Planning New PV Solar Installation, but Need to Consider Future Battery Backup

GOCAT9 on 09/10/2017 - 12:47
Last edited 09/10/2017 - 13:05 by 1 other user

I am trying to plan a PV installation for a friend with a view to adding a commercial battery storage system at a later time when their cost comes down.

Up until now the standard way was to install panels on the roof and connect them to a grid connected inverter which converts the HV DC to 240VAC. Should I consider some type of special inverter if batteries will be added later because don't those need some type of DC to DC inverter. I'm trying to advise buying an inverter which may have to be changed when batteries are added later

Any advice appreciated!

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  ESEMCE on 09/10/2017 - 12:57

  Don't believe there is such a setup..
  You've got the choice of HV DC to Inverter or micro-inverters that convert to 240V AC at the panel.
  Either way you need an inverter to drop the voltage (and waveform if you're going AC-DC) down to a level that can charge a battery.

  Bringing LV DC down from the roof is not viable as the losses are too great (I assume).

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  jzx100 on 09/10/2017 - 16:46

  +1

  Not entirely sure what you are getting at, however, by the sounds of it you want an Inverter that has a piggy back system that allows you to add batteries in the future. Invest in a SMA Inverter (Made in Germany) (pretty much all their range will allow for batteries in the future).

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    McBargainface on 09/10/2017 - 22:17

    Or Fronius! (SMA now only make their 3 phase units in Germany, the rest in China meaning most people will get the Chinese option). However, jzx100 is on the money, either of these brands will be suitable to add an AC coupled battery system in the future.

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    [Deactivated] on 11/10/2017 - 18:46

    Steer clear of single phase sma inverters.

    Fronius are the ones to go for that I know are compatible with a battery backup system.

    I like to keep my AC on at 20 degrees this summer in NSW.