Ampster
Renewable Energy Hobbyist
I presume he used circuit breakers from the 200 Amp panel's bus bar to feed those other devices.
Sol-Ark 15K All in One Inverter Released.
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Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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Here is one example. 3R enclosure, fusible, $350
Would need a pair of fuses as well. Note that performance varies; some multi-element fuses blow faster for large overload and hold off modest motor-starting overloads longer.
I used Polaris connectors to fan out from 200A service to multiple loads:
In the event one has current from grid plus current backfed from PV inverters, it is important that current through the connector doesn't exceed ratings (might be good for 400A but check specs), also that any panels being fed are protected. In your case, your panel has its own breaker so is protected. If it was a "main lug" panel, it would not be.
Get connectors with extra ports for future expansion. You may be able to slip a smaller cable through (e.g. 2/0 with insulation fits through), so one port has wire exiting both sides; might connect two 100A inverters that way.
But what over-current protection is required on input to SolArk - is the 200A main fuse sufficient? Or do they need smaller individual protection? I have tap from Polaris to 100A fused disconnect, and inside that I have two 2-pole 60A breakers. Other tap is to 200A main breaker panel.
Are the two SolArk in parallel (relying on resistance to split current evenly), or do they feed separate panels? Mine are parallel, and I've gone out of my way to balance them, plus I'm on to my 3rd model of breaker.
Don't forget surge arrestors for anything facing the grid. I put mine after the 100A disconnect.
There may also be boxes availlable with just a main breaker, but not finding that right now. Mine is main breaker plus meter. Others are main breaker plus branch circuit breakers (so you could have 100A or 125A loads, but not 200A to some other box.)
Would need a pair of fuses as well. Note that performance varies; some multi-element fuses blow faster for large overload and hold off modest motor-starting overloads longer.
I used Polaris connectors to fan out from 200A service to multiple loads:
In the event one has current from grid plus current backfed from PV inverters, it is important that current through the connector doesn't exceed ratings (might be good for 400A but check specs), also that any panels being fed are protected. In your case, your panel has its own breaker so is protected. If it was a "main lug" panel, it would not be.
Get connectors with extra ports for future expansion. You may be able to slip a smaller cable through (e.g. 2/0 with insulation fits through), so one port has wire exiting both sides; might connect two 100A inverters that way.
But what over-current protection is required on input to SolArk - is the 200A main fuse sufficient? Or do they need smaller individual protection? I have tap from Polaris to 100A fused disconnect, and inside that I have two 2-pole 60A breakers. Other tap is to 200A main breaker panel.
Are the two SolArk in parallel (relying on resistance to split current evenly), or do they feed separate panels? Mine are parallel, and I've gone out of my way to balance them, plus I'm on to my 3rd model of breaker.
Don't forget surge arrestors for anything facing the grid. I put mine after the 100A disconnect.
There may also be boxes availlable with just a main breaker, but not finding that right now. Mine is main breaker plus meter. Others are main breaker plus branch circuit breakers (so you could have 100A or 125A loads, but not 200A to some other box.)
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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Not any more.
I started out that way, 70A breaker in 225A load center (200A main breaker) feeding my PV/battery stuff.
But I was fortunate to have an additional 200A breaker in meter panel.
So I did something like a line-side tap, except is has 200A breaker before it. Now I can have 100A to inverters. And I can have grid feeds inverters feeds main panel, if desired, for grid-backup of everything. Eventual plan is 20% DoD load-shed of that panel (garage), 70% DoD load-shed of panel for house.
Ampster
Renewable Energy Hobbyist
I should have known. I did not look to see whose setup he was asking about. Nice explanation.
No battery or solar tied in yet. ....so I'm guessing that this is normal behavior
I just bought this 2 pole 200A breaker from Lowes for $140 delivered (took 2 days) for exactly this purpose. Looks well made and it's outdoor rated if that's required. I'll be installing it to go between my meter and the SA 15k.
cmack
New Member
Quick update on the grid disconnects:
SA support developed a software fix and applied to my machine last night.
I also swapped my CTs last night, as @fromport pointed out from the charts they were on the wrong legs.
Attached are the graphs prior to the update, and the single graph is from today. As you can see there are no voltage differences (so far).
So I wonder, did the software update or the CT swap fix the voltage issues? Was the software update intended to ignore those voltage differences or did it actually correct them somehow? Is there possibly still a loose neutral (or other problem) and this update is masking the issue?
Either way I am quite impressed with the support I received. I am also curious what you all think about the situation.
SA support developed a software fix and applied to my machine last night.
I also swapped my CTs last night, as @fromport pointed out from the charts they were on the wrong legs.
Attached are the graphs prior to the update, and the single graph is from today. As you can see there are no voltage differences (so far).
So I wonder, did the software update or the CT swap fix the voltage issues? Was the software update intended to ignore those voltage differences or did it actually correct them somehow? Is there possibly still a loose neutral (or other problem) and this update is masking the issue?
Either way I am quite impressed with the support I received. I am also curious what you all think about the situation.
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fromport
Solar Addict
The graphs showed when a device pulled 40+ amps on L1, the voltage on L2 dipped a bit. Hence my suggestion.
So unknown devices pulling 40+ amps on either L1 or L2 showed a few volts drop.
But when a 240 load load on both L1 & L2 started with only 2-3 amps, the voltages of L1 & L2 went 10 volts apart, one higher, the other lower.
That does not make sense with anything like a floating neutral ...
cmack
New Member
The house is 20 years old and I've only been here for 1, so it could be an issue that was previously remedied. I am not making any assumptions here, still planning on looking into the melted wires.
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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OK, it is possible the voltage readings were software errors.
Did you ever use a meter and confirm them?
While it is possible someone previously just tightened the screws, not a very professional job to leave visible damage.
I would assume the issue remains, may or may not be severe.
If contact is poor it will vary over time as things heat and cool.
How long a run of wire? I'd rather use copper. However, if it is inaccessible, may not be practical to replace. Normally there is only a short unprotected run from meter outside to breaker inside.
Did you ever use a meter and confirm them?
While it is possible someone previously just tightened the screws, not a very professional job to leave visible damage.
I would assume the issue remains, may or may not be severe.
If contact is poor it will vary over time as things heat and cool.
How long a run of wire? I'd rather use copper. However, if it is inaccessible, may not be practical to replace. Normally there is only a short unprotected run from meter outside to breaker inside.
Balthazar-B
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Yet more testing of the 15K, this time with an array of EG4-LL batteries. No closed-loop capability yet, but sounds like it's been sort of promised.
Includes a bit of an oopsie in how Engineer775 originally set up his own 15K (due to beta documentation).
Includes a bit of an oopsie in how Engineer775 originally set up his own 15K (due to beta documentation).
Subdood
Photon Wrangler
I think that's what happened. He tried to push about 240A through a single pole of the double pole 200A breaker and popped it.
An impressive demonstration though. Would be interested to see if he reviews the EG4 6500 inverters and tests them out.
An impressive demonstration though. Would be interested to see if he reviews the EG4 6500 inverters and tests them out.
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Balthazar-B
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Since he sells them, odds seem pretty good he'd focus on them in a future YouTube video or two...
EG4 6.5kW Off-grid Inverter - Practical Preppers
The EG4 6500 EX-48 is a residential self consumption, multi-functional inverter/ charger, combining the capabilities of an inverter, MPPT solar charger, and a battery charger to offer uninterrupted power support in a single package. $1,249.00 Call us at 864-915-1855 or email us at...
practicalpreppers.com
Subdood
Photon Wrangler
Yeah, probably will see something on them, he had a couple of them on the wall, so I imagine he'll post something soon. I think he said he's supposed to get one of the new EG-4 LL's and will use it as a master battery with the older batts.Since he sells them, odds seem pretty good he'd focus on them in a future YouTube video or two...
EG4 6.5kW Off-grid Inverter - Practical Preppers
The EG4 6500 EX-48 is a residential self consumption, multi-functional inverter/ charger, combining the capabilities of an inverter, MPPT solar charger, and a battery charger to offer uninterrupted power support in a single package. $1,249.00 Call us at 864-915-1855 or email us at...
Since the inverters are UL certified, but not listed, I wonder if he's installed any of them, considering he's a professional installer. He didn't state if he's installed any of either of the EG4 Batteries either, but in his conversation with others, they have.
I think it was worded perhaps confusing to some, my edit in [ ]:
There are two double pole 200A breakers. I believe even though he had cables going to each double pole breaker, only one double pole breaker was in use.
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