n2aws
Solar Addict
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2022
- Messages
- 684
Hey all,
I've got an idea that I'd like some input/feedback on.
Background:
I live in an area with a *lot* of lightning. I've heard it referred to as "the lightning capital of the US" (not sure if it's just a claim, or legitimate). But over the years, I've had close proximity strikes twice that damaged equipment, and needed replacing. That said, I don't think I've ever had a direct strike.
I've got a solar inverter with battery backup wired to a critical loads panel. It's grid-tied, and I'd like it to remain grid-tied for a multitude of reasons that don't really matter for this post. Suffice it to say: 100% offgrid isn't an option I'd like to entertain.
Idea:
I was thinking about adding a normally closed contactor in place between the main panel, and the solar inverter. This would allow me to take the solar and critical loads panel "offgrid" easily.. but more importantly, in an automated fashion.
What do I mean by automated? Well.. I'm thinking about using a raspberry pi, and writing a script to hit an API of one of the various weather websites that shows lightning strikes over time. I suspect I could find a somewhat reliable site, and poll it. if there are any recent strikes within some distance of my location (I'd have to look up how far lighting can strike laterally, but for the sake of discussion, lets say 10 miles). So, any strikes within 10 miles in the last 15m, kill power to the contactor, and "disconnect" the grid from the inverter. Then, when the area is clear, energize the circuit, and reconnect the grid. This way, if I were to take another strike.. it wouldn't damage the inverters, charge controllers, or any of the "critical" electronics powered from the critical loads panel. However, the remaining electronics would still be vulnerable.
From there, It would be relatively easy to add other functionality.. like if I see signficant voltage rise or drop on the grid, disconnect it.. etc etc.
Is this an absurd idea? Do others think they'd find it useful if the project were to ever be built? etc. etc.
Feedback appreciated!
I've got an idea that I'd like some input/feedback on.
Background:
I live in an area with a *lot* of lightning. I've heard it referred to as "the lightning capital of the US" (not sure if it's just a claim, or legitimate). But over the years, I've had close proximity strikes twice that damaged equipment, and needed replacing. That said, I don't think I've ever had a direct strike.
I've got a solar inverter with battery backup wired to a critical loads panel. It's grid-tied, and I'd like it to remain grid-tied for a multitude of reasons that don't really matter for this post. Suffice it to say: 100% offgrid isn't an option I'd like to entertain.
Idea:
I was thinking about adding a normally closed contactor in place between the main panel, and the solar inverter. This would allow me to take the solar and critical loads panel "offgrid" easily.. but more importantly, in an automated fashion.
What do I mean by automated? Well.. I'm thinking about using a raspberry pi, and writing a script to hit an API of one of the various weather websites that shows lightning strikes over time. I suspect I could find a somewhat reliable site, and poll it. if there are any recent strikes within some distance of my location (I'd have to look up how far lighting can strike laterally, but for the sake of discussion, lets say 10 miles). So, any strikes within 10 miles in the last 15m, kill power to the contactor, and "disconnect" the grid from the inverter. Then, when the area is clear, energize the circuit, and reconnect the grid. This way, if I were to take another strike.. it wouldn't damage the inverters, charge controllers, or any of the "critical" electronics powered from the critical loads panel. However, the remaining electronics would still be vulnerable.
From there, It would be relatively easy to add other functionality.. like if I see signficant voltage rise or drop on the grid, disconnect it.. etc etc.
Is this an absurd idea? Do others think they'd find it useful if the project were to ever be built? etc. etc.
Feedback appreciated!