diy solar

diy solar

Search results

  1. D

    Sol-Ark 12K plus Fortress 18.5K plus Solaria XT370 Semi-DIY Install

    The Sol-Ark is able to easily push 3.5KW continuously to my car. I'm sure it could do more, but that's the limit the car will pull.
  2. D

    Buying a Sol-Ark 12k tomorrow

    Here is a quick update on my experience installing a Sol-Ark 12K in the past few days: https://diysolarforum.com/threads/sol-ark-12k-plus-fortress-18-5k-plus-solaria-xt370-semi-diy-install.15941/
  3. D

    Sol-Ark Inverters 8 and 12K

    Just installed and powered on a Sol-Ark 12K. So far it is working flawlessly and powers my EV car charger at 3.5KW without breaking a sweat. More info on my setup here: https://diysolarforum.com/threads/sol-ark-12k-plus-fortress-18-5k-plus-solaria-xt370-semi-diy-install.15941/
  4. D

    Sol-Ark 12K plus Fortress 18.5K plus Solaria XT370 Semi-DIY Install

    Beginning the install for the Rich Solar panels. Note the hillside slope. There are multiple terraces of panels (like a hillside farm):
  5. D

    Sol-Ark 12K plus Fortress 18.5K plus Solaria XT370 Semi-DIY Install

    Detail of the Sol-Ark internal wiring -- note the 6 AWG wiring connecting the neutral (blue) and ground (green) sections. This was a recommendation from Sol-Ark to do the neutral bond here. Note also the massive 4/0 battery cables. Charging the battery for the first time on a cloudy day. Note...
  6. D

    Sol-Ark 12K plus Fortress 18.5K plus Solaria XT370 Semi-DIY Install

    Initial Install of the Panels -- I hired a helper for this: Panels completed -- Not sure what the discoloration was on the last panel, but is was gone by morning: Fortress Battery arrives -- it is VERY well packed: Installing the Sol-Ark and Load Center. Note the black bump for the WiFi...
  7. D

    Sol-Ark 12K plus Fortress 18.5K plus Solaria XT370 Semi-DIY Install

    Hello all-- System Background: Over the past month or so, I received all of my parts. The key system components are as follows: Sol-Ark 12K Inverter and MPPT Fortress eVault 18.5K battery 8X Solaria XT370 Panels 20X Rich Solar 100W Premium Black Panels This was all installed by me, with help...
  8. D

    What does "Transformerless" mean on the Sol-Ark?

    Is that generally a good or bad thing?
  9. D

    What does "Transformerless" mean on the Sol-Ark?

    I notice that my new Sol-Ark unit says it is a "transformerless" DC design. Can someone explain what that means? I notice that using my Tri-Field EMF meter, it has very low magnetic fields. (Basically close to the background level of my house, unless I am within 1-2 feet of the unit. Background...
  10. D

    Solar awning

    That looks super cool. I just built something fairly similar, but it took up 80% of my back yard/patio! (City life...)
  11. D

    Sol-Ark battery SOC wrong

    Hm, it's been charging for a few hours now, and it is still reporting 94% SOC, compared to mid-30s on the battery.... anyone have any ideas?
  12. D

    Sol-Ark battery SOC wrong

    The battery is unable to charge due to no grid and no solar yet (till tomorrow light), so I think the controller just hasn't been able to test the battery resistance yet.
  13. D

    Sol-Ark battery SOC wrong

    Hi all, I just tested my Sol-Ark for the first time, and the SOC for the battery is reading as 95%. The battery itself shows around 39%. There is no CAN or other communication between them. Does anyone know how to reset / adjust the SOC on the Sol-Ark?
  14. D

    Cannot fit battery cable lugs past flex conduit 1" fitting

    Considering how much this project has cost, it wouldn't be out of the question. My grandpa has tools that almost as old as him -- basically 100 yrs old. Incredible stuff.
  15. D

    Best options for battery wiring

    LOL. I had to do a reverse image search, but a bandsaw. .... I get it! :)
  16. D

    Best options for battery wiring

    The Panduit lugs on the 4/0 cables I bought were so thick that not even ONE would fit per 1" conduit fitting. Fits just fine inside the conduit. The knockouts are ~35mm and wont take a 1 1/4" fitting.
  17. D

    Best options for battery wiring

    I have 1" Hydromaxx and it *almost* fits but not by about 1mm. Tell me more.
  18. D

    Best options for battery wiring

    I am having some issues getting my Fortress 18K and my Sol-Ark 12K connected. One side requires an M8 lug, while the other side requires an M10 lug. I need 2/0 or 4/0 cable per the specs. I found that Spartan Power sells custom cables with different size lugs, but the next issue is how to fit...
  19. D

    Cannot fit battery cable lugs past flex conduit 1" fitting

    I purchased these battery cables for my Fortress 18.5K and Sol-Ark 12K setup: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MXQ6VG2/ Amazing cables, but I have one issue: the lugs don't fit past the 1" fittings of my flex liquidtight conduit. I tried buying 1 1/4" size fittings, but the larger...
  20. D

    Neutral and Ground bars in Panel for Off-Grid Sol-Ark System

    Actually, what are you guys seeing on the original load center I posted where it is “not” rated for service? Is that because it doesn’t have a separate shutoff position for a main breaker?
  21. D

    Neutral and Ground bars in Panel for Off-Grid Sol-Ark System

    Just for my learning, is this load center rated for the neutral bond? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-QO-125-Amp-12-Space-24-Circuit-Indoor-Main-Lug-Plug-On-Neutral-Load-Center-with-Cover-QO112L125PGC/311565518
  22. D

    Neutral and Ground bars in Panel for Off-Grid Sol-Ark System

    This is only powering four circuits, and will “never” be expanded. 1x circuit for for a de-rated EV car charger, and 3x circuits for my garage/shop/freezer. That’s why I got the fairly small load center. I am fine bonding inside the Sol-Ark, unless there is a major reason to avoid that? Thanks...
  23. D

    Sol-Ark system updates info?

    I just got a Sol-Ark 12K. I think the P model is the outdoor model. The main physical difference is that the Wi-Fi is located on the side under a shroud vs underneath the main body on the older/indoor model. Mine is off-grid, so I was glad to get the extra 4.5A @ 240V on the new model. I was on...
  24. D

    Where can I buy some good solar panels

    I had good luck with ecodirect.com -- purchased Solaria XT 370 panels from them.
  25. D

    Neutral and Ground bars in Panel for Off-Grid Sol-Ark System

    Just talked to Sol-Ark. They suggested linking neutral and ground *inside* the Sol-Ark and keeping them separate in the load center (mainly for aesthetics/flexibility). Does that sound right to everyone here?
  26. D

    Neutral and Ground bars in Panel for Off-Grid Sol-Ark System

    Hello all, I am nearly complete in my install of a Sol-Ark 12K + solar panels + a Fortress 18.5 battery. I had a local electrician here helping with the install, but there was one question that he was not 100% certain about (and I don't want to just guess... ). Basically, what is the correct...
  27. D

    Allowed to run Direct Burial wire in Flex Liquid Tight Conduit

    Bob, that link is very helpful. Can you tell me if one of those boxes can support multiple independent (not parallel or series) strings? My Sol-Ark has two MPPT controllers. Or would I need two separate boxes for that scenario?
  28. D

    Allowed to run Direct Burial wire in Flex Liquid Tight Conduit

    I had very specific aesthetic/size requirements for the panels... I know they are expensive :( Thanks again -- this was all very helpful!
  29. D

    Allowed to run Direct Burial wire in Flex Liquid Tight Conduit

    Thanks BobH that is helpful. If the wire I want to use is dual USE-2 and RHW-2, would it be possible to simply transition into metal conduit as I enter the house without using the Soladeck box/bus bar? Or does it have to be THNW-2 specifically in the house/garage?
  30. D

    Allowed to run Direct Burial wire in Flex Liquid Tight Conduit

    The wire is rated RHW-2 or USE-2 if that means anything about the conduit?
  31. D

    Allowed to run Direct Burial wire in Flex Liquid Tight Conduit

    One string is ~270v voc with 12 of these panels: https://www.amazon.com/RICH-SOLAR-Premium-Monocrystalline-Solar/dp/B086ZL9PM8 The other one is ~381v voc 8x of these: https://www.solaris-shop.com/solaria-powerxt-370r-pd-370w-mono-solar-panel/ Distances to the inverter is about 150ft for the 12...
  32. D

    Allowed to run Direct Burial wire in Flex Liquid Tight Conduit

    What's the easiest/proper way to transition from MC4 cable coming off the panels to THWN "out in the field" -- this is ground mount. Edit: I see you said to transition at the disconnect. Can you link me to the product you normally use? Most disconnects I've found seem to only be AC rated. This...
  33. D

    Allowed to run Direct Burial wire in Flex Liquid Tight Conduit

    Also, does the flexible liquid tight conduit meet this requirement: https://www.electricallicenserenewal.com/Electrical-Continuing-Education-Courses/NEC-Content.php?sectionID=383.0 690.31 Where PV source and output circuits operating at voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in readily...

diy solar

diy solar
Back
Top