Mecer 720w - Adding solar charger

[Fireball]

I have the 720w Mecer (IVR-1200) and am looking to add a few solar panels to it for when power is off during the day.


Has anyone here manged to add a solar charger to their 720w Mecer inverter?


This website says SOLAR NOT AVAILABLE on 720w model.

IVR-1200LBKS Mecer IVR-1200LBKS 1200VA, 720W, 12V DC-AC Inverter | Mecer PC ​

However, the manual suggests it does support it:
https://www.mecerpc.co.za/pdf_downloads/IV/IVR-1200LBKS.pdf

 

[Fireball]

The manual even supplies instructions on connecting solar:

 

[soulie]

you could probably use a seperate charge controller connected to the battery .but would only be able to have one charge circuit connected at a time ie units charger .unplug unit from mains completely ,connect solar charger .amphenol plug to plug in solar panel .but only if the manufacturer can supply a solar module for inside will it be truly plug and play .

 

[DuracellBunny]

Its a separate charge controller thats put into it but it doesnt interface with the inverter at all. So if there is solar available then it will charge the battery, even while AC is charging. I would rather recommend instead of using the PWM controller that is sold separately for Mecer, go get a larger MPPT controller like an Epsolar or any brand and use it to an advantage to charge the batteries up faster. (I dont think the mecer options are available still, not sure thou)

 

[TheChamp]

you could probably use a seperate charge controller connected to the battery .but would only be able to have one charge circuit connected at a time ie units charger .unplug unit from mains completely ,connect solar charger .amphenol plug to plug in solar panel .but only if the manufacturer can supply a solar module for inside will it be truly plug and play .

You can use both AC and solar charging, as long as the combined charging current is still good for your battery.

I have a Sonoff connected on the AC one feeding the inverter and the inverter is set 7.5A, the solar supplies what it can supply, if the weather is good I just disconnect the mains and let it charge through solar.

 

[Fireball]

Its a separate charge controller thats put into it but it doesnt interface with the inverter at all. So if there is solar available then it will charge the battery, even while AC is charging. I would rather recommend instead of using the PWM controller that is sold separately for Mecer, go get a larger MPPT controller like an Epsolar or any brand and use it to an advantage to charge the batteries up faster. (I dont think the mecer options are available still, not sure thou)

That is a shame.
I was hoping it would prioritize solar if available, and then fall back to mains or battery.
Then again, it's not a hybrid inverter, so I suppose the lack of smart charging/switching is to be expected.

I also haven't found any available Mecer charge controllers. R 650 (but out of stock).

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[Fireball]

You can use both AC and solar charging, as long as the combined charging current is still good for your battery.

I have a Sonoff connected on the AC one feeding the inverter and the inverter is set 7.5A, the solar supplies what it a supply, if the weather is good I just disconnect the mains and let it charge through solar.

So does that mean your Sonoff basically acts like a smart switch between AC and solar?

 

[TheChamp]

That is a shame.
I was hoping it would prioritize solar if available, and then fall back to mains or battery.
Then again, it's not a hybrid inverter, so I suppose the lack of smart charging/switching is to be expected.

I also haven't found any available Mecer charge controllers. R 650 (but out of stock).

Search: 236 results found for "Mecer"

A First Technology Group company, trusted by South African's for over 40 years. First Shop is our online computer store for businesses and consumers. Buy laptops for sale, printers, tablets, antivirus, software and so much more. Every Day Low Price Match Guarantee. Online chat available or call...

www.firstshop.co.za

Please don't waste your time and money with that rubbish, get a good controller that has a display for you to see what is happening, there is no charge controller suitable for a particular inverter, charge controllers are universal and can work on any setup.

Look for any good MPPT controller, might just do the right thing and look for one with a lithium option.

 

[Fireball]

Question: Instead of trying to charge the batteries using solar, could I instead use solar to directly power the inverter?

Then, during the day, the inverter would run entirely off solar power, even if there is load shedding, without having to discharge the batteries.

It would then be only during evening load shedding that the inverter would be forced to use the batteries.

 

[TheChamp]

So does that mean your Sonoff basically acts like a smart switch between AC and solar?

Sort of, I still have to physically intervene by switching it on and off, even though I. can do it remotely I would still like something that is smart enough to manage the charging on it's own, ie, continuously test the incoming solar and if current is at some threshold switch of AC, if solar falls below the threshold switch AC back on.

But it works for now.

 

[Fireball]

Please don't waste your time and money with that rubbish, get a good controller that has a display for you to see what is happening, there is no charge controller suitable for a particular inverter, charge controllers are universal and can work on any setup.

Look for any good MPPT controller, might just do the right thing and look for one with a lithium option.

Thanks @TheChamp.

I agree that for the money I may as well just get a proper MPPT controller with Lithium compatibility.

 

[TheChamp]

Question: Instead of trying to charge the batteries using solar, could I instead use solar to directly power the inverter?

Then, during the day, the inverter would run entirely off solar power, even if there is load shedding, without having to discharge the batteries.

It would then be only during evening load shedding that the inverter would be forced to use the batteries.

No, solar voltage and current is unstable, what happens when a cloud passes over?

 

[Fireball]

Sort of, I still have to physically intervene by switching it on and off, even though I. can do it remotely I would still like something that is smart enough to manage the charging on it's own, ie, continuously test the incoming solar and if current is at some threshold switch of AC, if solar falls below the threshold switch AC back on.

But it works for now.

Ah, I see. Thanks for the info!

 

[Fireball]

No, solar voltage and current is unstable, what happens when a cloud passes over?

Fair point.
I hoped a MPPT would make the solar voltage and current stable.
i.e. if solar power dropped below a certain threshold (due to a cloud passing over), the inverter would ideally switch back to mains power.

So, I guess my idea was to "DIY" a hybrid inverter by cobbling together my Mecer with solar panels and a solar charge controller.

Unfortunately not as easy as that it seems.

 

[TheChamp]

Fair point.
I hoped a MPPT would make the solar voltage and current stable.
i.e. if solar power dropped below a certain threshold (due to a cloud passing over), the inverter would ideally switch back to mains power.

So, I guess my idea was to "DIY" a hybrid inverter by cobbling together my Mecer with solar panels and a solar charge controller.

Unfortunately not as easy as that it seems.

What happens when you disconnect the battery while the mains is connected? You can try it but be careful of sparks and do it with no load.

It can work but you will need a much better inverter that can work independent of the battery, yours can't unfortunately.

 

[AlphaJohn]

I have the 720w Mecer (IVR-1200) and am looking to add a few solar panels to it for when power is off during the day.


Has anyone here manged to add a solar charger to their 720w Mecer inverter?


This website says SOLAR NOT AVAILABLE on 720w model.

The original Lobo devices had PWM modules in them but is not in Mecer units:

See:

Voltronic Power Inverter Lobo

voltronicpower.com

You can add a PWM or MPPT directly onto batteries and just use a float higher than the Mecer's that way overriding the bulk charge on Mecer.

I would recommend MPPT's as they are more efficient.

Personally used:

SR-MC2430N10 MPPT CONTROLLER

Srne SR-MC2430N10 MPPT CONTROLLER Solar MPPT Solar Controller 12/24V, 30AMPSolar Controller 12/24V 30AMP Feature PowerCatcher maximum power point tracking technology allows the controller to track the maximum power point of solar panels even in a complex environment. Compared with the...

www.communica.co.za

and

SOLAR BLUETOOTH MODULE SR-BT-1

Srne SOLAR BLUETOOTH MODULE SR-BT-1 Solar Bluetooth Add on Module, for ML Series MPPT Solar Controller.Bluetooth Add on Module Overview BT-1 is a suitable for our company solar controller extend bluetooth communication function of the bluetooth module, cooperate with mobile phone APP can be...

www.communica.co.za

With 2 x 250W 30v panels, for the 24V unit.

Works like a charm.

 

[AlphaJohn]

Fair point.
I hoped a MPPT would make the solar voltage and current stable.
i.e. if solar power dropped below a certain threshold (due to a cloud passing over), the inverter would ideally switch back to mains power.

So, I guess my idea was to "DIY" a hybrid inverter by cobbling together my Mecer with solar panels and a solar charge controller.

Unfortunately not as easy as that it seems.

If you wanna go that route you need to buy a blending inverter, Mecer no good for that.

 

[TheChamp]

The original Lobo devices had PWM modules in them but is not in Mecer units:

See:

Voltronic Power Inverter Lobo

voltronicpower.com

You can add a PWM or MPPT directly onto batteries and just use a float higher than the Mecer's that way overriding the bulk charge on Mecer.

I would recommend MPPT's as they are more efficient.

Personally used:

SR-MC2430N10 MPPT CONTROLLER

Srne SR-MC2430N10 MPPT CONTROLLER Solar MPPT Solar Controller 12/24V, 30AMPSolar Controller 12/24V 30AMP Feature PowerCatcher maximum power point tracking technology allows the controller to track the maximum power point of solar panels even in a complex environment. Compared with the...

www.communica.co.za

and

SOLAR BLUETOOTH MODULE SR-BT-1

Srne SOLAR BLUETOOTH MODULE SR-BT-1 Solar Bluetooth Add on Module, for ML Series MPPT Solar Controller.Bluetooth Add on Module Overview BT-1 is a suitable for our company solar controller extend bluetooth communication function of the bluetooth module, cooperate with mobile phone APP can be...

www.communica.co.za

With 2 x 250W 30v panels, for the 24V unit.

Works like a charm.

What are you able to see on the Bluetooth thingy?

 

[DuracellBunny]

That is a shame.
I was hoping it would prioritize solar if available, and then fall back to mains or battery.
Then again, it's not a hybrid inverter, so I suppose the lack of smart charging/switching is to be expected.

I also haven't found any available Mecer charge controllers. R 650 (but out of stock).

Search: 236 results found for "Mecer"

A First Technology Group company, trusted by South African's for over 40 years. First Shop is our online computer store for businesses and consumers. Buy laptops for sale, printers, tablets, antivirus, software and so much more. Every Day Low Price Match Guarantee. Online chat available or call...

www.firstshop.co.za

Something like this would still do https://www.electromannsa.com/produ...ace-t20-lcd-wholesales?variant=43383935140081

With having it use solar only, yes it would work but it will still dip into the battery to take some amps that it needs, depending on the charge cycle that the MPPT is on.

Having it automated is possible but heck will require alot of additional work and a mix of stuff, relays and so on to actually make it work.

 

[DuracellBunny]

The original Lobo devices had PWM modules in them but is not in Mecer units:

See:

Voltronic Power Inverter Lobo

voltronicpower.com

You can add a PWM or MPPT directly onto batteries and just use a float higher than the Mecer's that way overriding the bulk charge on Mecer.

I would recommend MPPT's as they are more efficient.

Personally used:

SR-MC2430N10 MPPT CONTROLLER

Srne SR-MC2430N10 MPPT CONTROLLER Solar MPPT Solar Controller 12/24V, 30AMPSolar Controller 12/24V 30AMP Feature PowerCatcher maximum power point tracking technology allows the controller to track the maximum power point of solar panels even in a complex environment. Compared with the...

www.communica.co.za

and

SOLAR BLUETOOTH MODULE SR-BT-1

Srne SOLAR BLUETOOTH MODULE SR-BT-1 Solar Bluetooth Add on Module, for ML Series MPPT Solar Controller.Bluetooth Add on Module Overview BT-1 is a suitable for our company solar controller extend bluetooth communication function of the bluetooth module, cooperate with mobile phone APP can be...

www.communica.co.za

With 2 x 250W 30v panels, for the 24V unit.

Works like a charm.

Mecer does that intentionally and have the controllers removed, to be sold separately. Even with the larger inverters also most didnt come with a Parallel card and needed to be purchased separately. Not sure if they are still doing it. Havent sold a Mecer in a while.