My new construction home DIY solar build thread (EG4 18Kpv) Texas 🇺🇲

[AustinMaddox]

Hi! New member, first post
We're nearing completion on our new home so I thought I'd start documenting the build (with photos, of course) as I go along.

The story begins,... apparently I love things that use electricity because I had so many circuits (15kW HVAC, pool heater/chiller, 3 HP well pump, aerobic septic, EV charger, two refrigerators, one freezer, shop/man cave, welder, air compressor, mini-split, etc.) that the electricians suggested that I install a 320 amp meter base feeding two 200 amp panels from the grid. Okay, cool.

Then, being an engineer and quite left-brained, I started doing the calculations and spreadsheets and whatnot on how much I could expect my monthly electric bill to be. I crunched the numbers and checked the price per watt from the local power company and was shocked . I needed a new plan. Started looking into solar. Watched way too many YouTube videos, and ended up here, lurking on the forums for months.

Long story short, I drove to Sulphur Springs and picked up an EG4 18Kpv inverter from Signature Solar last week. Just got it mounted. Let the games begin!

 

[Skypower]

Hi! New member, first post
We're nearing completion on our new home so I thought I'd start documenting the build (with photos, of course) as I go along.

The story begins,... apparently I love things that use electricity because I had so many circuits (15kW HVAC, pool heater/chiller, 3 HP well pump, aerobic septic, EV charger, two refrigerators, one freezer, shop/man cave, welder, air compressor, mini-split, etc.) that the electricians suggested that I install a 320v meter base feeding two 200 amp panels from the grid. Okay, cool.

Then, being an engineer and quite left-brained, I started doing the calculations and spreadsheets and whatnot on how much I could expect my monthly electric bill to be. I crunched the numbers and checked the price per watt from the local power company and was shocked . I needed a new plan. Started looking into solar. Watched way too many YouTube videos, and ended up here, lurking on the forums for months.

Long story short, I drove to Sulphur Springs and picked up an EG4 18Kpv inverter from Signature Solar last week. Just got it mounted. Let the games begin!

Welcome!
Good choice so far. It’s had a lot of beta testing at this point so it’s ready for prime time.
Only one 18Kpv?

 

[AustinMaddox]

Thanks. I actually plan on running two 18Kpv's, but starting with one to see how it goes.

 

[Skypower]

I can’t exactly get my head around the 320v two panel thing, but I’m not an electrician. However, we’ve got some real electricians here that will chime in, in due time.
Edit, yeah I see you corrected v to amps

 

[AustinMaddox]

Sorry, I meant 320 amp, not volts.

 

[Skypower]

Sorry, I meant 320 amp, not volts.

Probably went with two 200 amp panels for cost and/or availability I’m guessing.
I think you’re going to like EG4 line of products. Probably one of the best for DIY friendly plus code compliance at a reasonable price. And,no I don’t own one.

 

[SignatureSolarJess]

Hi! New member, first post
We're nearing completion on our new home so I thought I'd start documenting the build (with photos, of course) as I go along.

The story begins,... apparently I love things that use electricity because I had so many circuits (15kW HVAC, pool heater/chiller, 3 HP well pump, aerobic septic, EV charger, two refrigerators, one freezer, shop/man cave, welder, air compressor, mini-split, etc.) that the electricians suggested that I install a 320 amp meter base feeding two 200 amp panels from the grid. Okay, cool.

Then, being an engineer and quite left-brained, I started doing the calculations and spreadsheets and whatnot on how much I could expect my monthly electric bill to be. I crunched the numbers and checked the price per watt from the local power company and was shocked . I needed a new plan. Started looking into solar. Watched way too many YouTube videos, and ended up here, lurking on the forums for months.

Long story short, I drove to Sulphur Springs and picked up an EG4 18Kpv inverter from Signature Solar last week. Just got it mounted. Let the games begin!

Exciting!! Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns!

 

[AustinMaddox]

Thanks! First photo:

 

[wpns]

Nice! Keep up the progress reports, I’m just a month or so behind you!

 

[Dagoth Ur Does Solar]

So did you opt for any energy storage? Is that measured so that EG4 PowerPros will fit under there?

 

[Quattrohead]

Nice one, I am building too. Just mounted 2 of 3 PP batteries today, my back loves me

 

[AustinMaddox]

Thanks wpns! Yes, measured for PowerPro wall mount batteries. I don't know if I'll add them ($$$), but I'd sure like to!

 

[AustinMaddox]

Can't wait to start terminating!

 

[dougbert]

sweet, note: lots of pics brings in viewers and suggestions

and thanks for the show and tell entry, love looking at others' projects

I wish the 18kpv was available when I was choosing the XW Pro, I would have gone with the 18kpv instead
would have been cheaper

 

[AustinMaddox]

As you can see, I've planned for a second inverter to be added at a future date. At the present time, the way we're going to wire it is one service line from the grid to the 18kpv inverter (left) and then to Load Center #1 (left). The other service line will go directly to Load Center #2 (right) since there is no inverter there yet. At a later time, I can move the grid service line to go through inverter #2. I hope that makes sense. Any suggestions?

Also, we're doing spray foam insulation so I am a little worried that the top of the conduits will get covered or make them much less accessible from the attic. I'll probably just do some bat insulation at the top of the conduits to make it easier to pull lines through the conduit at a later date.

 

[dougbert]

As you can see, I've planned for a second inverter to be added at a future date. At the present time, the way we're going to wire it is one service line from the grid to the 18kpv inverter (left) and then to Load Center #1 (left). The other service line will go directly to Load Center #2 (right) since there is no inverter there yet. At a later time, I can move the grid service line to go through inverter #2. I hope that makes sense. Any suggestions?

yeah, great idea. I built my system for growth over time, just takes proper planning. good work

Also, we're doing spray foam insulation so I am a little worried that the top of the conduits will get covered or make them much less accessible from the attic. I'll probably just do some bat insulation at the top of the conduits to make it easier to pull lines through the conduit at a later date.

yeah leave good access yes, might lose a little heat/cooling but gives you flexibility
watch conduit fill levels on those Romex runs

 

[blrmaker]

Thanks for sharing. We are a few months from our install so love to see others ideas.

 

[Skypower]

This’ll probably be a fun thread. I would suggest that any PV containing conduit, junction box or breaker/surge arrestor box within the building structure be within approved metal.
The gray conduit is fine for AC.

 

[AustinMaddox]

Noted, Skypower. Thanks for the advice. I think I could swap out the two conduits I was planning on using for PV wires for metal conduits instead of PVC. The rest is already metal (gutters, connectors) so I should be good there.

 

[Quattrohead]

At a later time, I can move the grid service line to go through inverter #2. I hope that makes sense. Any suggestions?

Looks perfect to me.

Also, we're doing spray foam insulation so I am a little worried that the top of the conduits will get covered or make them much less accessible from the attic. I'll probably just do some bat insulation at the top of the conduits to make it easier to pull lines through the conduit at a later date.

Remove or cover EVERYTHING, darn shit gets all over.
Fiberglass bats would be best but remember, you will need to fire stop that area....mine are inside the wall. Looks like you will sheetrock to the conduit and fill around them. The mud guys will love you

 

[Quattrohead]

I would suggest that any PV containing conduit, junction box or breaker/surge arrestor box within the building structure be within approved metal.
The gray conduit is fine for AC.

100%. DC must go in metal conduit.
I am putting a 10x10x4 metal box in for the 3x Midnite solar surge arrestors.

 

[BKY2003]

Looks good, sounds like you were not going to parallel the 18Kpv. Unless I missed something. There was a thread about running a 3 HP pump on a 18Kpv. I tried to find it but failed. In your research was the 18Kpv able to handle the 3 HP pump? Off grid (grid down) thanks

 

[AustinMaddox]

I wasn't planning on paralleling the 18Kpv, unless there is some advantage to doing so that I'm not aware of.

As far as the 3 HP well pump, the way I understand it:
1. If it can't power it, the 18Kpv will get the required power from the grid (bypass). Is that not correct?
2. As a last resort, I can move the 3 HP pump circuit to Load Center #2 which is directly connected to the grid. No inverter.

 

[BKY2003]

1. If it can't power it, the 18Kpv will get the required power from the grid (bypass). Is that not correct? Yes, as long as the grid is available. But when the power goes out, and there is no PV. The 18Kpv can supply Max. Continuous Output Current 50A (12,000 watts and Without PV: 13.5kW for 10 min. So the 3HP pump and other loads might overwhelm the 18Kpv causing it to shut down. Do you know the surge watts of your 3 HP Pump? I found this on the web, but it might not apply to your pump.

One of the concerns I was think, was if the pump was able to trip the 18Kpv from an overload. And the 18Kpv kept resetting every 300 seconds that would put a lot of stress on the pump.

 

[再生可能 エネルギー]

Thanks wpns! Yes, measured for PowerPro wall mount batteries. I don't know if I'll add them ($$$), but I'd sure like to!

Do you think you may have to install the wall mounted batteries outside of your house?