Hey everyone! I need some help understanding my solar power system. I have a tiny house in Australia, and I bought a solar trailer that has 3600W of solar panels, a 5kW hybrid inverter, and two 5kW BYD batteries. Recently, I had some issues with a faulty inverter, but the supplier replaced it and installed an ATS (automatic transfer switch) to ensure the generator would kick in if the batteries got too low while I'm away for work.
However, the supplier told me that my generator should only power the house, not charge the batteries directly, which doesn't seem right. I thought the generator should automatically charge the batteries when they reach a low state of charge (like 20% SOC) and turn off when they're sufficiently charged (like 80% or 90% SOC). Can someone clarify if this is how it normally works?
4 Answers
While it’s technically possible for the generator to charge the batteries, it's important not to lose energy in the process. If the inverter isn't set up for that, you might be better off using an external charger. But definitely check the inverter’s manual first. Some of those cheaper models can have unexpected limitations!
It sounds like you're getting some conflicting advice! Generally, many inverters, especially the better ones, are set up to allow the generator to both power the house and charge the batteries simultaneously. If your inverter is capable of this, it should be configured correctly. Consider finding a local expert who can take a look and help set it up properly. Don't settle for vague explanations!
Your setup should support the generator charging the batteries as long as the inverter is designed for it. It’s technically feasible and common in off-grid systems to have the ATS manage this process. Just make sure to check the specs of your inverter—it might just need a proper configuration to enable this feature!
There are definitely setups that allow for both charging the batteries and powering the house at the same time. If the inverter supports AC coupling, it should work! You might need to reassess what your inverter can handle.
Thanks for clarifying! I have my fingers crossed that it's just a configuration issue.