Multi-system sol-arks to ATS wiring?
- Thread starter Jrv8984
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Nobodybusiness
Collecting the leftovers of the Great Sky Reactor.
You mean mine?
I either run in Utilities or Solar.
The transfer switch determines which one.
Nobodybusiness
Collecting the leftovers of the Great Sky Reactor.
I’m sorry. Been busy with personal stuff.
I will try to sit down and draw something out this weekend.
Im Surprised nobody else has chimed in on this but sometimes that’s a good thing.
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Also, note that a Sol-Ark "12K" is topping out at sustained max. 8K over longer periods, not 12K per. They are only built for SPIKES up to 12K over a short amount of time, aka starting pumps etc.
So...16K total over time max. if you can get them to play nice with the balancing in the US.
So...16K total over time max. if you can get them to play nice with the balancing in the US.
Nobodybusiness
Collecting the leftovers of the Great Sky Reactor.
The Sol-ark 12 k has 9kw continuous battery to AC for each one so that is 18K in his case.
Add in PV plus he has a 4K AC couple.
90% of people on here are not using more than 10kw peak draw during a day so he will be fine..
I have 2 and they balance fine. Never had any issue with them..
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So maybe if I have (2) ATS's, set up like this.
#1 will trip, but the generator wont turn on because its controlled by the inverters.
#2 will trip, the inverters will feed both breaker panels.
If the generator needs to run, the inverters will signal it to start, #2 will turn back on allowing the generator to power both breaker panels.
#1 will trip, but the generator wont turn on because its controlled by the inverters.
#2 will trip, the inverters will feed both breaker panels.
If the generator needs to run, the inverters will signal it to start, #2 will turn back on allowing the generator to power both breaker panels.
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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With your ATS, so long as SolArk load doesn't drive back to SolArk grid input (so it powers itself), should be OK.
You have a generator input that can feed load, but can't feed SolArk. Is that what you want? Would be nice during stormy weather to run generator for a while, powering heavy loads and recharging battery in SolArk, then turn off generator and let battery continue to supply loads.
SolArk has "Gen" port. One approach could be generator feeds load through ATS, and always feeds "Gen" port.
Other approaches are available too.
You have a generator input that can feed load, but can't feed SolArk. Is that what you want? Would be nice during stormy weather to run generator for a while, powering heavy loads and recharging battery in SolArk, then turn off generator and let battery continue to supply loads.
SolArk has "Gen" port. One approach could be generator feeds load through ATS, and always feeds "Gen" port.
Other approaches are available too.
I want the generator to feed the load panels directly (so that i can run equipment), but i also want it to feed the inverters to charge the battery bank. Can the generator be be connected to ATS 1 and simultaneously connected to the inverters?
Hedges
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You can feed a generator into two loads, so long as they don't exceed it's output. You should be able to tell SolArk how much power it is allowed to draw, but you'll have to read the documentation (or search this site). I think I recall SolArk required a lot, but might be mistaken. Some brands want generator capability > 100% of inverter, others can work with a small generator.
Of course, should also be able to feed generator through SolArk to loads.
Of course, should also be able to feed generator through SolArk to loads.
Is there any way to get the functionality i want, with only 1 ATS?
Grid up, the Sol-arks pump power into the grid all the time.
Grid down, Inverters provide power to the main breaker panels, charges batteries.
If generator needs to run the Inverters command the generator to turn on,
If i need more power than the inverters supply, i can manually turn the generator on.
In the diagram i have below, lets say I turn the generator on to power shop equipment, but the inverters don't need the generator to run. Do the inverters switch the Generator input off? I guess I'm asking if the way i have it drawn will damage the inverters?
Grid up, the Sol-arks pump power into the grid all the time.
Grid down, Inverters provide power to the main breaker panels, charges batteries.
If generator needs to run the Inverters command the generator to turn on,
If i need more power than the inverters supply, i can manually turn the generator on.
In the diagram i have below, lets say I turn the generator on to power shop equipment, but the inverters don't need the generator to run. Do the inverters switch the Generator input off? I guess I'm asking if the way i have it drawn will damage the inverters?
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Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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I think you can get the functionality with zero ATS.
Some model SolArk have 200A grid disconnect included.
They have a generator input.
SolArk should be able to send power to/from grid, with DC coupled PV on SolArk and loads on SolArk.
It should be able to disconnect from grid and connect generator input.
But you likely want a way to put your loads direct on grid while removing SolArk for repair. I use interlocked breakers (200A main, up to 125A backfed "generator) for my (other brand) sytem.
I think what you've drawn works too. How about changing "ATS 2" to manually interlocked breakers in Panel A and Panel B?
Some model SolArk have 200A grid disconnect included.
They have a generator input.
SolArk should be able to send power to/from grid, with DC coupled PV on SolArk and loads on SolArk.
It should be able to disconnect from grid and connect generator input.
But you likely want a way to put your loads direct on grid while removing SolArk for repair. I use interlocked breakers (200A main, up to 125A backfed "generator) for my (other brand) sytem.
I think what you've drawn works too. How about changing "ATS 2" to manually interlocked breakers in Panel A and Panel B?
timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
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This is all very complicated for a product that is capable of doing everything itself internally.
If you had chosen the right model, or enough of this model. If you're going to stick with the 12k's, you need 4 more. Otherwise, it's just a poor use of a feature rich product.
That might not even be enough. Depending on your actual loads.
If you had chosen the right model, or enough of this model. If you're going to stick with the 12k's, you need 4 more. Otherwise, it's just a poor use of a feature rich product.
That might not even be enough. Depending on your actual loads.
The reason I diagramed it out this way, is because i want to be able to run a bridgeport mill, lathe, and welders. I could use VFD's or get a welder/generator, but that's another topic.
I bought the 12k inverters before there was even a mention of the 15k inverters (just had some setbacks preventing the install) yes the 15k invertes would be nice to have, but the money is already spent.
I already have 1 ATS, if i can get by without adding a second 1, that would be great.
I'm treating the Solar as a if it was a whole home generator. Wiring it up per Sol-arks diagrams causes limitations, which is why i dont want to pass through the inverters.
I bought the 12k inverters before there was even a mention of the 15k inverters (just had some setbacks preventing the install) yes the 15k invertes would be nice to have, but the money is already spent.
I already have 1 ATS, if i can get by without adding a second 1, that would be great.
I'm treating the Solar as a if it was a whole home generator. Wiring it up per Sol-arks diagrams causes limitations, which is why i dont want to pass through the inverters.
I’m an electrician, I have a sol-ark 12k, and I install generators and transfer switches for Verizon. I would like to help you figure this out. Have you contacted solark to see what they recommend. I think we can do what you want I just have sleep on it.
I was back and forth with them when the 12k's were initially released. At the time the guy i was dealing with wasn't really sure if i could do what i was asking. But he also didn't really seem to know the specs or capabilities of the inverters. Sooo?
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