Meet the True Hybrid Energy System by OutBack Power, SkyBox. Use with batteries or without. Combines the economic benefits of a grid-tied system with all the independence and self-sufficiency of an off-grid system. SkyBox redefines simplicity, intelligence, flexibility
and control.
SkyBox makes smart solar simple with an advanced technology single-box design, and represents a breakthrough in the field of advanced power conversion, processing and control. The fully integrated design of the SkyBox system eliminates external charge controllers and communication boxes, significantly cutting installation time and cost. Ease-of-installation makes this energy solution ideal for installers interested in following the market’s move towards battery-based systems.
Product Highlights
Simple
Easy and fast to install
Clean balance-of-systems, all in one box
Resilient
Extensive quality and reliability testing, including Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT)
Years of experience manufacturing products for fault intolerant, mission-critical applications
Intelligent
Dynamic power management
Ability to support any new regulations
Adaptable
Backup power and support for time-of-use optimization
Compliant with California rule 21 and Hawaii 14H grid support requirements
IEEE 1547-2018 requires the local communications interface to remain available whenever the DER is operating. This indirectly creates a requirement for the IQ Gateway not to reboot during and following a low voltage ride through event. The IQ Gateway hardware was redesigned to meet this requirement so installers must only choose from the list of supported hardware and be running software versions 7.3.460 or later to be fully compliant.
Immediate Battery Backup Power
Yes
Grid Support (UL 1741 SA)
Yes
Islanding Protection
Yes
Net Metering
Yes
Non-Export
Yes
Maximum Independence
Yes
Configurable Battery Charging Parameters
Yes, to allow/disallow charging from AC for compliance with local regulations.
Prioritized Charging from Renewables
Yes
The SkyBox hybrid grid tie inverter can be used as a grid-tie inverter with or without a battery. When used with a battery it can be used to enhance self-supply of solar energy. This is useful when net-metering, or grid feed is not available, or not advantageous financially. This system uses DC coupling for both the solar and the connection to the battery system for greater overall efficiency. The SkyBox uses any commonly available 48 VDC battery bank, any lead type, flooded, AGM, or gel, and many Lithium batteries. PV input voltage range is 200-600 VDC, allowing longer PV strings. Compliant with California rule 21 and Hawaii 14H grid support requirements.
The system features backup power; grid support; net metering; non-export; and prioritized charging from renewables. These features can use any of the loads in the house, including those on the main service panel, what we call "primary" self-supply.Backup power is available to the loads connected to the backup loads panel, with a quick transfer time of 20ms. Backup power capacity is 5 kW. The inverter has ground fault and arc fault protection built in. CT’s can be installed on the house AC lines for export control.
