DC Coupled Retrofit Hack

Add battery backup to your existing solar panel system. Keeps power flowing when the electric grid is off without changing your PV array configuration…

If you’re like most of our customers you purchased a grid-tie solar panel system.”Let the utility company pay for your system with money you are already paying for your power bill”. Plus, “get Federal tax credits to help pay for your system”. That’s true...

Most people mistakenly believe “going solar” and generating your own electricity from the sun means you’ll have power even when the utility grid is down or turned off. That is not true.

The problem is, most people don’t realize until it’s too late that you only have power as long as the grid is operating. When the utility company pulls the plug the power stops flowing…

That’s why Advanced Solar Power Systems was created – to fill the vacuum left by the solar industry in their rush to sell systems.

Our aim is to fill that vacuum of unmet needs and unfulfilled expectations by providing a solution that helps unhappy solar panel owners get what they thought they were getting when they bought their solar power system – Power for their home regardless of the utility grid.

So, What is DC Coupling?

Basically, DC Coupling is retrofitting a grid-tie solar power system to include battery back-up without changing the existing PV solar panel array configuration.

During a power outage you simply switch your grid-tie inverter system to the added-in battery back-up solution. Now, you’ll have power when the grid is down for any reason. Plus, you can start with a small battery bank for your most critical loads then add more batteries and inverter capacity in the future. Now, you are truly generating your own power, like an off grid system.

Two other options that provide power for a grid-tie system when the grid is down are: 1) AC Coupling which is fairly complex, and much more costly than DC Coupling and 2) A generator which requires a fuel source, is noisy, needs maintenance, periodic cycling and it’s not environmentally friendly –it pollutes.

Recommended Retrofit System

This system is specifically designed to retrofit grid-tie systems so you can have power when the grid is down for any reason.

Morningstar
TriStar MPPT 600V Charge Controller, Transfer Switch, GFPD

This version of Morningstar’s TriStar 600V MPPT Solar Charge Controller comes pre-wired with a Ground-Fault Protection Device (GFPD), for the ultimate safety. This feature is used in electrical systems to prevent current from following any unintended paths. It is critical to detect any stray current, and to interrupt (break) the circuit until safe operation can be restored. Any current imbalance between the (+) and (-) conductors of a circuit indicates a ground-fault. Morningstar’s GFPD-600V will detect this condition, and break the circuit on both the (+) and (-) legs, ensuring interruption. As with the TR model, this charge controller is available with a DC Transfer Switch. This feature is ideal for systems that were just set up as grid-tied. Now, during a power outage, you are able to switch from the grid-tie inverter that is in your system, to a battery back-up solution. Easy- you just turn the switch!

FEATURES:

• Maximizes energy harvest with recognition of multiple power points during shading or mixed PV arrays
• Can accept up to 2 strings per controller – up 3.2kW of solar. NOTE: The system CAN accept oversized PV arrays (ie. up to 7kW) without harm to the controller
• Wide array input operating voltage range (100-525 V)
• Maximum 60A continuous battery current
• Supports nominal 48 Vdc batteries (custom programmable to 24V, 36V, 60V)
• Parallel operation of multiple controllers from a single source input
• Accepts power from oversized PV arrays without damaging the controller
• Passively cooled for high reliability
• Remote Temperature Sensor included
• Enables system monitoring, data logging, and adjustability, through ethernet connection, and utilizes standard MODBUS protocol and Morningstar’s MS View software
• Facilitates simple and cost-effective design (including savings on wiring and labor costs)
• Advanced 4-stage charging algorithm optimizes battery health
• Enables use of existing high voltage PV or small wind turbines for battery charging
• Ease of installation – battery breakers are included for easy connection to battery terminals or E-Panel battery busbar
• Compatible with all Inverter/Chargers, E-Panels, and battery technologies

Schneider Electric
Conext SW 4048 Inverter/Charger

The new Schneider Electric Context SW 4048 Grid Tie inverter has been designed to offer improved reliability as well as a low installed cost through ease of installation and integrated features. The Conext SW is a pure sine wave, inverter/charger system with switchable 50/60 Hz functionality. This unit is available in 120/240 VAC, but there is also a 230 VAC model available.

FEATURES:

• Configures quickly into compact wall mounted system
• True Sine Wave output
• Generator support for larger loads
• Compatible with FLA, Gel, AGM, Custom batteries
• Supports AC coupled and DC coupled off-grid and grid-tie architectures
• Intelligent functionality enables self consumption with solar prioritization, peak shaving and, assisting small generators with heavy loads
• All models stackable and support both 50 Hz and 60 Hz output
• Remote monitoring and configuration with the Conext ComBox

Midnite Solar
Schneider Conext SW E-Panel

The MNE175SW E-Panel is designed for use with a single Schneider Electric SW inverter/charger. The SW inverter is mounted directly to the right of the E-Panel. It comes installed with a 175A breaker for the SW4048 Inverter.

FEATURES:

• 175A Inverter/Battery breaker
• Knockouts for up to (6) din rail mount AC or DC breakers
• (4) panel mount breakers or DC-GFP80 breakers
• Massive tin plated copper bus bars directly connect to the SW’s battery terminals
• Bus bars for AC inputs, AC output, neutral, ground, PV + in, PV- in, Bat +, Bat-
• 500 amp shunt
• Location to mount 2 charge controllers to the top with corresponding knockouts

KiloVault
PLC 2100 Advanced AGM Battery

The 2100 PLC is a pure lead carbon sealed AGM deep cycle solar battery, for cycling applications.  KiloVault 2100 PLC is a cost-effective, maintenance-free battery that offers superior performance in Partial State Of Charge (PSoC) applications, combining pure lead and advanced carbon technology for extended battery life and rapid charging.  The batteries are designed for residential or light commercial off-grid, backup, or self-consumption applications.

FEATURES:

• Maximized Cycle Life – Affordable high performance with 3000 Cycles @ 50% depth of discharge
• Partial State of Charge Applications – Pure lead + carbon = greater cycle life in both PSoC and non-PSoC off-grid operations
• Super-Fast Charging – High charge rates allow the 2100 PLC to go from 50% up to 90% state of charge in under an hour

This DC Coupled system above includes the basics that you’ll need to retrofit your solar system. You may want to add some of the items below to your order.

Advanced Solar Power System’s Package Price $6985.65
List Price $8664.27 Add to cart

Call today to place your order or to discuss your solar power system needs in detail…
1-800-228-8800