generator output too large

[jim naklick]

Recently moved to a new home that has an existing generator. I am in the process of designing a solar system but it seems the output of the generator is too much for all the inverters I have looked at. It is a generac with an output of 22K.
I don't understand what makes this an issue? Would the generator be putting out full power to charge the batteries or power the inverter? The company I have my quote from tells me that the inverter will not handle that and they were told by the distributor to leave the generator unhooked. Is there some sort of regulator that could be used to lessen the output or some other option other than replacing the generator?

 

[Lt.Dan]

The generator is not going to FORCE power through the inverter. You can't have too big of a generator. Some inverter companies actually state in their manual that they recommend a Generator be 2-3x the inverters output.

I would start looking at dealing with a different company.

 

[629658]

Recently moved to a new home that has an existing generator. I am in the process of designing a solar system but it seems the output of the generator is too much for all the inverters I have looked at. It is a generac with an output of 22K.
I don't understand what makes this an issue? Would the generator be putting out full power to charge the batteries or power the inverter? The company I have my quote from tells me that the inverter will not handle that and they were told by the distributor to leave the generator unhooked. Is there some sort of regulator that could be used to lessen the output or some other option other than replacing the generator?

Buy a Sol Ark 15k attach it on the grid input with your ATS and not the gen input and your good to go.

 

[629658]

Just like this

 

[Quattrohead]

That company has no idea what they're talking about, get yourself some other quotes.

 

[Lt.Dan]

Buy a Sol Ark 15k attach it on the grid input with your ATS and not the gen input and your good to go.

Yes! The Sol-Ark 15k specifically recommends any Gen over 19.2kw to be connected to the grid input.

 

[629658]

Yes! The Sol-Ark 15k specifically recommends any Gen over 19.2kw to be connected to the grid input.

The beauty of installing with the ATS is your 100% isolated in a grid out situation.

 

[629658]

The beauty of installing with the ATS is you’re 100% isolated in a grid out situation.

I was able to sneak in my ATS for my 200A AC disconnect. I was sure they were going to make me install another disconnect but they passed it.

 

[jim naklick]

Buy a Sol Ark 15k attach it on the grid input with your ATS and not the gen input and your good to go.

I do have the sol-ark 15K as what I would like to use. Can you explain to me why do you suggest wiring this way? My unit would be grid tied

 

[629658]

I do have the sol-ark 15K as what I would like to use. Can you explain to me why do you suggest wiring this way? My unit would be grid tied

A couple of reasons. First I already had a generator and ATS installed. Second, in a grid out situation the ATS disconnects you from the grid so no possibility of backfeed. Third, it left my grid port open for future AC coupling/load shedding. Forth, allows for larger generators to be installed. Fifth installation was easier.

 

[dcg9381]

That company has no idea what they're talking about, get yourself some other quotes.

Or they know exactly what they are talking about and are trying to sell this poor consumer a bunch of crap he doesn't need.

s there some sort of regulator that could be used to lessen the output or some other option other than replacing the generator?

Jim, the inverter is setup like any other load device, only you can set the charge rate. You set the charge rate on the inverter and put it on an input circuit and breaker that matches.

Total crap-show advice from whatever company told you that you had "too much" generator.

 

[Browse]

Generators only output what you request from them, up to their maximum. If you plug in a 100W light bulb to your 22kw generator, it will output 100W.

 

[DIYrich]

I do have the sol-ark 15K as what I would like to use. Can you explain to me why do you suggest wiring this way? My unit would be grid tied

If you ever need to take the Sol-Ark 15k out of the circuit for service. Also, Gen Input is limited to 19kW. No practical limit on the Grid Input line.

 

[jim naklick]

If you ever need to take the Sol-Ark 15k out of the circuit for service. Also, Gen Input is limited to 19kW. No practical limit on the Grid Input line.

the generator input is the issue of why I started this thread. My generator output is 22K and I don't understand why the max output of the generator is a problem?

 

[Mattb4]

the generator input is the issue of why I started this thread. My generator output is 22K and I don't understand why the max output of the generator is a problem?

Pretty easy to explain why you do not see it as a problem. Because you are right to think it is not. Loads drive supply.

 

[jim naklick]

Pretty easy to explain why you do not see it as a problem. Because you are right to think it is not. Loads drive supply.

I thought that was the case then why does the sol-ark 15K have a max gen input of 19K could some sort of damage result from hooking my 22k gen line into the gen inputs?

 

[Lt.Dan]

I thought that was the case then why does the sol-ark 15K have a max gen input of 19K could some sort of damage result from hooking my 22k gen line into the gen inputs?

No, you just can only use 19kW worth of your 22kW gen. Not the worst sacrafice.

 

[Mattb4]

Max input is the max amount the SolArk can handle as it supplies loads. The generator feeding it could be a turbine MW one sitting at the base of a major hydroelectric dam.

 

[DIYrich]

the generator input is the issue of why I started this thread. My generator output is 22K and I don't understand why the max output of the generator is a problem?

Not a "problem", but a "limitation". The Sol-Ark has CT's on the Gen Input. So, it will not take more than 19.2kW in from the Gen Port, even if the generator can supply more. Not a big deal if you limit the generator to 80% of load, or 17.6kW.

Let's say that you need surge up to the full 22kW of the generator. It won't happen on the Gen Input port. It can happen on the Grid input port.

 

[629658]

Another benefit of bringing in the genny in on the line in. I see it as a huge benefit. You seem to look at it as a disadvantage.

 

[DIYrich]

BTW: the purpose of Gen Input is so that you don't need an ATS. The generator should already have one. So instead of running the output of the ATS to the main panel, run it to the grid input of the Sol-ark. Which you have to do anyway. Unless you have an alternative use for the ATS.

That frees up the Gen input line for its other uses.

 

[629658]

BTW: the purpose of Gen Input is so that you don't need an ATS. The generator should already have one. So instead of running the output of the ATS to the main panel, run it to the grid input of the Sol-ark. Which you have to do anyway. Unless you have an alternative use for the ATS.

That frees up the Gen input line for its other uses.

IMO the only way to wire it up.

 

[jim naklick]

Another benefit of bringing in the genny in on the line in. I see it as a huge benefit. You seem to look at it as a disadvantage.

In my case I will be grid tied so I need that input for the grid

 

[GSXR1000]

Recently moved to a new home that has an existing generator. I am in the process of designing a solar system but it seems the output of the generator is too much for all the inverters I have looked at. It is a generac with an output of 22K.
I don't understand what makes this an issue? Would the generator be putting out full power to charge the batteries or power the inverter? The company I have my quote from tells me that the inverter will not handle that and they were told by the distributor to leave the generator unhooked. Is there some sort of regulator that could be used to lessen the output or some other option other than replacing the generator?

is this a grid tie system? that might be an issue since the system will try to feed the generator

 

[RCinFLA]

Inverters like Xantrex XW and Victron Quattro have two separate AC inputs for grid and generator.

ATS can cause problem if hybrid inverter does not release its single AC input before ATS transfers from generator back to grid. Grid and generator AC phases are not synchronized so the inverter pass-through relay must release from one source before connecting to another AC source.

When hybrid inverter's pass-through relay is engaged, its inverter phase lock is slave to AC input. Not until pass-through relay releases does inverter go independent on its phase/frequency.

If pass-through relay is still engaged when ATS AC jumps from generator back to grid, the inverter will be in previous phase sync with generator, and it can damage or at least blow AC input breaker when out of phase grid is applied to AC input that is still in pass-through to inverter.

If ATS goes open circuit for a couple of minutes to allow for generator start and warm up, the inverter may not release pass-through relay in time. A UL1741 grid tie compliant hybrid inverter should release pass-through relay in about 2 seconds when its AC input goes open circuit. Open circuit AC input is hard for hybrid inverter to detect since zero AC input current is a legit condition that does not necessarily cause it to open pass-through relay. A UL1741 compliant hybrid inverter will try to wiggle its phasing periodically to detect the resistance to phase shifting from a valid AC input source.

Having an inverter with two separate AC input port allows it to manage the cross over from one AC source and another, using battery power to provide AC output during the slow switchover phase realignment from one AC source to another.