Solar Battery and Generator

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I installed a few of those Solaredge/LG systems. The battery backup output is only about 25 amps.

In the picture we're missing either the grid connection or the backup loads connection. I'm going to guess that the small Square-D panel to the left of the inverter is actually the backup panel (mislabeled) and other connections go through the wall. I suppose it's also possible that panel contains the connection to the grid and there are actually no backed up loads.

Either way, this system is very unsuitable for integrating with a generator because it cannot handle whole home backup because the pass-through amps are so small. You're going to have to leave it on the supply-side of the ATS and backup different loads with the generator, I think.
 
jaggedben said:
I installed a few of those Solaredge/LG systems. The battery backup output is only about 25 amps.

In the picture we're missing either the grid connection or the backup loads connection. I'm going to guess that the small Square-D panel to the left of the inverter is actually the backup panel (mislabeled) and other connections go through the wall. I suppose it's also possible that panel contains the connection to the grid and there are actually no backed up loads.

Either way, this system is very unsuitable for integrating with a generator because it cannot handle whole home backup because the pass-through amps are so small. You're going to have to leave it on the supply-side of the ATS and backup different loads with the generator, I think.
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Thank you for your valuable input, much appreciated.


well .. I know now before proceeding that a reputable solar contractor will need to visit this project before I go much further.
 
ggunn said:
I see panels that look like that used for DC combiners all the time, but whatever, "dude". :D
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Now now dude, that’s a 100a homeline 3R 6/12 sub panel.

I think what you might be thinking of is a DC combiner like an Outback FWPV6, although it’s fused.

The only solar ATS ESS that works well with a generator is Enphase’s system controller 2, or you’d need to go to a Solark or Outback Radian. The latter two, while effective, aren’t exactly consumer friendly and easy to use.
 
BackCountry said:
Now now dude, that’s a 100a homeline 3R 6/12 sub panel.

I think what you might be thinking of is a DC combiner like an Outback FWPV6, although it’s fused.

The only solar ATS ESS that works well with a generator is Enphase’s system controller 2, or you’d need to go to a Solark or Outback Radian. The latter two, while effective, aren’t exactly consumer friendly and easy to use.
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You understand that the "dude" business was just a joke between me and jaggedben, right?
 
jaggedben said:
Either way, this system is very unsuitable for integrating with a generator because it cannot handle whole home backup because the pass-through amps are so small. You're going to have to leave it on the supply-side of the ATS and backup different loads with the generator, I think.
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Any Ideas on this concept ..

Solar Panel - Utility Panel Proposed.jpg
 
Two things I don't understand:

1) What is the dashed red/green 100/40 line that goes directly from meter main to backup sub? I think it's either a mistake or at the least confusing what it represents.

2) why undo the spliced circuits and land them back on breakers? Then they are no longer backed up. Or else the note is confusing.
 
Third thing is you can't protect that existing Sq-D panel on a 110A breaker. Downsize to 100 or replace the panel. Oh wait, you can't really do a manual interlock in that panel anyway so I guess you're replacing the panel?
 
The existing Sq D would be replaced with 100/40 manual transfer switch the green red indicates either the solar or generated power back to the main distribution
 
I also don't like that it looks the generator will start when the utility goes out, even if the transfer switch is switched to the solar/battery side.
 
Another C10 said:
Any Ideas on this concept ..

View attachment 2567802
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I’m with @jaggedben ; — something is off.

I think your move here is to replace the backup loads panel with a manual interlock capable, or put an ATS between the inverter and the backup loads panel so it takes over when the battery/inverter drop out. Your results with the latter solution may vary. I’d go manual.
 
Why is the meter main labeled 'Backup Panel'?
How is the utility side feed to the solar inverter isolated from the loads backed up by generator?

The more I look at this, the more I'm just like ... No.
 
jaggedben said:
Why is the meter main labeled 'Backup Panel'?
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Solar Panel - Utility Panel Proposed.jpg
jaggedben said:
How is the utility side feed to the solar inverter isolated from the loads backed up by generator?
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Maybe running the utility feed to the solar inverter through the manual transfer switch instead, My intention of using the manual transfer switch is to only have 1 the solar or 2 the generated feeding the distribution panel at any given time. the normal position of the manual transfer switch would be intended to allow the solar back to the distribution panel when utilities is present although it will take a manual engagement.
 
You can't use the meter main as a distribution panel for both the supply side and the load side of your backup sources. You need a separate backup panel.
 
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