automatikdonn
Becoming Offgrid
There is no reason to worry. Transformers are reliable technology. Get no less than 2 transformers for redundancy purposes.I don't understand the utility first priority??? Don't most people that want an off grid converter that is grid tied because they want PV first then battery then grid then generator. Doesn't that cover all the bases. Power no matter what. I'm in the planning process and ready to purchase 30 - 295 watt panels. 2 x 6s2p and 1 x 3s2p. Each of the 3 string is wire to 1 of the 3 Growatt SPF 5000 ES inverter. 6 Li Fe EG4 Batteries connected to the inverters. The 3 inverters connected to a separate circuit box with a 50A breaker each. That breaker box set up with 1 or 2 (if safer) split phase Mid point transformers connected with 50A breakers. That breaker box is connected to my home main breaker box with a 60A or 100A breaker (not sure yet) connecting both circuit boxes. The Grid and my 19.5Kw Generac Generator pass through the 200A Transfer switch keeping the grid safe during grid outages is already installed. According to Signature Solar this is the system they want to sell me. You guys have me so worried I'm having trouble starting the whole project. Please explain to me why this won't work and what I need to do to make it work. I really don't want to burn my house down trying to improve it. Another question is when the grid goes down I think my generator will auto start even if I have PV or battery power. How could I control that. Any other suggestions would be appreciated, but please keep it simple if possible.
The OP asked a question and we are trying our best to give a technical explanation, diagram and BOM for others to use that have this use case.
Your use case is likely to be more standard operating procedure.
Again, there is no reason to be scared or worry about midpoint transformer technology. There is a risk if you have only 1 that it could fail and leave you with a dangerous situation... So get two and sleep tight. If you want some extra protection, you could implement what is outlined in the thread. If not, there is a 99% chance you will turn this system on and never look back and be totally fine. I have not seen a single complaint of one of these failing and I have searched.
I hope this helps you and others feel safe about using these devices.
As for your other questions I would suggest starting a thread for a design review with your use case and stated goals. I think you will get a similar reaction from the community and IMO should be standard operating procedure. When my system is complete I plan to do a writeup on my goals and then post some photos so people can poke holes in my design. If we all help each other out, we can all end up with a very safe, very reliable system.
Last edited: