Hello. Reaching out to learn more about AC coupling with my existing Solark 12k system.
I have a 10kw solar array being controlled by a Solark 12k (wish the 15k was available 3 years ago). I re-wired my home electrical to have all my 120v loads powered by the Solark 50A critical load breaker. As I'm also on natural gas (Stove, HW, central Heat), the 50A is adequate - in 3 years never tripped. Larger 240 electrical loads (pumps, AC units) rely on the grid. This was my compromise as we rarely loose power and if we do I can live without AC and a clean pool for a few days. Not so much without refrigerators, freezers, lights and electronics.
The system is also grid tied to the main panel. I still am allowed to sell power back at a 1:1 for most of the day. In addition, I have a small 10KW battery that will power my house critical loads for about 5 hours. I also switch to battery power during the expensive hours (4 to 8pm).
As I peak out power production at 8Kw, I have room for about 4Kw of AC coupling (Adding DC is not an option). My plan is to install more panels with Enphase micro-inverters (IQ8s). Most days I use 75Kwh and produce about 50Kwh. The goal is to make up the difference with AC couplling. Also, I do see electric vehicles in my future, so no fear of extra/excess power being generated.
I understand AC coupling on the Solark is done through the Gen input and switched with software. As I want to keep the option to use the generator through this breaker, I plan on using a manual A/B switch - allowing for generator or AC coupling. I realize this will require me to manually move the switch and change the software setting, but I'm ok with that.
Some questions I have: If I'm using AC coupling and the Grid goes down, is the power generated by the IQ8's still available for the Solark to manage?
What issues/problems if I connected the IQ8s generated power directly to the main panel or subpanel fed by the main panel (NOT through the Solark breaker)? Odd questions, but thats how I learn. thanks,
I have a 10kw solar array being controlled by a Solark 12k (wish the 15k was available 3 years ago). I re-wired my home electrical to have all my 120v loads powered by the Solark 50A critical load breaker. As I'm also on natural gas (Stove, HW, central Heat), the 50A is adequate - in 3 years never tripped. Larger 240 electrical loads (pumps, AC units) rely on the grid. This was my compromise as we rarely loose power and if we do I can live without AC and a clean pool for a few days. Not so much without refrigerators, freezers, lights and electronics.
The system is also grid tied to the main panel. I still am allowed to sell power back at a 1:1 for most of the day. In addition, I have a small 10KW battery that will power my house critical loads for about 5 hours. I also switch to battery power during the expensive hours (4 to 8pm).
As I peak out power production at 8Kw, I have room for about 4Kw of AC coupling (Adding DC is not an option). My plan is to install more panels with Enphase micro-inverters (IQ8s). Most days I use 75Kwh and produce about 50Kwh. The goal is to make up the difference with AC couplling. Also, I do see electric vehicles in my future, so no fear of extra/excess power being generated.
I understand AC coupling on the Solark is done through the Gen input and switched with software. As I want to keep the option to use the generator through this breaker, I plan on using a manual A/B switch - allowing for generator or AC coupling. I realize this will require me to manually move the switch and change the software setting, but I'm ok with that.
Some questions I have: If I'm using AC coupling and the Grid goes down, is the power generated by the IQ8's still available for the Solark to manage?
What issues/problems if I connected the IQ8s generated power directly to the main panel or subpanel fed by the main panel (NOT through the Solark breaker)? Odd questions, but thats how I learn. thanks,