EG4 18kpv Install Progress

[Watts Happening]

Howdy there! I just upgraded our main service from 100a>200a. I would have considered putting the entire house on the 18kpv, but I didn’t have anywhere realistic to put the batteries. So I went with a 100a critical loads panel that has 90% of the home loads in it. Inverter is in the garage, batteries will be on top of the gun safe.

I’ll be pulling 2awg wire from the inverter to the transfer switch tomorrow as well as adding a 50a circuit from the garage subpanel to feed the line side for days of low production.

Here’s the progress thus far (I’ll keep it updated as things get done):

 

[timselectric]

It's 18kpv
Don't want to create confusion.

 

[Watts Happening]

It's 18kpv
Don't want to create confusion.

Agreed, sorry I was shortening for quick typing on the phone. I’ll fix it now

 

[Zapper77]

Interesting connection for the chargeverter.

 

[timselectric]

I like the chargeverter location.
No space wasted.

 

[Watts Happening]

Interesting connection for the chargeverter.

Only using one set of battery cables due to the short run. Asked James with Signature Solar about it and was told I’m good to go.

I’m all for cleaner, simpler wiring.

 

[Zapper77]

Only using one set of battery cables due to the short run. Asked James with Signature Solar about it and was told I’m good to go.

I’m all for cleaner, simpler wiring.

I like it and may need to use it for mine.

 

[dougbert]

I like it as well

I put mine above the raceway as well

but didn't have the 2nd battery terminals, so it connects to busbar off to the right near battery

 

[Watts Happening]

Update - 7/18/23

Ran (3) #2 wires plus a #6 ground from the garage, under the house and out to the transfer switch today (not the most fun thing in the world). Then trimmed them out on each side and added a grounding lug to the Wireway. Also pulled a 14/2 and cat6 for emergency shut off and CTs.

Then mounted 600a bus bars and made battery cables.

She’s getting close!

 

[timselectric]

Looking great

 

[Watts Happening]

Looking great

Thanks sir! The sheer number of runs to the store is insanity. Always missing a bushing or fitting of some sort I seemingly can’t ever have enough of.

Also trying to do things right vs cutting corners always takes 3x the time.

 

[timselectric]

Practice makes perfect.
Including material runs. lol

 

[Watts Happening]

Practice makes perfect.
Including material runs. lol

Thank god I’m less that 5mn from Home Depot, Lowes and Grainger!

 

[Farm Boy]

Looks Great! The PVC pipe makes the job so much easier and the DC cables look protected. I'm glad to see positive comments of some one's work.

 

[Watts Happening]

Looks Great! The PVC pipe makes the job so much easier and the DC cables look protected. I'm glad to see positive comments of some one's work.

Much appreciated!

I considered doing all EMT but I already had plenty of 2” schedule 80 PVC laying around from the main panel upgrade. I figure if it’s good enough to protect my home outside, it’s plenty safe up high inside. Honestly it’s very thick pipe.

I did however do the PV wires in 3/4 EMT, per code it’s required and it didn’t seem worth taking a risk to get called out on it. It’s pretty easy stuff to work with anyhow.

 

[Farm Boy]

I understand, I'm in the process of changing out my pv wire as well to EMT to keep it all happy.

 

[dougbert]

Thanks sir! The sheer number of runs to the store is insanity. Always missing a bushing or fitting of some sort I seemingly can’t ever have enough of.

Also trying to do things right vs cutting corners always takes 3x the time.

I have been polishing for 23 years - hardware store loves me

 

[dougbert]

Much appreciated!

I considered doing all EMT but I already had plenty of 2” schedule 80 PVC laying around from the main panel upgrade. I figure if it’s good enough to protect my home outside, it’s plenty safe up high inside. Honestly it’s very thick pipe.

I did however do the PV wires in 3/4 EMT, per code it’s required and it didn’t seem worth taking a risk to get called out on it. It’s pretty easy stuff to work with anyhow.

I installed my arrays 20 years ago with 1" PVC, #6 wire 48v nominal voltage - there wasn't high voltage controllers then

 

[dalemeyer22]

Looks good! Building mine as well.

6AWG ok to run from main panel 60A to the inverter and then from the inverter to the critical load? less than 12' each way. Would be only 5' if I didn't have to run an external disconnect switch.