solarnewbie2024
New Member
Hello all,
I am a beginner (and this is my first post so please be easy on me) in the process of researching and planning my first DIY residential setup. I am looking to do a hybrid setup with a tentative selection of some components as listed below:
-EG4 12kpv hybrid inverter
-Ground mount array ~10-12kw
-Ground mount hardware: Integrarack IR30 with anchorspikes (possibly interested in powerrack ballasted due to portability/simplicity but I know panel selection is limited due to width restrictions)
-Panels: Hyperion 395W Bifacial panels
-Likely grid interconnection with net metering, likely planning to add battery onto the system in the future. I will explain the 'likely' choice of words below.
I will be submitting my information to Greenlancer for system plans/permitting. I live in rural central VA, my utility is REC. My AHJ would be Hanover County, VA.
I am planning (after the research phase and permitting etc) to do the ground mount, solar panel setup, trenching and conduit etc myself and have electrician do the wiring to my panel etc.
I have several photographs attached of my main panel, utility disconnect, aerial photograph with rough outlines of locations. I am wondering if a typical line-side with a breaker into the panel would be ok. I have looked at available breaker slots, the panel rating as it pertains to the 120% rule and general code-compliance/safety. The house is very old, has had work and repairs done by many people before me. I can't seem to find anything that clearly tells me the busbar rating of my panel. The enclosure label says one thing, the label on the interior says another (the interior is likely closer to accurate). Any feedback or helpful observations would be appreciated. Also in case pictures didn't already say, there is a generac installed for backup power.
Should I just submit all of this info (but more detailed of course) to Greenlancer and wait to see what their plan-set/permitting says? Then submit to AHJ, and if corrections are needed then resend to Greenlancer for revisions? Repeat until approval is gained, then proceed from there? I would like to keep any major "surprises to a minimum- i.e "oh looks like you all of a sudden need ______ to make this work (like a main panel upgrade, or something unforseen that would add thousands onto the cost. My hope is that I can complete the project while staying within a budget range of roughly $10-12k. Battery backup may be added in the future. For now, just want to reduce my electric bill/save $ longterm, with option to be energy "independent" later on. I have been looking through the EG4 12kpv wiring diagrams and realize there is much still to research.
I realize I may be asking silly or possibly redundant questions, but I have been researching this project so much that I think I have briefly fried my brain! I welcome your feedback, thoughts, or follow up questions for clarification.
Cheers!





I am a beginner (and this is my first post so please be easy on me) in the process of researching and planning my first DIY residential setup. I am looking to do a hybrid setup with a tentative selection of some components as listed below:
-EG4 12kpv hybrid inverter
-Ground mount array ~10-12kw
-Ground mount hardware: Integrarack IR30 with anchorspikes (possibly interested in powerrack ballasted due to portability/simplicity but I know panel selection is limited due to width restrictions)
-Panels: Hyperion 395W Bifacial panels
-Likely grid interconnection with net metering, likely planning to add battery onto the system in the future. I will explain the 'likely' choice of words below.
I will be submitting my information to Greenlancer for system plans/permitting. I live in rural central VA, my utility is REC. My AHJ would be Hanover County, VA.
I am planning (after the research phase and permitting etc) to do the ground mount, solar panel setup, trenching and conduit etc myself and have electrician do the wiring to my panel etc.
I have several photographs attached of my main panel, utility disconnect, aerial photograph with rough outlines of locations. I am wondering if a typical line-side with a breaker into the panel would be ok. I have looked at available breaker slots, the panel rating as it pertains to the 120% rule and general code-compliance/safety. The house is very old, has had work and repairs done by many people before me. I can't seem to find anything that clearly tells me the busbar rating of my panel. The enclosure label says one thing, the label on the interior says another (the interior is likely closer to accurate). Any feedback or helpful observations would be appreciated. Also in case pictures didn't already say, there is a generac installed for backup power.
Should I just submit all of this info (but more detailed of course) to Greenlancer and wait to see what their plan-set/permitting says? Then submit to AHJ, and if corrections are needed then resend to Greenlancer for revisions? Repeat until approval is gained, then proceed from there? I would like to keep any major "surprises to a minimum- i.e "oh looks like you all of a sudden need ______ to make this work (like a main panel upgrade, or something unforseen that would add thousands onto the cost. My hope is that I can complete the project while staying within a budget range of roughly $10-12k. Battery backup may be added in the future. For now, just want to reduce my electric bill/save $ longterm, with option to be energy "independent" later on. I have been looking through the EG4 12kpv wiring diagrams and realize there is much still to research.
I realize I may be asking silly or possibly redundant questions, but I have been researching this project so much that I think I have briefly fried my brain! I welcome your feedback, thoughts, or follow up questions for clarification.
Cheers!




