I have a 3500W solar inverter that's set up to work with both my solar panels and a 200Ah battery. The issue is that the grid only supplies power for about 4 hours in the evening, and during that time, the voltage is often too low (around 150v), causing my inverter to disconnect. I'm trying to figure out if there's a way to charge my battery using the grid power while simultaneously using the stored energy from the battery. Is there a method to make my inverter work like a UPS to stabilize this voltage, or any workaround to benefit from this limited power?
3 Answers
It's crazy to think how many places only have a few hours of electricity a day with such poor quality. I wonder why they don't just brown out fewer people to give proper voltage to those who do have power!
Right, it's frustrating how widespread this issue is even today!
It really depends on the specifications of your inverter. Some models allow charging while simultaneously using battery power, but others don’t perform well with low voltage input. I recommend installing a voltage regulator before your inverter to ensure it gets the proper voltage. A relay type will keep it between 200-230 volts, while a servo type can maintain a perfect 230 volts. Just make sure to use appropriately sized wiring since the current will increase!
Do you know any good brands for voltage regulators?
Could you share where to find a reliable one?
If you're looking for efficiency, a dedicated 24V charger that can handle 150V AC would be a great option. Alternatively, an online UPS might work for your needs, or you could consider a voltage regulator as another option.
Would a UPS or voltage regulator manage 100A from unstable voltage?
I believe countries like Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and parts of Ukraine face similar issues. And you're correct, brownouts are essentially when they reduce voltage. Seems like the method is already in play!