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Multiply your maximum output amps by 125% and round up. So for example if you have 11 IQ7's on one branch and each microinverter output is 1.45 then it would go like this: 11x1.45a= 15.95a 15.95a x 1.25 = 19.9375a So you'd need a 20 amp breaker for that circuit. The manufacturer data sheets...

Get an extra few inches incase I can't reach my microinverter. MC4 extensions it is then!

Correct. It's to ground the array and related racking hardware and then run to the service panel grounding which ultimately runs to the grounding rod.

Yea good call. I asked her for the code section which she gave me. I'll look it up to make sure it's right. I am assuming if they approve the building plans that would be my greenlight but knowing the actual code is invaluable.

Yea I'm gonna stick with the stuff that will save me permitting headaches or the need to hire an engineer. The cost savings would get burned up real fast if I ran into trouble. I used the Unirac and Ironridge builders. The PE stamped letters are great. My county will issue a builders permit...

I’d like to put up a 10 - 12Kwh panel array. I’m trying to figure out what the cost effective path is for me to do my grid tie - derating my main breaker, upgrading my breaker, etc. How did you do your grid tie and what did you find to be the right solution for your install? My current panel...

Second hand they seem more reasonable $300 - $400. If they save me a ton of time then buying second hand and re-selling when I finish would be worth it. I‘ve got 3 roof sections. Two of those roofs are closed, no attic access.

My main panel breaker is 200A with 40 slots. So do I add up the total max amperage of my microinverters to determine my system’s max amp output? If I went with 29 Enphase IQ8M it’d look like: 29 x 1.35a = 39.15a So I could use a 40 amp breaker? Or am I missing something…..

Aaand I got way better pricing shopping around online with a materials list. Cost for SnapNrack is now looking more like $2k or less for all the rack, mounts, and clips.

Does anyone have experience submitting plans using the rack manufacturer's engineer letter? I submitted my building plans with the snapNrack letter and got it rejected with a comment saying all building plans are "missing seal and signature by professional engineer." I didn't include the span...

Another way of putting my question is: What conduit bodies can I use with EMT in wet locations? I think I found one here that meets the requirements. My plan is to use EMT conduit. The boxes, connections, fittings needs to be listed for wet areas Per 314.15 I was having trouble finding...

Could you recommend any sources for deals on racks and mounting hardware for asphalt roofs? I'd also love to hear about the pros and cons of the various options, particularly using flashing mount hardware vs a quickmount. In terms of codes/regulations is there anything I should keep in mind as...

What was your experience with Unirac? Was it a service you paid for or was it part of an equipment purchase package.

Well as luck would have it, my panel does not have a simple label saying bus bar rating. The first picture is of the sticker from the panel cover. The other pictures are of the sticker on the inside of the panel.

I have 3 circuit branches and solar panels on 4 different roof sections. I'm trying to plan out the details of the junction boxes, conduit runs, and wire transitions and could use some help! Attached are a few images showing what I was initially thinking with the conduit runs. The junction...

These are some great points for me to think about. I'm aiming for a 12kW system because I have a big tree that adds some shading and would reduce the actual harvest. Nothing would ever run at full capacity for harvesting. But I do need to ensure I'd pass inspection with my backfeed solution...

Yea it's for 10awg AC connections. Sounds Like I'm just overthinking it then. I'll stick with wire nuts. Ha, yea I was seeing a good deal of those which got me wondering if I needed to use terminal blocks.

Is that middle junction box swappable with one of the other junction boxes? I see it has some thing that resembles tabs but I don’t wanna go prying at it if they’re not made to be swappable. I’d hate to tear up a brand, new soap, panel and wreck the thing. I read the instruction manual for...

I had a nice conversation with a potential inspector on my project however we did come across one stumbling block. He was calculating the 120% rule based on my bus bar rating regardless of my main breaker size. My understanding is the code is pretty straight forward “Bus or Conductor Rating...

Still available?

Thanks for the detailed info. This was very helpful. I was losing my mind with all the stuff I was reading on GEC which I see is now outdated with microinverter installs.

Just got off the phone with the permit office. I had a hell of a time understanding the guy through his accent but if I understood correctly he basically told me to ensure my plans: showed the spacing and size of my rafters (e.g. 24 O.C. 2x12), a copy of the tables, and a note on the plans...

Ugh yea. I need to see if they have a new copy.

I have a roof plan with Hoymiles microinverters and I was planning to have two arrays on separate wiring. Each would need a 30 amp breaker. I'm having a little trouble figuring out the combiner box. For permitting, do I need to have a UL listed box specifically for PV systems? When I'm...

Hi all, I'm looking at doing a DIY solar panel install on my roof. My roof is a ~ 4:12 pitch with asphalt shingles. I've come across Bi-Facial panels that are on sale - cheaper than similar panels of the same advertised wattage. Is it apples-to-apples to compare a Bi-Facial panel , for...

I have plans with 3 different arrays on 3 separated branches. Grid tied with microinverters. For grounding the racks I'm planning to use #6 bare copper and then transition to thwn-2 in junction boxes into conduit. I'd need to do a few transitions, something like this...

I've been doing a lot of reading and have realized there are different types of grounding requirements and I may be getting stuff mixed up. Is there a "standard" method for grounding a rooftop array with microinverters (hoymiles HMS-1600-4T) that have a ground wire in the trunk cable ? My...

Just out of curiosity, how would a sub panel work to accommodate the right size feedback breakers for grid tie and permitting purposes?

I'm interested in the cheapest solution... based on my limited searching it looked like Enphase was way more than Hoymiles or AP, without much good reason for the extra $$. So I guess next I'd need to compare the DSW to the HMS1600-4T to see which would be the better option. Sounds like you...

These are interesting. So you were able to use these with your snow and wind load requirements? With your project did you need a structural engineer stamp?