Why choose a Hopetrek energy storage system?

The Hopetrek Energy Storage System is a home energy management solution designed for residential users. Its key components include the SL-A Series and TH-A Series hybrid inverters, HB2, HB5, and LB5 Series batteries, and the AIO-SL Series inverter & battery all-in-one. Customers can remotely monitor and operate their Hopetrek systems using the Hope Solar mobile app. The primary benefits of the Hopetrek system are:

Safety: Multiple technologies ensure product reliability and secure your power usage.

Easy-to-install: Its plug-and-play design significantly reduces installation time.

Smart: Control and view your energy usage/storage 24/7 with the Hope Solar APP.

What power bands are available for the TH-A Series?

The TH-A Series is available in eight models: 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 25 KW.

Can two identical TH-A Series inverters be connected in parallel, one with the battery and the other without?

Before connecting two inverters in parallel, they need to be connected to the same number and model of batteries.

Where does excess energy go when the PV array is 130% oversized?

Energy output to AC is 100%, and the battery is charged with energy from 100% to 130%. Any excess is clipped.

When using the three-phase unbalanced output function, is there a power limitation for each phase?

Yes, the maximum output power for each phase is limited to the lesser of 50% of the rated power and 5 kW. The EPS output shares the same limitation.

Is it better to have a lower start voltage?

Yes, a lower start voltage means an earlier startup.

As an installer, what should I do for commissioning?

After installing the system, there are a few steps for commissioning, such as setting up Wi-Fi and configuring the basic settings of the inverter. Once all connections are checked and all switches are turned ON, and when the PV input exceeds the startup voltage, the inverter will enter the checking and operating status. You can then set up the Wi-Fi dongle via the Hope Solar APP to configure the connection to the monitoring platform. Additionally, using the APP or the LCD screen, you can easily configure basic settings, including language, date and time, and the safety code in accordance with your local grid standards, as well as export control if zero injection is required.

How does the hybrid inverter benefit from PV oversizing?

In a hybrid system, if the PV power is higher than the inverter's capacity, the surplus energy is used to charge the battery via DC to DC conversion. For example, with a 10kW TH-A Series hybrid inverter, if the PV input is 13kW, then 10kW can be converted to AC power, and the remaining 3kW will charge the batteries.

Where does excess energy go when PV energy exceeds the needs of the loads and the battery?

If 0 export control is disabled, excess energy will be injected into the grid. If 0 export control is enabled, the inverter will limit the generation power to prevent this.

What models support a generator?

Both the SL-A Series and TH-A Series Hybrid Inverters support a generator.

Why must we use Hopetrek lithium-ion batteries only?

Using our batteries, we can offer an extended warranty of 10 years (an additional 5 years) for the hybrid inverter and battery, providing a more stable system for the customer.

Can we install the Hybrid system outdoors?

Yes, both the Hybrid Inverter and Battery series are equipped with IP65 protection, making them suitable for outdoor installation. Please follow the installation instructions regarding environmental requirements.

How does the inverter distribute PV energy between the grid, loads, and battery?

When PV is greater than loads:

> Self-use mode: 1. Loads 2. Battery 3. Grid

> Feed-in mode: 1. Loads 2. Grid 3. Battery

> Back-up mode: 1. Loads 2. Battery 3. Grid

When PV is less than loads:

> Loads only

What are the key differences between on-grid inverters and off-grid inverters?

The main differences between on-grid and off-grid inverters are in their functionality and the types of power systems they support:

> System Design and Complexity:

On-Grid Inverters: Simpler design and installation, fewer components, no need for battery banks or complex energy management systems. This simplicity often results in lower costs and easier maintenance.

Off-Grid Inverters: More complex, requiring energy storage management, battery charging, and power delivery to loads. They typically need battery banks, charge controllers, and additional monitoring systems, leading to higher installation and maintenance costs.

> System Independence and Autonomy:

On-Grid Inverters: Dependent on the utility grid for power, lacking independence from the grid and subject to utility pricing and outages.

Off-Grid Inverters: Designed for autonomous operation, providing independence from the grid, especially beneficial in remote areas.

> System Scalability:

On-Grid Inverters: Easily expandable by adding more solar panels and inverters.

Off-Grid Inverters: Expansion requires careful planning due to the need to increase battery capacity and possibly more complex control systems.

> Regulatory Considerations:

On-Grid Inverters: Must adhere to local regulations and grid interconnection standards.

Off-Grid Inverters: Subject to electrical safety regulations but offer more design and operation flexibility as they do not interact with the utility grid.

 

Understanding these differences is crucial when planning and implementing solar power systems, allowing individuals or businesses to choose the right system configuration based on their energy goals, independence requirements, regulatory compliance, and budget.

Low Power Generation

Low power generation in solar systems can be caused by various factors such as weather, temperature, shading, inverter issues, panel orientation, and angles. Here's a breakdown:

Weather: Fog, rain, clouds, and overall bad weather can lead to reduced power generation.

Temperature: Extreme high or low temperatures can reduce panel efficiency, thereby lowering power generation.

Shade: It's important to check the site environment for potential shading sources like trees, power poles, water tanks, clothes, bird droppings, and whether front panels are covering back panels. Remember, shading on even one panel can lower the efficiency of the entire system.

Panel Orientation: Ensure that the panels are oriented at the best angle for maximum solar generation, usually highest between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Panels: Connecting different types of solar panels to the same string or MPPT is not advised. A damaged panel can significantly reduce the system’s power output. Replace any broken panels immediately.

Inverter: If the inverter is down, it won't generate power. Regularly check the inverter's working status.

Grid: Fluctuations in grid voltage/frequency can affect power generation. Reliable grid quality is essential for smooth inverter operation. Grid fluctuations and nearby high-power consumption can affect the inverter’s performance and even cause errors.

DC Busbar Voltage is Low

A low PV voltage indicates a low string voltage. This can be due to loose or disconnected DC connectors, insufficient number of PV modules in series, or other issues. To diagnose, set a multimeter to voltage mode, connect the red probe to the positive electrode, and the black probe to the negative electrode. If the readout falls within the normal voltage range and is positive, the PV voltage is likely normal.

Connecting the Inverter to a Computer Directly

Step 1: Connect the inverter to the computer's RS232 port via the inverter’s RS232 port (also used for the WiFi plug). If an RS232 port is not available, use a USB-to-232 converter.

Step 2: Ensure the PIN connection is correct.

Step 3: Set the device address and parity type (no parity check) using the appropriate software.