HV2600 & ECS cube in parallel?

[Snout71]

I currently have 6kw system with 7 x HV2600 batteries but I need extra battery storage
I need basically another 18kw but was thinking of installing another 6kw system on another roof but using either ECS or EQ batteries (future proofing) but will I be able to link the batteries in parallel or do I have to install batteries of the same type for that to work?

[Dave Foster]

I currently have 6kw system with 7 x HV2600 batteries but I need extra battery storage
I need basically another 18kw but was thinking of installing another 6kw system on another roof but using either ECS or EQ batteries (future proofing) but will I be able to link the batteries in parallel or do I have to install batteries of the same type for that to work?

Sadly you can't link the batteries in parallel, 7 HV2600's is the maximum number supported under Fox warranty.

If your existing inverter is an H1-G2 inverter the inverters can be wired in parallel to work together (the H1-G1 cannot). - You would need to have a similar sized inverter (6kW) and a similar sized battery stack (18kW) as the other inverter to achieve that.

This is a common dilemma for people but the aftersales on the HV2600's is very strong (particularly if they are V1's as they are no longer produced). If you are happy with your inverter size you could move to the EQ4800 batteries which allow up to 9 batteries to be in a single stack (This is unique to the EQ4800 so far), other alternatives would be EP11 where you can have up to 4 batteries but you would need wall space to do that as they have to be mounted against a wall and they weigh nearly 100kg each.

[Snout71]

I’ve been under the assumption that my set up was 6kw, apparently the solar panels are but by the look of these pics I have a H1 5.0 E which I gather isn’t a G2 version
And my batteries look like they’re v1 too

Looks like I’ll have to sell these to upgrade

[Snout71]

[/img]

[Dave Foster]

No it's not a G2 you can tell from the max battery volts (450V) - the G2 is 480V

The batteries I can see are V1 which show as Ver C or DC - if you are going to sell them, put them on eBay and post over on the facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/foxessownersgroup with a link to them I don't think you'll have much trouble moving them on.

You can still add another hybrid inverter but the G1 will try and fight with it so you have to arrange them wired in series i.e. one will power one set of loads, and the other will pickup the rest - you then have to place a second ct clamp on the downstream inverter - it's a lot of wiring unless your consumers are already split which will make it easier - but in all honesty if you need the extra solar inputs you would be better switching to G2 or a KH which can go parallel as well.

[Snout71]

I currently have 6kw system with 7 x HV2600 batteries but I need extra battery storage
I need basically another 18kw but was thinking of installing another 6kw system on another roof but using either ECS or EQ batteries (future proofing) but will I be able to link the batteries in parallel or do I have to install batteries of the same type for that to work?

Sadly you can't link the batteries in parallel, 7 HV2600's is the maximum number supported under Fox warranty.

If your existing inverter is an H1-G2 inverter the inverters can be wired in parallel to work together (the H1-G1 cannot). - You would need to have a similar sized inverter (6kW) and a similar sized battery stack (18kW) as the other inverter to achieve that.

This is a common dilemma for people but the aftersales on the HV2600's is very strong (particularly if they are V1's as they are no longer produced). If you are happy with your inverter size you could move to the EQ4800 batteries which allow up to 9 batteries to be in a single stack (This is unique to the EQ4800 so far), other alternatives would be EP11 where you can have up to 4 batteries but you would need wall space to do that as they have to be mounted against a wall and they weigh nearly 100kg each.

So, if I upgraded the inverter to a g2, then added another g2 of same specification but added 4*EQ4800 batteries (which would take it just over 18kw, a little more than the other array)
Could I then connect the two inverters in parallel and make use of 35.8kw batteries
Or would the batteries need to be identical in both set ups?

[Dave Foster]

Yes that would work, the batteries just have to be similar in total capacity

[Snout71]

That’s great news, thank you. I was hoping there would be a way of upgrading but utilising the current set up without it being wasted money. Being as it’s only two years old. Now I just have to replace the inverter

[Snout71]

Yes that would work, the batteries just have to be similar in total capacity

Just had reply from FoxESS, they’re saying hv2600 v1 version D won’t work with G2?

[Dave Foster]

Oh boy you can’t make it up, the HV V1’s absolutely do work with the G2 inverter - there are hundreds of systems out there with V1’s and mixed V1/V2 packs.

On running in parallel that sounds like a lazy answer - if both inverters have similarly spec’d battery stacks it will work, it will work even if they are slightly different i’ve seen that working on a system in South Africa (also see attached from Will) - It’s possible Fox have changed guidance because of issues in the field - obviously you don’t want to breach warranty but I would definitely get that confirmed in writing.

[Snout71]

I assumed so lol, I didn’t think for a moment that you had advised me incorrectly, but thought i would let you know their reply.
I will go ahead and get it installed (will be after Xmas now) but will let you know how I get on.
Thinking ahead, the two arrays will be about 30m apart, is it best for the 30m cable to be from The solar panels to the inverter, or the inverter to the batteries (I’m assuming the former)

[Dave Foster]

I assumed so lol, I didn’t think for a moment that you had advised me incorrectly, but thought i would let you know their reply.
I will go ahead and get it installed (will be after Xmas now) but will let you know how I get on.
Thinking ahead, the two arrays will be about 30m apart, is it best for the 30m cable to be from The solar panels to the inverter, or the inverter to the batteries (I’m assuming the former)

It’ll be a great project, look forward to hearing how you get on

Yes you’re right run the solar panel dc cabling over the 30metres and keep the inverters AC cabling as short as possible - Fox will also say 3 metres max on the dc battery cable length to maintain warranty.

[Snout71]

If I was to sell the HV2600’s (v1 version D) and the H1.5.0-E inverter
What would a fair price be?
They’re 29 months old and not had much use till a month ago when I switched to octopus go
If I could get £450 per battery and maybe similar for the inverter it would probably pay for the switch to EQ system and g2 inverter

[Dave Foster]

If I was to sell the HV2600’s (v1 version D) and the H1.5.0-E inverter
What would a fair price be?
They’re 29 months old and not had much use till a month ago when I switched to octopus go
If I could get £450 per battery and maybe similar for the inverter it would probably pay for the switch to EQ system and g2 inverter

I think probably around £400 for the inverter, I recently sold a 3.7 for £300 but that was a bit of a bargain for someone.

For the batteries yes I think £450 is a good price, you may want to consider offers if people want multiples - but you cannot buy V1's new anymore so I wouldn't be in a rush to discount them.