I have a roof top panel array that feeds a grid tied inverter. I also have an Eg4 6000 xp and 48v 280ah battery that connects directly to items or a generator disconnect subpanel. In the event of an outage of course the grid tied inverter shuts down and any energy produces by the panels is wasted. Is there a safe way to easily connect to the off grid inverter with maybe mc4 y cables and have a connector hanging out to connect to ? This is an older xantrex GT inverter and it has an ac/dc disconnect switch on the front that would allow isolating the dc input from the inverter in the event the grid was restored if this helps.
method to easily swap solar panel array to different inverter ?
- Thread starter tntent02
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Ampster
Renewable Energy Hobbyist
The Xantrex may be too old to AC couple to the EG4. but if it is not that may be a simple approach. Otherwise you probably want to use a DC 2PDT relay or switch because connecting MC4 contacts under load can degrade them.
What are your specs for your panel array? If they are within the specs for your EG4 (Voc and Imp) than it may be possible to use two DC breakers to act as a switching arrangement. I used this in the past when I switched an Array between an AIO and a SCC. (both must not be on at the same time).
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This would clearly work. Though Im questioning needing two seperate breakers when there is 1 built in disconect on the inverter itself already ? I also would want to make sure the dc wires are well protected and covered of course. As far as the VOC and IMP Ive yet to ascertain that information. An educated guess tells me its compatible based on the output and inverter specs but I have limited info on the system and no access to the monitoring unfortunately. Unfortunately, I will have to test for this information.
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Ampster
Renewable Energy Hobbyist
It is better to use panel specifications because overvolting on cold days could kill your MPPT controller.
Yeah Im a bit concerned about that but havent been able to find out the info on the install as of yet unfortunately.
Thanks. I hadnt even considered ac coupling and it probably is too old but certainly worth looking into. The 2pdt dc switch of some sort seems to be a definitive answer
