This is true but it's a set and forget application. Once the microinverters are provisioned with the grid profile, tarrif, etc . .. then they are set (~30 seconds). We only change grid profiles to test commissioning of new batteries, etc . . .
Yes my setup is Enphase. They recently started offering generator integration/support with the (~$1300) Enpower Smart Switch including grid-sensing generators that are triggered "on" by the Switch when power goes out. It's a pretty slick MID with it's own Neutral Forming Transformer with a ton of advanced features (like 4 circuit PCS, load shedding, PV shedding, "Power Start" for dynamic surge management, and the generator integration mentioned above). Unfortunately I would need an MPU to get the switch installed - out of budget
Yes my setup is Enphase. They recently started offering generator integration/support with the (~$1300) Enpower Smart Switch including grid-sensing generators that are triggered "on" by the Switch when power goes out. It's a pretty slick MID with it's own Neutral Forming Transformer with a ton of advanced features (like 4 circuit PCS, load shedding, PV shedding, "Power Start" for dynamic surge management, and the generator integration mentioned above). Unfortunately I would need an MPU to get the switch installed - out of budget
I was looking for a workaround without this Switch but looks like there isn't one.
Heck, I’m still a little confused on some specifics..
We can carpool, I'm quitting school and heading up next weekend to start my real learning
Sounds like a control problem that is quite dependent on the relative sizes of the various powers (generator peak power, PV peak power, and peak daytime/nighttime demand) and energy reservoir sizes (average daily PV generation, battery size, and average daily/nightly consumption).
Something we learned about PV on a pergola is that you may want your racking to attach to every timber. If you don't, over time the dead load on some timbers and not on others can cause the loaded ones to warp out of alignment with the unloaded ones. That was an expensive lesson for us.
One thing you should probably look at is the economics. The primary reason for grid tied PV is to offset your electric bill. How often and for how long does the grid go down at your place? What would be the contribution to your bottom line from PV running during those outages? How much would it cost you to build in the capacity for your PV and generator to play nice with each other? Do the math; if outages are infrequent and of short duration it may not be worth it.
Why do you care? It's not like it costs you anything if you export power rather than throttling back your PV. Like I said in my previous response, look at the economics. If it costs you money to stop your PV from exporting power, then why do it? Sometimes sticking it to the man is really sticking it to yourself.
This is true. GoldDigger mentioned something similar "As long as you are not actually losing money by it, net export is better for our enjoyment of our planet. (The planet itself will be fine regardless of what we do to destroy the environment.)"
