Hi, I’m in the process of setting up a small Cottage solar system using 2 -295Watt solar panels, MPPT Victron 150/100, 24v 2000 watt inverter and Battery TBD. I want to control the on/off state of the inverter. Can I somehow use the relay on the charge controller to turn on the inverter at sunset and then turn it off at sunrise. I want to use the energy at night only and thereby minimizing the losses (inefficiencies) from the Inverter during the day.
What sort of inverter?
If Victron then the standby current in search mode will be a minimal 3 or 4 watts so not worth worrying about, especially if the sun is out as there will be excess solar power.
Thank you for your input. The inverter is a 2000 watt 24v inverter SineApex apparent a Chinese product. Probably a little over what I need.
Sorry I may have been not accurate in my description of my concern. I think the inverter is 88-90 efficient and apparently if its on all the time it will consume power thereby reducing the operation of my items that I want to operate at night. In addition my solar panel will experience a lot of shade given the trees I have in proximity to panels. Hence the charging time for my battery will be compromised by the efficiency of the inverter.
Therefore I’m trying to switch off the inverter during the day and on at bed time to maximize battery power. I’m hoping to operate 3 ceiling fans and one motion light during nighttime.
I don’t know the inverter but the MPPT relay will switch up to 4amps at 230vac and 35vdc
If the inverter has a switch on the front panel it should be possible (current & voltage limits permitting) to connect the relay in parallel with the switch and control the inverter.
There is day detect on the relay.