Interactive or multi-mode inverters are capable of operating in on-grid (hybrid) or off-grid modes and can be used to create both AC and DC coupled systems. The Interactive and solar inverter combination is the most common configuration and together form a typical AC coupled solar installation. These high end systems can also be expanded to work with multiple solar inverters or other energy generation systems in different locations to form independent micro-grids. SMA and Selectronic have long been regarded as the leaders in this field, however in the US Outback would be considered number one as they have optimised there Radian series inverters to work with the common split phase homes.
The Solar inverter can be almost any standard unit but it is usually either the same brand or is compatible with the interactive inverter to enable communication between the two inverters to optimise battery charging (this is very important for off-grid installations but not critical for hybrid systems).
The interactive inverter is the heart of the system and acts as a battery inverter/charger and complete energy management system, incorporating clever software to optimise energy use through features such as load shifting and peak-shaving. These inverters supply power to the loads in the same way as an off-grid inverter but also monitor grid connection (import and export power) and can be setup to automatically start and run a back-up gen-set (generator). In addition these inverters are capable of handling very high surge loads and can pass through additional power directly from the grid if the batteries are low or the load is very high. This pass through powercapability has many advantages but in particular it can enable the entire home to be powered through the inverter without the need to separate essential and non-essential loads or circuits.
The following list explains in detail the features and specifications of the various interactive inverters available. Since the solar inverter can be almost any type we will focus only on the interactive inverter. See the full inverter summary list here for easy direct comparison.
SP-Pro From Selectronic
Selectronic based in Melbourne, Australia is one of the largest off-grid/hybrid inverter manufacturers. Selectronic’s interactive inverters provide a basis for efficient, high-end, hybrid and off-grid power systems. Selectronic has teamed up with two european solar inverter manufactures - ABB and Kaco, which manufacture unique solar inverters designed to be used in conjunction with the SP-Pro.
Basic specifications: (5 sizes available)
- Type: Interactive and solar Inverter (AC coupled)
- Use: UPS, self-use and off-grid power
- Solar Array Size (Solar input): n/a
- Sizes available (power output): 3.0kW, 4.5kW, 5.0kW, 7.5kW, 20kW
- Pass through power: 15kW
- Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, lithium-ion (refer to manufacturer)
- Battery System Voltage: 24V, 48V, 120V
Features:
- Very high pass through power capability
- Very high surge power output
- Battery temperature monitoring for longer battery life
- Battery sense monitoring and mid string sensor for accurate battery charging (lead-acid Gel and AGM)
- Powerful software package with remote access
- Generator auto start and monitoring
- Complete battery storage option also available (Australia only)
- AC / DC coupling capability
Note:
- Separate solar inverter or solar DC regulator required
- Full capability when used with Kaco or ABB solar inverters
- Additional generator contactor required if used with dual AC sources.
Price bracket – High
Sunny Island From SMA
SMA Solar Technology is a German solar energy equipment supplier founded in 1981. It is the world's largest manufacturer of solar inverters. SMA is represented in 21 countries on four continents and is renowned for their high quality and service.
Basic specifications: (4 sizes available)
- Type: Interactive Inverter and solar Inverter combo
- Use: UPS, self-use and off-grid power
- Solar Array Size (Solar input): n/a
- Sizes available (power output): 2.3kW, 3.3kW, 4.6kW, 6.0kW
- Pass through power: 11.5kW
- Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, lithium-ion (refer to manufacturer)
- Battery System Voltage: 48V
Features:
- High pass through power capability
- High surge power output
- Battery temperature monitoring for longer battery life
- Battery sense monitoring for accurate battery charging
- Powerful software package with remote access
- Generator auto start and monitoring (optional)
- Dual AC inputs (grid and generator)
- Very good IP54 weather rating
- AC / DC coupling capability
Note:
- Separate solar inverter or solar DC regulator required
- Full capability when used with SMA or compatible solar inverters
- External automatic transfer switch required to enable battery backup.
Price bracket – High
Conext XW & XW+ From Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a well known, large European corporation and a leader in electrical product development and manufacture. Focusing on designing and developing products for the solar power conversion chain.
Basic specifications: (3 sizes available)
- Type: Interactive Inverter and solar Inverter combo
- Use: UPS, self-use and off-grid
- Solar Array Size (Solar input): n/a
- Sizes available XW (power output): 4.0kW, 4.5kW, 6.0kW
- Sizes available XW+ (power output): 5.5kW, 6.8kW
- Pass through power: 14kW
- Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, Lithium-ion (XW+ only)
- Battery System Voltage: 24V & 48V
Features:
- High surge power output
- Very high pass through power capability
- Battery temperature monitoring for longer battery life
- Generator auto start and monitoring (optional)
- Dual AC inputs (grid and generator)
- Programmable software with remote access
- AC / DC coupling capability
Note:
- Separate solar inverter or solar DC regulator required
- Full capability only when used with Schneider solar inverters & regulators
Price bracket – Medium/High
Radian Series By Outback Power Systems
Outback Power Systems is a North American company based in Arlington, WA, and have been producing high quality renewable energy products since 2001. Outback is also an innovative designer and manufacturer of reliable power electronics for renewable energy applications including solar, wind, micro-hydro and battery based energy systems.
Basic specifications: (2 sizes available)
- Type: Interactive Inverter and solar Inverter combo
- Use: UPS, self-use and off-grid
- Solar Array Size (Solar input): n/a
- Sizes available (power output): 4.0kW, 8.0kW
- Pass through power: 3.6kW, 7.2kW
- Compatible Battery types: Lead-acid, Lithium-ion
- Battery System Voltage: 48V
Features:
- Dual AC inputs (Generator & grid)
- Split phase - 120/240V (North America)
- Very high surge power output
- Pass through power capability
- Battery temperature monitoring for longer battery life
- Powerful software package and advanced communications
Note:
- Additional Coupling unit required to enable AC coupling
- Full capability when used with Outback regulators.
- Only available in North, Central and Latin America.
Price bracket – Medium/High
ECOmulti By Victron Energy
Victron Energy founded in 1975 in Almere, Netherlands, has grown to become an international organisation with nearly 1000 different products sold in more than 60 countries. Victron Energy's product range includes battery chargers, sinewave inverters, sinewave inverters-chargers, DC/DC converters, transfer switches, battery monitors, charge controllers and more.
Basic specifications: (1 size available^)
- Type: Interactive Inverter and solar Inverter combo
- Use: self-use, UPS, off-grid
- Solar Array Size (Solar input): 1.8kW-3.2kW
- Sizes available (power output): 2.5kW (^expandable)
- Pass through power: 11.5kW
- Compatible Battery types: Integrated lithium iron phosphate 2.3kWh
- Battery System Voltage: 24V
Features:
- All-in-one unit includes batteries and system management.
- Simple installation
- High pass through power capability
- High surge power capability
- Compact unit
- Additional battery storage available (^expandable)
Note:
- Separate solar inverter required
- Full capability only when used with Victon solar Inverters
Price bracket – Medium
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