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  • Post in thread: About to give up on purchasing EG4 products.

    I just have to say, I've been lol'ing at some of the replies to this thread. From the poster accusing you of blaming EG4 to the person who missed the fact that you ordered on Dec 2 and it is now Jan 11. If someone works for a company that "closes for the holidays" from the beginning of December...
  • Post in thread: a la carte system with ability to offer all of the benefits of an AIO?

    This question is mostly targeted at the Victron lineup since, from what I can tell, Victron doesn't offer an "everything in one box" solution but also seems to be regarded as the best equipment for support and reliability. A typical "one box" solution seems to have the following: 1. one or...
  • Post in thread: anyone use oil pipe/drill stem for ground mount ?

    I looked at the IronRidge caps and considered getting some of the 2/38th oilfield pipe (plentiful on marketplace for $1.40 per ft in 32' sections) for a ground mount. However, unless specifically using IronRidge caps + rails in order to pass a permitted install, I don't think the price is...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    I can't seem to find the direct answer to this question but after watching lots of videos, the basic overview I get for power distribution looks like: PV panel --> Microinverter --> double pole circuit breaker in main load center to back-feed the panel. I recognize that Enphase and others...
  • Post in thread: Anybody tried the new Eco-Worthy HPBC N-Type Panels

    After the terrible customer service experience I've had with Eco-worthy, I wouldn't recommend their products to anyone. The bifacials that that I bought from them grossly under perform compared to the sunpower panels I bought on facebook for half the price per watt.
  • Post in thread: General Ideas and Electrical Planning

    Yeah, I've tried to wrap my brain around it because the cost of getting an interconnect agreement is a real pain (my AHJ required both electrical and structural stamps in addition to a plan set + inspection fees, etc). However, I can theorize a scenario where you still would backfeed even if you...
  • Post in thread: Ground mount with roof racking system able to pass permitting/inspection?

    The gist I get is that mounting panels (generally) requires the hardware to have an engineering stamp. There seems to be lots of companies that sell roof mount installation products that come with these stamps or UL listings (or both), for example Iron Ridge, Snap N Rack, ecofasten. However...
  • Post in thread: Small Starter system planning, trying to do things right the first time

    Max PV open circuit voltage is 500V PV operation voltage range is 120-500VDC MPPT voltage range is 120-450VDC So I guess I could run a 5s2p configuration?
  • Post in thread: solar connector options

    Thanks for the info. My panels are Sunpower SPR-U405-BLK and the spec sheet says the connectors are, in fact, Staubli. So, from what I'm hearing is that I should buy the staublis but I don't need their specific tool (which looks a lot like my delphi connector dies). I have the iwiss crimpers for...
  • Post in thread: Ground mount with roof racking system able to pass permitting/inspection?

    Really? I would think they would have some contractual obligation since you are signing an agreement I do have some batteries already (3x 48V, 50ah server rack). I got a little excited during Black Friday sales and picked up some batteries at ridiculous prices (@ $88 KWh), so I'm not opposed...
  • Post in thread: Texas Oncor service area superthread

    *** NOTE that this thread is a work in progress. I am not an electrician and this information is provided by a layperson to the best of my understanding at the time of writing. Electricity is dangerous, and any information presented here is for learning purposes only and not meant to replace the...
  • Post in thread: conduit planning

    The Hoymiles microinverters (as with most microinverters) are already rapid shutdown compliant at the module level.
  • Post in thread: conduit planning

    I'm fine w/ running the conduit, I just was curious if the solar plan in the original post somehow indicated if it was internal or external. I've run conduit before, just never off a roof and over a gutter. All of the pictures I've look at reduce the curb appeal of the house, so I'm trying to...
  • Post in thread: Utility priority output Vs SUB Vs Grid Shaving Vs Blending Vs AC coupling

    I'm guessing it is a non-inverter because I'm looking at the manual, and one of the available accessories listed is a "compressor start assist." I was also off on the tonnage; it's 4 tons and 14 seer. Some ratings that are probably useful: Minimum circuit amps: 25.9A Max fuse: 40A power supply...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter line diagram help

    - Green box is at the curb, every house has one. I think this is called a pedestal service entrance. Everywhere I've ever lived in Texas, the residential electric lines are buried (as opposed to having an overhead service entrance). - House was built in 2004, but, my last house was built in...
  • Post in thread: wattcycle bait and switch

    Really depends on your use. If your end goal is to be able to pull a full 110A, then it would be worth either testing or really fighting them to take it back. If it isn't much of a real-use issue, then I would ask them for some compensation for the incorrect labeling, which will probably put you...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter line diagram help

    - SnapNRack just has a universal MLPE frame attachment kit. - The TopSpeed mount itself wouldn't have to be removed to replace a panel, you would just detach the panel from the mount and put the new panel in. - Still trying to figure out the EGC thing, but I got a response from my AHJ about the...
  • Post in thread: Benefits of smart battery communicating with inverter Vs Voltage only

    I have noticed that the premium "smart" batteries (ex. EG4) have ethernet ports to communicate with the inverters and that various battery makers advertise that their batteries work with many different inverters. Hence, my questions are: 1. What information is communicated between the smart...
  • Post in thread: Planning Services for Permit

    Do you mind sharing what the ballpark price for the plan was? My AHJ wants both structural and electrical stamps so I'm trying to estimate what the total cost would be.
  • Post in thread: Ecoworthy 195W Bifacial & Non-Bifacial Solar Panels $104/$96 shipped

    With the discount for buying two at the same time, I was able to get the 195w Bifacial panels for $97.46 each + tax
  • Post in thread: Ground mount with roof racking system able to pass permitting/inspection?

    They have a nice setup, and if I were installing something that big, it might work out to a reasonable cost, but, at the small scale (4-5Kw), these pre-engineered systems don't make financial sense. Any pictures of this? This is something I have seen others talk about as well. I also contacted...
  • Post in thread: Ground mount with roof racking system able to pass permitting/inspection?

    I've looked at their stuff but, best I can tell, the price per panel comes out to ~$150 each for their parts and you still have to supply cement and pipe, which brings the cost of mounting to nearly double the price of the actual panels.
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    So where does the DC output from that inexpensive solar charge controller feed to?
  • Post in thread: Utility priority output Vs SUB Vs Grid Shaving Vs Blending Vs AC coupling

    I have an Oncor FOCUS AXR platform that logs received kWh, so I'm sure they would notice. I'm honestly a little perplexed that there isn't an inverter that has an AC in connection that is one way (ie, only allows current in, but not to back feed), but perhaps that is what you are saying the...
  • Post in thread: Ground mount with roof racking system able to pass permitting/inspection?

    I've come to the conclusion that ground mounting AND permitting is far more expensive than roof mounting (all things being equal, assuming you are doing all the labor). Even with plentiful access to oilfield pipe at $1.50 per foot I still und up at ~ 44 cents per watt just for mounting (doesn't...
  • Post in thread: General Ideas and Electrical Planning

    The thing that I have run into with a similar train of thought is that true grid assist (paralleling the grid) will likely require an interconnect agreement with the power company unless you have an old, dumb meter (as opposed to the new smart meters). It has been explained to me that if you are...
  • Post in thread: conduit planning

    So, I'm unable to make any changes to the plan set now that it has been stamped (at least not without paying for a new stamp) and the solar designer drew up the plans with the 3/4" conduit. Currently, the submitted plan is in the "plan review" stage w/ AHJ which is nearly 3 weeks just to get a...
  • Post in thread: solar connector options

    To connect my PV cable, I started with an Eco Worthy kit that came with connectors + spanners + crimper. Then I realized that Eco-Worthy doesn't seem to sell additional connectors, so I got the BougeRV kit. Then the YouTube algorithm plunks down a video about using genuine Staubli MC4...
  • Post in thread: Avoiding efficiency losses on the 6000xp

    Thanks, yeah, I'm realizing now that the scenario I had hope for is not something the 6000xp is capable of doing. Logistically, I wanted to just move a few circuits to a critical loads panel that could be supplied by PV until PV could no longer support the load, at which point the inverter would...
  • Post in thread: Wiring help

    Do you need to wire from the panel to the microinverter or from the microinverter to your load center? If from the microinverter to load center, the best bet is to use the appropriate connector for the microinverter. That THHN you listed is meant to be run in conduit or inside somewhere that it...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    Thanks for the explanation! I ask because the broad concept of microinverters seems like it could be a viable approach to scaling additional power into an off-grid system. For example, if I have a 5KW string inverter w/ 6KW of solar coming in and on an average day I'm still consuming ~1kw more...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    This is the wire diagram from SS for the BDM-800. - The combiner box is basically a waterproof box with some components on din rails? (surge arrester, etc). It seems the combiner box in the above setup would need less components than if I were trying to wire 4 strings into an AIO? I got 3...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    Everything is going to be in the back yard, so not visible to the man. I was really excited about this ground mount/microinverter/grid-tied prospect but I'm running into a huge brick wall for the ground mount. I need to talk to the city but if I have to have a ground mount w/ an engineering...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter line diagram help

    Overall, trying to keep the budget down, so the guy I hired on Fiverr for the permit was only $50, I figured there may be some typos since it's pretty clear he is just reusing previous designs. However, he has a good overall rating and is about $300-400 cheaper than the next cheapest option...
  • Post in thread: DC House 48V 50AH batteries x2 for $640 on ebay

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D46DS4K4?ref=emc_p_m_5_i_atc two pack for 499 w/ a $50 coupon = 450, so $225 each :D Edit: I couldn't pass this up, so I purchased the 2 pack for $450. Slated to arrive Dec 9th, so I'll try to do some capacity testing and report back.
  • Post in thread: Wiring help

    If you can add a picture of the microinverter, I might be able to dig up some more info. The best I can figure is that Sunpower sourced both Enphase and SolarBridge microinverters for these panel/microinverter combinations. I suspect your panels might be using the Pantheon II. If so, they are...
  • Post in thread: Ground mount with roof racking system able to pass permitting/inspection?

    Yeah, I get it, but, if it makes the payoff on the system double, the flipside is to just install an off grid system. The point of permitting from my perspective is to have the inspection passed in order to get the interconnect agreement with the POCO. The point of the interconnect is to avoid...
  • Post in thread: Usable scaleability question

    I've been solar lurking for a while. I'm finally getting around to starting to assemble roughly 12kWh of 18650s that I salvaged from Ring doorbell batteries. I've watched lots of videos and read in the forums about "how to size a system," but I only seem to have run across the following setups...
  • Post in thread: So what's the "Bees Knees" in single leg AIO's nowadays?

    Where are you able to buy them for $500 shipped? The best price I've seen in 649.
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    This is the inverter. - https://sungoldpower.com/products/5000w-48v-solar-charger-inverter One of my other interests in microinverters is because of shading. I've got a short run of yard where I don't expect any shading, so it seems like a string inverter will work just fine there. However, I'd...
  • Post in thread: Anyone know about powmr inverters?

    PowMr is just a rebranding company. All of their inverters are made by someone else (SNRE, Deye, etc). Victron is tier 1, but, it is often said that you can buy 3 of anything else for less than the price of a Victron. If I were in a boat or a nuclear bunker, I'd want a Victron. Then again, if I...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter line diagram help

    No, at least not with this initial setup, which is meant to be as simple as possible in order to pass inspection and clear me to grid tie w/ the POCO.
  • Post in thread: Avoiding efficiency losses on the 6000xp

    Thanks for this thread. I'm trying to understand whether the 6000XP will accomplish my desired goal and would appreciate some input. My starting battery is a temp solution comprised of LG 18650s in a 14s3p setup (Lithium ion, ~10Ah) just to have something in place. The permanent solution will...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter line diagram help

    My thoughts for cable management to the microinverter were just the SunRunner clips or similar: https://signaturesolar.com/heyclip-sunrunner-cable-clips-for-4-cables-pv-cable-clips-50-pack/ - As an update, my Fiverr guy says he can get Texas PE stamps for structural and electrical for $150...
  • Post in thread: Utility priority output Vs SUB Vs Grid Shaving Vs Blending Vs AC coupling

    I do not have any agreement with the utility. I don't necessarily have a target load/application/performance goal, other than, I don't want to spend $20K on solar because the ROI is far too long. I live in Texas on a little 1 acre lot in a nice neighborhood with no HOA and have ~ 5kW of PV that...
  • Post in thread: Question about this MPLE

    If the AHJ requires rapid shutdown for ground mounts, I suspect they will also require UL-listed ground mounts. Have you priced UL-listed ground mounts? You might find an unpleasant surprise in the cost of a UL-listed ground mount system that can handle 42 panels.
  • Post in thread: Avoiding efficiency losses on the 6000xp

    I agree, the 18650s are somewhat of a regret, but, I ended up with 1200+ unused LG cells for ~ $300 and I've got a boat load of hours into processing them (shucking them out of plastic, capacity testing, labeling, re-wrapping, etc) so it makes more sense to use them as opposed to spending...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    - The current AIO I have sitting unopened in a box is a SunGoldPower SPH5048, so no, there is no AC coupling. It's still in the box because I have until Jan 31st to return if I realize I need something different, but I wanted to buy it at black Friday prices (saved $40). The point of the thread...
  • Post in thread: Hoymiles microinverter HMS-2000D-4T with Growatt SPF 6000ES plus

    Briefly glancing at the Growatt, it doesn't seem to run 240V, at least not as a single unit. The microinverter needs to sense 240V, or it won't send current (which is part of the safety feature of microinverters).
  • Post in thread: Inverter terminology and usage case

    I was recently watching a video from Beene Energy to try and get a sense of the different inverter types (), and I had a very basic question about something that I think I've never realized. With the caveat that I realize, there are safety issues that need to be addressed for real-world...
  • Post in thread: connection of micro inverters , RIGHT or WRONG ?

    The only technical issue is going to be manufacturing quality. 120AC inverters such as you are talking about are pretty straightforward tech. However, given the QC issues you are describing with the solar connectors, I suspect if you opened them up you would find shoddy soldering, incorrect wire...
  • Post in thread: Utility priority output Vs SUB Vs Grid Shaving Vs Blending Vs AC coupling

    I am still trying to understand these terms and their meaning in real-world applications. 1. Utility priority output - Saw this in an ad for a SunGoldPower SPH6548P ("6.5KW 48V Split phase solar inverter). The description says: " Utility at first priority, utility and solar provide power to...
  • Post in thread: DC House 48V 50AH batteries x2 for $640 on ebay

    I got a reply about the parallel limit for the 48V 50Ah server rack batteries from DC House. The response was, "up to 4 can be paralleled."
  • Post in thread: ECO-WORTHY 48V 100Ah 5120Wh LiFePO4 Server Rack Battery

    I continue to echo this sentiment for buyer beware of dealing with EW. I bought and returned a pair of solar panels in November of last year and am still waiting for a refund despite them acknowledging that they have received the returns.
  • Post in thread: conduit planning

    Originally, I planned to penetrate the roof with an EZ solar JB-1.2 or similar junction box and run Romex across the attic and down the wall to the main load center. After the AHJ required me to get electrical/structural PE stamps, I modified the plans to include a visible lockable labeled...
  • Post in thread: Question About Preventing Grid Backfeed

    I'm guessing that this is device-dependent from what I've been reading. So, for example, clothes dryer, water heater, range, microwave, HVAC, etc. What I'm wondering is if there is a safe range where someone could parallel the grid and reasonably expect to not back feed. For example, if I shut...
  • Post in thread: Ground mount with roof racking system able to pass permitting/inspection?

    - The mounts are PE stamped to 180 mph and I'm definitely not in a high wind zone. Looking through the data for the past year the highest gusts was ~ 50 mph and the average high for a given month is in the 20's. - The mounts are installed with Chemlink M1 sealant, which should last the life of...
  • Post in thread: DC House 48V 50AH batteries x2 for $640 on ebay

    They also have these in singles for $344. https://www.ebay.com/itm/145390125690 I picked up one on Amazon for $375 to try because I prefer Amazon's return policy compared to ebay. I did message the store on ebay and ask how many can be paralleled together, though from what I've seen searching...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    Thanks for the detailed response, especially the above, because that makes understanding the value of the whole enphase ecosystem more palatable. Regarding the split phase vs paralleled AIO's, is it that stacking a pair of SPH4058's is going to cause headaches? One of the reasons I picked this...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter line diagram help

    I would greatly appreciate it if someone would glance at the attached project sheet to see if anything looks grossly out of place. Of note, I deleted most of the cut sheets in order to reduce the file size so that it could be attached to the post, but the original has all of the cut sheets I'm...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter line diagram help

    So, I was looking at the interconnect agreement and it seems that they do want a VLLD. However, the diagram they have doesn't make since because I don't understand what the service disconnect is. Is that the green box in front of the house? If yes, does that mean they want the VLLD to run to the...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    Yes, the 200W panels were exactly for that, learning (bought them after a thread about them on ebay was posted, and, after they refunded me 30% for trying to send them back, came out to $67 each for 200W bifacial panels). I'm planning on putting them on my shed for a 12v system to do lights...
  • Post in thread: Ground mount with roof racking system able to pass permitting/inspection?

    Thanks, will check them out. Have been looking at the hollaender tees. I have easy access to tons of cheap drilling pipe in 2" and 3" because I live in oil country.
  • Post in thread: Question About Preventing Grid Backfeed

    I'm honestly not sure because even though we have Oncor (I'm in ETX) we deal with a different power reseller every few months because that is the game you have to play to get the best rates in the deregulated market. I asked on our local FB group if anyone had ever gone through a DIY w/ an...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter line diagram help

    As an update, my AHJ approved the Fiverr PE-stamped plans. The permit fee was only $50 and, surprisingly, includes the inspection fee. I feel like getting the permit was the biggest hurdle in the process. Now, if I can avoid falling off the roof during the install, I might end up with a proof of...
  • Post in thread: Question About Preventing Grid Backfeed

    I've read through this thread at least a couple of times, but just to confirm my understanding, I wanted to draw it out. The attached diagram reflects: "critical loads" panel that contains a single circuit, "Kitchen light" Power comes in on a single leg from an EG4 3K inverter A single...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    Thanks for the info! So, I'm down to deciding 1 of 2 paths at this point 1. Microinverters (grid tied) - likely Hoymiles or NEP - Dual/Quad input units get the price down to under $100 per panel depending on the deal and a full price DTU adds another couple hundred bucks - The upside is that...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter power distribution basic overview

    My only reason for preferring the ground mount at this point is because I have almost no south-facing roof space. The best roof I have for solar faces east and has significant shading throughout the day from the chimney and the pine trees on my neighbor's property. I live sort of in the...
  • Post in thread: Ecoworthy 195W Bifacial & Non-Bifacial Solar Panels $104/$96 shipped

    Interestingly, I picked up ten 400W panels from a local seller and decided to return these as the price per watt was not close to the deal I got on the local panels. I started the return process and Oliver from Eco-Worthy contacted me on ebay and asked if I would be willing to keep them if they...
  • Post in thread: Ground mount with roof racking system able to pass permitting/inspection?

    I think the point of the design is that the void is entirely filled with sealant, which is why the installation instructions state that it has to ooze out, or you did it wrong and have to start over. While the TopSpeed system is new, it is (afaik) the same setup as their speedseal feet, which...
  • Post in thread: Inverter terminology and usage case

    Thank you for the replies. Below, I have sketched out what I think was suggested, but I would appreciate confirmation. Inverter has 3 options to draw current: Grid, Solar, Battery Branch circuit (for example, kitchen lights) has been moved from the main panel to a sub panel (I guess this is...
  • Post in thread: conduit planning

    My best understanding is that NEC 690.12 relates to ensuring high-voltage conductors are not present when the grid is off. Hence, as long as there is an access point to de-energize the grid (already exists on the utility side, and the current setup creates 2 additional states to de-energize)...
  • Post in thread: Is upgrading a "dumb" server rack battery mainly a BMS upgrade?

    As the title states, I'm curious if the communication function of many of the server rack batteries from the big brands is simply a function of a more complex BMS or if there is something more to it. I've been thinking about this because it seems that there are lots of deals on reasonably good...
  • Post in thread: Utility priority output Vs SUB Vs Grid Shaving Vs Blending Vs AC coupling

    Sounds like I need to nail down some hard numbers on what amount of power I'm using and when. I have a 2 ton unit (2 yrs old) and for most of the peak sun hours during 9-10 months of the year it is running. It is mid November and I've turned the heat on twice and only overnight and typically...
  • Post in thread: Small Starter system planning, trying to do things right the first time

    I've been lurking for a while, but I finally signed up and bought some gear. I'd love some input regarding practical considerations for a small starter system. - My 1st question for the black Friday season is what wire setup would be best. The attached mockup shows my initial plan for panel...
  • Post in thread: Microinverter line diagram help

    I am working with a CAD guy on Fiver to help with my project submission packet and I have a question about a typical microinverter install. I am wanting to install Hoymiles HM-1500NT micro inverters (https://www.hoymiles.com/product/microinverter/hm-1200nt-1500nt/). My understanding from the...

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