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I selected the 15k Sol-ark to allow direct feedthrough of my 200A main metered service. So the Grid feed enters the Sol-ark line input, the exits the Sol-Ark load directly to the 200A breaker on top of my one and only main panel. The entire home is running off that feed, so yes the Sol-ark has an AC load in place. The other very odd behavior is that the main panel on the front of the Sol-ark says OFF, even though it is lit up, and the power button on the left hand side of the unit is on and glowing. Reset (main power off for 1 minute then back on doesn't change this OFF ) So I am glad we have found something to agree on . This is crazy.It may be unique to the SolArk because of the way they use the Gen port instead of the AC out. If that is the case I would agree with your assessment, that it is crazy. After you quoted my post, I asked the question if you are using a critical loads panel on the AC out port of the SolArk? If so was there any load on the critical loads panel?
Robby, just one correction to your first sentence (which I think is important).I don’t think it will work.
Without PV or Batteries the 15k becomes nothing more than a pass through for AC grid power. That’s why I think it saying OFF, as It cannot combine Generator power with AC coupled panels as their frequencies are fixed
Without batteries it is just a typical grid tied inverter. Sun goes down they shut off.I selected the 15k Sol-ark to allow direct feedthrough of my 200A main metered service. So the Grid feed enters the Sol-ark line input, the exits the Sol-Ark load directly to the 200A breaker on top of my one and only main panel. The entire home is running off that feed, so yes the Sol-ark has an AC load in place. The other very odd behavior is that the main panel on the front of the Sol-ark says OFF, even though it is lit up, and the power button on the left hand side of the unit is on and glowing. Reset (main power off for 1 minute then back on doesn't change this OFF ) So I am glad we have found something to agree on . This is crazy.
My conclusion based on the behavior of the Sol-ark 15K is that unless you have a DC source (PV, or Battery) it
A Will not turn on, just stays "OFF" as the display says clearly. (and yes all the programming options are available, and it is connected to the net with the OFF displayed.)
B Will not apply 240V to the generator pins and will not turn on my Enphase inverters that need to see grid power to operate. IE, it will not AC couple.
I will wait for the manager at Sol-ark to reply it hoping that there is some "setting" I can toggle to improve the AC only operation of this unit, but as of now , based on the Tech feedback from Sol-ark, I am not optimistic.
I just ordered 25 feet of 4/0 copper wire to begin my battery build, and it appears until I have that up and running it is a large expensive paper weight with AC only connected.
To avoid spreading fake news, I will update this post if Sol-ark finds a software setting that can be modified to correct this issue.
Just installed a 15k as a retrofit DC coupled. It does the very same thing but how could it not. When the solar goes away and you have no battery what do you want it to do? Turn off just like any other grid tied inverterRobby, just one correction to your first sentence (which I think is important).
Without DC connected PV, or Batteries the 15k becomes nothing more that a pass through for AC grid power.
They advertise the unit as a retro-fit to folks who have AC coupled Solar.... and don't clearly state that unless you have a DC source of some kind it won't work. That's my frustration. I have 32 cells and will be building a battery in the next few weeks as I collect the hardware, and that was always my long term plan.... but I wish they were more clear about the limits of AC coupling capability (in my view).
My goal was to be able to operate my AC coupled Solar Array during the day, just as you are able to operate your DC connected Solar Array during the day. The difference is it works for a DC PV application, and it does not work or support an AC coupled PV application when the sun is out and the panels can make power. The enphase inverters need to see 240V AC grid present to operate, the Sol-ark is grid connected and has 250V on the Line and load, but when you attach the AC coupled solar, nothing happens, no 250V on the Gen terminals, that is what I expected it to do. Hope that makes it clear.. Let me know if you find any reference in the manual that says what I am trying to accomplish is not possible. I cannot find it.Just installed a 15k as a retrofit DC coupled. It does the very same thing but how could it not. When the solar goes away and you have no battery what do you want it to do? Turn off just like any other grid tied inverter
So that’s is the question isn’t it. Probably not. The fuse’s really are to protect the wiring. I think you can make a case for either. It made me feel better to have them. I used Mega fuses instead of class T and that opens a new can of worms.Ok I have a question.
Server rack batteries have DC circuit breakers, and the Sol-Arks all have DC disconnects, so is a class-T fuse even required? Or can you go 4/0 straight to the inverter?
The DC coupled solar can be restricted to zero export by the SolArk. What is unknown is whether the unique method of AC coupling through the gen port means that the SolArk could open the gen port relay to control export of the AC coupled GT micros.Or, with DC couple PV, SolArk can provide additional PV to loads/grid, and also perform limited or zero export function, disconnecting AC coupled GT PV as needed.
That’s a good question. Have passed that along to Sol Ark techs? It would be nice to know. I’d give Sol Ark a call.The DC coupled solar can be restricted to zero export by the SolArk. What is unknown is whether the unique method of AC coupling through the gen port means that the SolArk could open the gen port relay to control export of the AC coupled GT micros.
I don't have a SolArk nor do I intend to buy one. Let us know what you find out?. I’d give Sol Ark a call.
Can the microinverters you have work with CT to implement zero-export?
It is up to them, not the SolArk, to do that..“My IQ7s with CTs can be configured for no export.”
I’d like to find out more how to use micros with the 15K and not export. I emailed Sol-Ark and they told me not possible if load isn’t drawing enough.
That’s a good question. Have passed that along to Sol Ark techs? It would be nice to know. I’d give Sol Ark a call.