Running the RPS200/400/800 with Alternatives to Solar using a Converter

It may sound contradictory for a solar company to offer alternatives to DC power but we know the sun isn't shining at all times! For those dark times, we offer back-up through our converter, which can be found on our website here. This converter allows the following systems to be run off AC power, such as a generator or the grid.  The converter requires 110v, it is not compatible with 220v.  The minimum wattage needed for a generator is 1800w for systems bigger than the RPS200. For the RPS200, a 500w generator is the minimum required. The converter can be used on the following systems:

-RPS200/RPS200N

-RPS400/RPS400N/RPS400V

-RPS600

-RPS800/RPS800N/RPS800V

-F400

-T400

-T800

You have two options when it comes to the converters we have in stock. There's the stand alone converter which looks like this: 

On the back end, there's the connection for AC power.  On the other side, there's two wires, each with its own MC4 connector, which would plug into the pair of solar leads coming out of the RPS controller. It would essentially be replacing the panels as the power source. This would need to be done every time you want to switch from using the solar panels to ac power. Keep in mind this converter is not weather proof so it does need protection from the elements.

The other option is an automatic switching converter which looks like this:  

The converter and a auto-switching component are placed in a cabinet which we send out, as shown above. The dimensions of the cabinet are 20 inches x 16 inches x 6 inches. This cabinet is also not weather proof so it does need protection from the elements. For this unit, the solar wire and ac power source connect into the cabinet. Solar wire coming out of the cabinet connects to your RPS controller. From installation, the unit will prioritize solar as the power source for the pump but once that voltage gets too low, it will automatically switch to the ac power source, provided that the ac power source is running already. This auto-switching unit is about $100 more than the converter by itself.

Keep in mind we also sell the auto-switching component by itself so if you want to start with just a converter, you can always purchase the auto-switching aspect later. 

In most cases, the toggle switch will be left on Solar Mode when using either model. However, if you have batteries, you will leave the toggle switch in Battery Mode!

With each of these options, there is a 36v producing one and a 72v producing one - the 36v will work for a 2 panel system such as the RPS200. Any other systems - RPS400, RPS600, or RPS800 - will require the 72v one.