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DIY California Permit'd Sol-Ark Build

Danke said:
Signature’s Shipping page: NOTE: If this is in regards to returning damaged or mis-ordered products please use the Return Merchandise Authorization Form. That RMA link brings one to UnboundSolar Terms and Conditions: https://unboundsolar.com/support/terms-conditions

No where does it say they can just give you a partial credit on your order and not replace the damaged goods.
Click to expand...
Yeah the terms are all over the place. Especially the unposted policy that just happens to get mentioned when I reach out.

I'm still looking at my options and trying to do my best to work with SignatureSolar as I am empathetic to their plight of terrible shipping companies damaging their products but at the end of the day I received a damaged product and expect to be made whole.
 
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If you where to buy more panels-buy 5 and then sell 4. Better for others in even bundles
can you post a link to the wire way box you have
 
onokai said:
If you where to buy more panels-buy 5 and then sell 4. Better for others in even bundles
can you post a link to the wire way box you have
Click to expand...

HOFFMAN A101048T1T Wire Trough Type 1 10.00x10.00x48.00 Steel Gray | Gordon Electric Supply, Inc.

HOFFMAN A101048T1T Wire Trough, Type 1 10.00x10.00x48.00 Steel Gray
www.gordonelectricsupply.com www.gordonelectricsupply.com


It actually looks like the seller has more to sell. You are getting two for the price.

www.ebay.com

HOFFMAN A101048T1T INDOOR TROUGH WIREWAY | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for HOFFMAN A101048T1T INDOOR TROUGH WIREWAY at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
 
bertiojones said:

HOFFMAN A101048T1T Wire Trough Type 1 10.00x10.00x48.00 Steel Gray | Gordon Electric Supply, Inc.

HOFFMAN A101048T1T Wire Trough, Type 1 10.00x10.00x48.00 Steel Gray
www.gordonelectricsupply.com www.gordonelectricsupply.com


It actually looks like the seller has more to sell. You are getting two for the price.

www.ebay.com

HOFFMAN A101048T1T INDOOR TROUGH WIREWAY | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for HOFFMAN A101048T1T INDOOR TROUGH WIREWAY at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
Click to expand...

@bertiojones , just wondering how your install is coming along. Or are you still waiting for that module replacement from Signature?

I know you're using the 12K, but I'm hoping there will be some discussion of successful 15K installations in California. :)
 
kshaggy456 said:
where did you get your permit plans from? Lyrasolar doesnt have the sol-arks for one-lines so cant get permit pkg submitted.
Click to expand...
Permit plans were from GreenLancer. Found them through a promo from using the IronRidge tool for figuring out a list of materials needed for racking.

1665095093487.png

I think the cost was around $90 all in. I would highly recommend them.
 
06/04 update.
Panels went up with the help of my brother. Not too bad considering how long they were but definitely a go slow process.

As they went up performed some wire tidying and a 100 count bag of cable clips wasn't enough.

1665095694546.png



1665095716787.png
Still missing the one panel so I am unable to complete the array on the East side. SS no longer is selling the panel so I'll have to try and find another vendor. I've put in a dispute with my CC as SS is unable to provide the entire set of panels. I talked with my local AHJ and they are confident I will need to resubmit plans with an alternate panel or change the amount if I am unable to source a replacement. This would require all new plans, all new permit costs, etc. etc.
 
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06/05 update.
Wired and sealed up roof penetrations for both junction boxes.

1665096061667.png


1665096070676.png


Also setup the DC runs via FMC. Using LB's right against the eve was a bad choice for space but at least it looks good in the garage.

1665096150733.png
 
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06/07 update.
Created the DC shutoff box for both arrays. Used IMO switches and a Nema box. Also made the penetration through the garage (that was scary)

1665096259086.png

1665096265424.png


1665096276916.png
 
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06/12 update.

AC side is ran to the Sol-Ark. Used IMO AC switch and various conduit.

Also pulled the wires for the DC side to the panels up to the junction box. Lube is your friend.

1665096370408.png

1665096393276.png


1665096386218.png
 
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06/15
Ran the Cat5e cable for the CT's for the Sol-Ark. Was able to get them to clamp on the bus bars after loosening the main breaker.( you can kinda see in the background)
1665096538192.png
1665096845094.png

Also ran and attached the DC side in the roof top junction boxes.
1665096551698.png


Turned everything on and was getting 240v on one leg of the Sol-ark. Shut everything down and tracked down all my wires. See if you can see the issue.

1665096609756.png


Good job on the Sol-ark for handling my wiring mistake like a champ. I only got shocked on the case once.

Also I 100% hate that wiring job for that transition from SER to THHN. I am going to redo that before getting it inspected.
Once I swapped the wires around to their proper home everything fired up perfectly and the Solar started backfeeding into the panel and powering the loads. I had already previously setup the Sol-Ark to not sell back at all since I don't have my interconnection agreement signed off on.

1665096866356.png

I did run into some odd hunting issues with the MPPT trying to match the load.

I reached out to Sol-Ark and they informed me that with no backfeeding happening I would need batteries to act as a buffer to prevent the hunting.

Now to search for some batteries.
 
06/24

I purchased a 5 pack of batteries from CurrentConnected with their stand. Packaging and delivery was perfect.
I unboxed, wired and set them up. No more hunting from the Sol-Ark.

1665097038862.png

1665097067579.png


System is now running in home mode and storing all the solar and just covering the houses needs.
I did order the wrong gauge wire. I am using 1/0 105c when I should be using 2/0. I've limited the amps available from the Sol-Ark to compensate for the smaller gauge wire. Also running a 200 amp Class T fuse.

RSD was also mounted and working perfectly.
1665097246456.png
 
07/08 update.
I got lucky and Santan Solar started selling the panel that I was missing. I ordered the single panel from Santan and it came perfectly package and in great condition.

1665097310587.png



Panel went up same day and I am playing with the configuration between the 3 arrays and their orientation East vs West. I need to wait until I can backfeed to the grid to see what the actual production is total between the different configurations but for now everything is working properly.
 
10/06 update.

Now that the system has been working and offsetting usage I got lazy and have been letting it run.

What's left to do:
1665097806210.png

RSD switch - I purchased a Schneider RSD switch which is made by IMO to install next to my DC isolators. This will finish the RSD portion. I thought about just saying that the DC Isolators were the RSD as turning them both off will kill power to the RSD modules on the panels....but by using an actual switch I can utilize one of the pins on the Sol-Ark to not only cut power to the Solar but also turn off the Sol-Ark in an emergency. I think its the proper way to do things.

Main Breaker De-Rate - I've been putting this one off as it requires me to call the utility and pull my meter leaving me without power. I have the 175 amp breaker just trying to coordinate a time to swap it (there is never a good time)

Junction boxes - Already swapped those out for larger units and reran the boxes so they would pass inspection (no photos)

Trim the IronRidge racking to the panels - I've been putting this one off in case the inspector requires me to change anything. For now its just an eyesore.

Seal up any air gaps from penetrations and tidy up.

Once the RSD and Main Breaker De-Rate is done I can schedule my inspection. Once inspection has been scheduled I need to unplug and hide all my batteries as my system was permitted only to be a Grid-Tie system. Once inspection is done then I can get my meter swapped by the utility. Once Utility swaps meter I can wire batteries back up and start backfeeding power to the grid.
 
bertiojones said:
10/06 update.

Now that the system has been working and offsetting usage I got lazy and have been letting it run.

What's left to do:
View attachment 115303

RSD switch - I purchased a Schneider RSD switch which is made by IMO to install next to my DC isolators. This will finish the RSD portion. I thought about just saying that the DC Isolators were the RSD as turning them both off will kill power to the RSD modules on the panels....but by using an actual switch I can utilize one of the pins on the Sol-Ark to not only cut power to the Solar but also turn off the Sol-Ark in an emergency. I think its the proper way to do things.

Main Breaker De-Rate - I've been putting this one off as it requires me to call the utility and pull my meter leaving me without power. I have the 175 amp breaker just trying to coordinate a time to swap it (there is never a good time)

Junction boxes - Already swapped those out for larger units and reran the boxes so they would pass inspection (no photos)

Trim the IronRidge racking to the panels - I've been putting this one off in case the inspector requires me to change anything. For now its just an eyesore.

Seal up any air gaps from penetrations and tidy up.

Once the RSD and Main Breaker De-Rate is done I can schedule my inspection. Once inspection has been scheduled I need to unplug and hide all my batteries as my system was permitted only to be a Grid-Tie system. Once inspection is done then I can get my meter swapped by the utility. Once Utility swaps meter I can wire batteries back up and start backfeeding power to the grid.
Click to expand...
Nice build.

Final cost update?
 
fafrd said:
Nice build.

Final cost update?
Click to expand...
Costs so far:
$90 - Permit plans
$160 - City Utility Permit fee
$436.96 - County Permit
$6004.18 - Solar Panels
$6425 - Inverter
(Returned the CT's)
$644.20- RapidShutdown (Added switch)
$1913.24 - Racking
$2255.24 - Electrical and Enclosures and wiring and materials
~~~~
$17,928.82 - Total without batteries
~~~~
$10,057.47 - 5-48v batteries with patch cables and rack to mount
$147.57 - Wiring for batteries
~~~~
$28,133.86 - Total with batteries
 
bertiojones said:
Costs so far:
$90 - Permit plans
$160 - City Utility Permit fee
$436.96 - County Permit
$6004.18 - Solar Panels
$6425 - Inverter
(Returned the CT's)
$644.20- RapidShutdown (Added switch)
$1913.24 - Racking
$2255.24 - Electrical and Enclosures and wiring and materials
~~~~
$17,928.82 - Total without batteries
~~~~
$10,057.47 - 5-48v batteries with patch cables and rack to mount
$147.57 - Wiring for batteries
~~~~
$28,133.86 - Total with batteries
Click to expand...
Thanks.

And I see that the batteries were 48V but how many kWh each or total?

I see, 100Ah each or 25kWh total, correct?

www.currentconnected.com

SOK 48V 25.6kWh PRO Server Rack Battery Kit | Current Connected

All you need to create a 25kWh battery pack is included in this SOK Rack Battery Kit! Just add an inverter and solar controller and you're ready to go!
www.currentconnected.com www.currentconnected.com
 
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It is really nice! I would love some pictures of this complete, it would be great to have on our website! Excellent work
 
HighTechLab said:
It is really nice! I would love some pictures of this complete, it would be great to have on our website! Excellent work
Click to expand...
Once I get the battery cables through conduit I'll get you a glamour shot.
The way those SOK's came preprogrammed for the Sol-Ark was magic. I had expected programming to take a bit but after plugging in the RJ-45's and setting the DIP switches it was so quick to recognize and communicate that I though maybe something was wrong. I went through and unplugged each RJ-45 from each battery one at a time and watched the Sol-Ark see one less battery with each unplug.

Then I was like "I guess its good." Plugged them all back in and its been working flawlessly since.
 
bertiojones said:
Correct. That bundle wasn't available yet and is a great deal!
Click to expand...
Yes, $350/kWh is approaching the level that DIY storage just doesn’t make any sense (unless your doing it out of love and as a hobby rather than to save money).

And especially if the battery pack came pre-configured for your inverter.
 
Liz@lowcountry said:
I am doing something similar. Do you have a pic of the transition from aluminum to copper? I think you indicated it was in the meterbox? Thanks
Click to expand...
Transition was in the attic that way I could use smaller 6awg copper thhn that is easier to run and can use smaller conduit down the side of the house to the meter and through the ceiling in my garage to the metal raceway.

Transition uses three screw terminal block at each transition mounted in a larger plastic UL listed box that I got from Home Depot.

(Links to come)
 
bertiojones said:
Transition was in the attic that way I could use smaller 6awg copper thhn that is easier to run and can use smaller conduit down the side of the house to the meter and through the ceiling in my garage to the metal raceway.

Transition uses three screw terminal block at each transition mounted in a larger plastic UL listed box that I got from Home Depot.

(Links to come)
Click to expand...
Thank you
 
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