9 -9pin Serial )

The you will need a genuine Serial to USB converter - in My experience the prolific PL 2303 chipset works without problems .

See the link

For inverters after 2016 they are both serial and USB - Use the cable that came with inverter

https://www.amazon.com/Trendnet-TU-S9-USB-Serial-Converter/dp/B00BL697VA

pranil:


Unfortunately they do not have open protocol that I am aware . EMONCMS uses JSON calls on the API . Google srecah turned up nothing .
I got fed up with crappy software and shoddy practice of charging extra for remote monitoring by mainly USA based manufacturers like morningstar and extremely to shift to Chinese stuff . I have a ATS from company called powergen - Costs 73 USD only but comes with full windows software and remote monitoring. Anything close to that from established brands is upwards of 500 USD.

@Pranil

Thanks for your response. Still doing the research sha. The Outback/Fangpusun guys just want you to drop money for almost everything before you can view your device locally not to talk of online. Imagine getting a mate 3 for $400+ just to connect or WattPlot. Haba. No qualms sha. I am working on what a guy did online and am almost through. Am at the stage of integrating it with Grafana + Postgres or MySQL which uses a time series database to make lovely graphs. Don't know if somebody have achieved this on this forum before. Well, we will get there.

babaegun:


@Pranil

Thanks for your response. Still doing the research sha. The Outback/Fangpusun guys just want you to drop money for almost everything before you can view your device locally not to talk of online. Imagine getting a mate 3 for $400+ just to connect or WattPlot. Haba. No qualms sha. I am working on what a guy did online and am almost through. Am at the stage of integrating it with Grafana + Postgres or MySQL which uses a time series database to make lovely graphs. Don't know if somebody have achieved this on this forum before. Well, we will get there.

EMONCMS actually uses MYSQL database with PhP engine and apache webserver . The the api calls are all json . and you can qury the the Data using MQTT

dejidotun2000:
Both of my inverters have a USB "B" type port. I connect the inverter to my laptop (I have tried 3 laptops) with the USB cable provided(I have tried 3 USB cables), Windows detects and installs the inverter but watchpower software doesn't detect anything.

Downlaod watchpowe4 1.10 and service pack 1 - Service pack 1 ( optional user manual also if you want )

http://www.mppsolar.com/manual/Watchpower%20(off-grid)/

After connecting cable open watchpower in admin mode ( shift + right click) Let it idle for 1-2 minutes to find the inverter . The inverters should pop on the left hand side denoted by USB xxxxx serial no.

go with 3 x 3 configuration. 4 x 2 would be cutting it close to the upper limit....risky

mcTrinity:
please gurus.....

panel specs
250w poly (Sunshine solar)
Vmp- 29.5v
Imp- 8.47A
Voc- 35.5v

CC specs
Epever eTracer 60A Auto voltage (150v max)

currently, 8 of those panels are connected in 4x2 configuration on a 3.5kva/48v inverter with 400ah battery bank capacity

is the configuration safe for the CC?? or should I ask the client to get one more panel and do 3x3 configuration?

I've recorded 134v on the CC around 8am
thanks guys

pranil:

EMONCMS actually uses MYSQL database with PhP engine and apache webserver . The the api calls are all json . and you can qury the the Data using MQTT

@Pranil
Can I get your phone? Will like to call you tomorrow. You can send it to me...

Thanks.

DMerciful:
go with 3 x 3 configuration. 4 x 2 would be cutting it close to the upper limit....risky

Thanks bro... once a prof, always a prof

pranil:


Downlaod watchpowe4 1.10 and service pack 1 - Service pack 1 ( optional user manual also if you want )

http://www.mppsolar.com/manual/Watchpower%20(off-grid)/

After connecting cable open watchpower in admin mode ( shift + right click) Let it idle for 1-2 minutes to find the inverter . The inverters should pop on the left hand side denoted by USB xxxxx serial no.

@Pranil Please help with a method or working device as to how i can remotely monitor(read and write) inverters.
Its a personal project am working on, ill be very grateful if you can help me out.
u can also contact at adarighofuaemmanuel@gmail.com or drop ur mail.

Thanks.

pranil:


Downlaod watchpowe4 1.10 and service pack 1 - Service pack 1 ( optional user manual also if you want )

http://www.mppsolar.com/manual/Watchpower%20(off-grid)/

After connecting cable open watchpower in admin mode ( shift + right click) Let it idle for 1-2 minutes to find the inverter . The inverters should pop on the left hand side denoted by USB xxxxx serial no.

You can as well help with the links and videos/tutorials to your rasberry pie setup.


Thanks.

pranil:


Unfortunately they do not have open protocol that I am aware . EMONCMS uses JSON calls on the API . Google srecah turned up nothing .

I got fed up with crappy software and shoddy practice of charging extra for remote monitoring by mainly USA based manufacturers like morningstar and extremely to shift to Chinese stuff . I have a ATS from company called powergen - Costs 73 USD only but comes with full windows software and remote monitoring. Anything close to that from established brands is upwards of 500 USD.

This is where victron energy products (and by extension their clones) completely got me sold. In an industry where the norm is for companies to be closed and resort to proprietary protocols. Victron energy is an exception. Every single one of their devices communicate via open standard protocols. The bluesolar MPPT charger, Inverter and battery monitor (BMV) all spew out plain text every second. The can be captured via any ttl/serial com port tool like Putty that can read data stream. There also send and can receive hex commands which can also be handled by Putty.

As if this is not enough this guys went further to create a detailed white paper with FAQ outlining in depth the technical specifications and information on the Victron VE. Direct Data communication protocols. They also have a github where they have committed and open sourced some of their projects. An example is their own version of Outback Mate 3 which they call color control GX. These device is like a hub / status display / remote control and monitoring / connection and integration hub of victron devices like Inverters, MPPT controllers, Battery monitors on steroids. The device cost about $400 a pop. But victron did something unprecedented in the solar industry and completely opened sourced it. They created a Linux Distribution based on debian called Venus and can be installed on the raspberry Pi. Venus allows your 30 dollars raspberry pi to do every thing that can be done from the $400 CCGX. The Venus software is completely free and well maintained and come with detailed guide on how to configure and install. With the Venus and Rbp I can have a system which can be connected to Victron Remote Monitoring Portal (VRM) and allow me to monitor and control my system from any where in the world all for $30.

Add this to their excellent and truly cross platform victronconnect and they is no solar company come close to integrating the best of ICT to energy generation.

bigrovar:


This is where victron energy products (and by extension their clones) completely got me sold. In an industry where the norm is for companies to be closed and resort to proprietary protocols. Victron energy is an exception. Every single one of their devices communicate via open standard protocols. The bluesolar MPPT charger, Inverter and battery monitor (BMV) all spew out plain text every second. The can be captured via any ttl/serial com port tool like Putty that can read data stream. There also send and can receive hex commands which can also be handled by Putty.

As if this is not enough this guys went further to create a detailed white paper with FAQ outlining in depth the technical specifications and information on the Victron VE. Direct Data communication protocols. They also have a github where they have committed and open sourced some of their projects. An example is their own version of Outback Mate 3 which they call color control GX. These device is like a hub / status display / remote control and monitoring / connection and integration hub of victron devices like Inverters, MPPT controllers, Battery monitors on steroids. The device cost about $400 a pop. But victron did something unprecedented in the solar industry and completely opened sourced it. They created a Linux Distribution based on debian called Venus and can be installed on the raspberry Pi. Venus allows your 30 dollars raspberry pi to do every thing that can be done from the $400 CCGX. The Venus software is completely free and well maintained and come with detailed guide on how to configure and install. With the Venus and Rbp I can have a system which can be connected to Victron Remote Monitoring Portal (VRM) and allow me to monitor and control my system from any where in the world all for $30.

Add this to their excellent and truly cross platform victronconnect and they is no solar company come close to integrating the best of ICT to energy generation.

@Bigbrovar
Can you Imagine all those features by Victron? Maybe Outback was rolled out when the internet was still unavailable. I bet you, they will find it difficult now that we have Internet of Things except for people who are not keen about it. They need to change else they will be left behind. They need to learn from Blackberry, Xerox, Blockbuster, Polaroid who lost the battle to Android/IOS, HP, Netflix, Digital Camera's etc.

I don't even want to think about it again self. They need to give more value to their customers in this digital age.

bigrovar:


This is where victron energy products (and by extension their clones) completely got me sold. In an industry where the norm is for companies to be closed and resort to proprietary protocols. Victron energy is an exception. Every single one of their devices communicate via open standard protocols. The bluesolar MPPT charger, Inverter and battery monitor (BMV) all spew out plain text every second. The can be captured via any ttl/serial com port tool like Putty that can read data stream. There also send and can receive hex commands which can also be handled by Putty.

As if this is not enough this guys went further to create a detailed white paper with FAQ outlining in depth the technical specifications and information on the Victron VE. Direct Data communication protocols. They also have a github where they have committed and open sourced some of their projects. An example is their own version of Outback Mate 3 which they call color control GX. These device is like a hub / status display / remote control and monitoring / connection and integration hub of victron devices like Inverters, MPPT controllers, Battery monitors on steroids. The device cost about $400 a pop. But victron did something unprecedented in the solar industry and completely opened sourced it. They created a Linux Distribution based on debian called Venus and can be installed on the raspberry Pi. Venus allows your 30 dollars raspberry pi to do every thing that can be done from the $400 CCGX. The Venus software is completely free and well maintained and come with detailed guide on how to configure and install. With the Venus and Rbp I can have a system which can be connected to Victron Remote Monitoring Portal (VRM) and allow me to monitor and control my system from any where in the world all for $30.

Add this to their excellent and truly cross platform victronconnect and they is no solar company come close to integrating the best of ICT to energy generation.

I fully Agree - they are miles ahead than others - In fact I am contemplating changing the chaage controller duty to Bluesolar 150/85 for my main bank with the eventual aim of changing to pheonixc inveter ( waiting for Ve-direct support)

I did not know Venus could replace CCGX - Cant wait to give it a go

You failed to mention their excellent user support . In my quest for 48 V 3 Phase battery chargers I had a chance to talk to them extensively. The guys know their stuff very well. Even the articles on the site are very clear and tailored for DIY users


wbr

Anil

Thanks for your effort. It didn't solve the problem though.

pranil:


Downlaod watchpowe4 1.10 and service pack 1 - Service pack 1 ( optional user manual also if you want )

http://www.mppsolar.com/manual/Watchpower%20(off-grid)/

After connecting cable open watchpower in admin mode ( shift + right click) Let it idle for 1-2 minutes to find the inverter . The inverters should pop on the left hand side denoted by USB xxxxx serial no.

We have been working on these batteries for over 10 days. Did we save them. Watch the final video of the we don enter one chance series

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCCR_MlEDUw

Please share your contact details or contact me on 0 8 0 5 5 4 4 1 6 0 8. I am interested in your epsolar 3210.

bigrovar:



Add this to their excellent and truly cross platform victronconnect and they is no solar company come close to integrating the best of ICT to energy generation.

emmaniche:

@Pranil Please help with a method or working device as to how i can remotely monitor(read and write) inverters.
Its a personal project am working on, ill be very grateful if you can help me out.
u can also contact at adarighofuaemmanuel@gmail.com or drop ur mail.

Thanks.

You did not say which inverter , I am familiar with Morningstar , Victron and Voltronix . Some manufactuerers keep the code proprietary

pranil:


I have used Prag , Sukam, Mpower etc at sometime of other and also familiar with Hight end units like SMA , Schinder etc.

Unless netmetering becomes legal in Nigeria it does not make sense to spend r times the money on AC coupled system with attend losss of efficiency


I am basically running the two inverters full time in DC mode with the Third inverter and solar keeping the battries topped up. via NEPA or 7.5 KVA DG .


The way it is setip is the load is divided in following priority - if one is not sufficient the next source is used to make upo the shortfall Solar , NEPA , Gen, Battery


Apart from the High end systems ( mainly german) I have not come across any budget inverters which give you power sharing options .

In the price of one Conext XW 6848 I can buy 6 to 7 units of Axpert with paralleling , remote monitoring and have cash to spare

Now if NEPA becomes 65 Naira per unit and you decide to go completely offgrid with the whole house including conditioning , pumping , water heaters etc. or DISCO's allow you sell excess Solar then it is different story

prag,sukam,mpower inverter, which one is the best & rugged?

Hello!is this OK?can I buy it?

And between 200ah luminous battery and mercury. Which is better?

Yes!

Jummymine:
Hello!is this OK?can I buy it?

Hello house, pls where can I get kill a watt meter?

Thanks

ola28:
Hello house, pls where can I get kill a watt meter?

Thanks

you can contact either juo or kiekie. i'm sure they will gladly help you out

all,
in continuation of my system upgrade activities, i was able to secure a number of 315w solarworld
panels which were installed about two weekends ago.
recall that i gave out my old 200w suntech panels recently. this was to make way for higher wattage
panels which in my calculations will give me better performance while occupying less space.

thanks to kiekie for the speedy delivery. all through our discussions, i saw consistency, depth of
knowledge and attention to details. even when i almost made up my mind to go elsewhere, his
tenacity and business like approach to things pulled me back in. and in the end, i'm one more happy
customer adding to his resume of successful deals.

keep it up brother!

testing the voc

now the real work begins: thanks to zeestone solar for help with the roof installation.
i decided to go with professional rooftop solar racks this time - a clear departure from
my former diy solar brackets made of iron which i found to have started rusting badly
after just 5/6 years on the roof

battle ready and set up for roof work

checking the panels. make sure there is no mistakes on the ground

zeestone solar on the roof. making measurements. calculating...

panel laying: zeestone solar at work

delicate work, transferring panels from ground to rooftop

south side completed