We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
Hybrid v AC-Coupled Solar/Battery Inverters ACvDC

Bigmacroxy
Posts: 4 Newbie

Hi All,
I appreciate there are other threads on this topic, but my question is slightly different.
I get the differences between Hybrid and AC-Coupled Inverters and Batteries. But the installer I chose to go with has imposed their own view on what should be done, against the advice and designs from everyone else I got quotes from, and advice from my own family-electricians. This installer wants to install a separate Solar inverter and battery inverter. The reason they state is that because the array is 150 metres from the house (ground mount), the AC inverter must be located outside at the array itself and only AC taken into the house, because of DC voltage drop.
All my family electricians and the other installers say nonsense. Better to have a hybrid inverter in the house as it's one integrated and simple system and take DC direct from the array, but using thicker 8AWG wires in order to minimise voltage drop (2% only, according to the tables).
I will have 20kws of Pylontech batteries in my house.
Please help me with any of your valuable inputs...I don't care so much about the cost, but I want to make sure I have the best, smartest and most efficient installation.
I appreciate there are other threads on this topic, but my question is slightly different.
I get the differences between Hybrid and AC-Coupled Inverters and Batteries. But the installer I chose to go with has imposed their own view on what should be done, against the advice and designs from everyone else I got quotes from, and advice from my own family-electricians. This installer wants to install a separate Solar inverter and battery inverter. The reason they state is that because the array is 150 metres from the house (ground mount), the AC inverter must be located outside at the array itself and only AC taken into the house, because of DC voltage drop.
All my family electricians and the other installers say nonsense. Better to have a hybrid inverter in the house as it's one integrated and simple system and take DC direct from the array, but using thicker 8AWG wires in order to minimise voltage drop (2% only, according to the tables).
I will have 20kws of Pylontech batteries in my house.
Please help me with any of your valuable inputs...I don't care so much about the cost, but I want to make sure I have the best, smartest and most efficient installation.
0
Comments
-
The benefit of AC connected is that you will technically have the benefit of the battery output PLUS the solar, versus the hybrid inverter being limited to whatever its spec is (3.6 or 4kw for example).4.29kWp Solar system, 45/55 South/West split in cloudy rainy Cumbria.1
-
Spies said:The benefit of AC connected is that you will technically have the benefit of the battery output PLUS the solar, versus the hybrid inverter being limited to whatever its spec is (3.6 or 4kw for example).0
-
Bigmacroxy said:Spies said:The benefit of AC connected is that you will technically have the benefit of the battery output PLUS the solar, versus the hybrid inverter being limited to whatever its spec is (3.6 or 4kw for example).4.29kWp Solar system, 45/55 South/West split in cloudy rainy Cumbria.0
-
Bigmacroxy said:The reason they state is that because the array is 150 metres from the house (ground mount), the AC inverter must be located outside at the array itself and only AC taken into the house, because of DC voltage drop.This seems a bit odd but it depends on the configuration of your array.If your array is a single string, the operating voltage of your array could easily be 400VDC or more. That will have a lower loss over a 150-metre cable run than 240VAC will.
N. Hampshire, he/him. Octopus Intelligent Go elec & Tracker gas / Vodafone BB / iD mobile. Ripple Kirk Hill member.
2.72kWp PV facing SSW installed Jan 2012. 11 x 247w panels, 3.6kw inverter. 33MWh generated, long-term average 2.6 Os.Not exactly back from my break, but dipping in and out of the forum.Ofgem cap table, Ofgem cap explainer. Economy 7 cap explainer. Gas vs E7 vs peak elec heating costs, Best kettle!0 -
Spies said:Bigmacroxy said:Spies said:The benefit of AC connected is that you will technically have the benefit of the battery output PLUS the solar, versus the hybrid inverter being limited to whatever its spec is (3.6 or 4kw for example).
Ie. Solar first, then battery, then grid if i need that much extra?
0 -
QrizB said:Bigmacroxy said:The reason they state is that because the array is 150 metres from the house (ground mount), the AC inverter must be located outside at the array itself and only AC taken into the house, because of DC voltage drop.This seems a bit odd but it depends on the configuration of your array.If your array is a single string, the operating voltage of your array could easily be 400VDC or more. That will have a lower loss over a 150-metre cable run than 240VAC will.
There will be two strings of 8 panels, each string with Open Circuit of 420 volts at 11 amps.
I did read from another message board that "you MUST use your highest voltage across your longest run with the thickest wire you can afford".
So I'm still ost as to why this solar company is advocating an inverter underneath the array, bringing back AC which will lose more voltage % compared to the whole.
Should I insist on DC and a hybrid inverter? I don;t want to get another supplier as the wait now is over 9 months.0 -
Mikeyboy01443 said:Spies said:Bigmacroxy said:Spies said:The benefit of AC connected is that you will technically have the benefit of the battery output PLUS the solar, versus the hybrid inverter being limited to whatever its spec is (3.6 or 4kw for example).
Ie. Solar first, then battery, then grid if i need that much extra?4.29kWp Solar system, 45/55 South/West split in cloudy rainy Cumbria.0 -
You could find that with 2 invertors, you'll get the same push back from the DNO as if you had an inverter >3.68kW. That may or may not be an issue depending on where you live.4.3kW PV, 3.6kW inverter. Octopus Agile import, gas Tracker. Zoe. Ripple x 3. Cheshire1
-
70sbudgie said:You could find that with 2 invertors, you'll get the same push back from the DNO as if you had an inverter >3.68kW. That may or may not be an issue depending on where you live.0
-
G100 is export limitation. G98 covers the standard domestic install, but I'm not sure what capacity G99 starts. I thought it was about 7kW, but that doesn't match the 3.68kW that I know is the hassle free limit.4.3kW PV, 3.6kW inverter. Octopus Agile import, gas Tracker. Zoe. Ripple x 3. Cheshire1
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 349.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.7K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.1K Spending & Discounts
- 242.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 619.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.4K Life & Family
- 255.8K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards