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

[再生可能 エネルギー]

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

You sould measure the in-rush current. I have a fan for an heat air blower and I measured a 8 Amp
when running but the in-Rush current of 56 Amp, so 7x. ( I used an UEi DL429B Digital Multimeter)

If you want to be able to run your pump when there is a power outage,
I would stronly recommend having both EG4 connected,
and if you want to run on battery, to add a SoftStart device.

 

[BKY2003]

https://diysolarforum.com/threads/eg4-18k-air-conditioning-won’t-run-without-grid.81267/#post-1046246 Maybe this thread will suggest some solutions over time. He is experiencing what I was pointing out. But if there is a way to run 2 18Kpv together that would give you 100 amp (24000 watts) combined grid down.

 

[mciholas]

100%. DC must go in metal conduit.

What is the basis for this code requirement?

Seems arbitrary to me. If PVC is good enough to protect AC wiring (that could be higher voltage and power than DC), why isn't it good enough to protect PV DC wiring?

And even odder, PVC is okay outside the building for PV DC wiring.

Mike C.

 

[wpns]

What is the basis for this code requirement?

Seems arbitrary to me. If PVC is good enough to protect AC wiring (that could be higher voltage and power than DC), why isn't it good enough to protect PV DC wiring?

And even odder, PVC is okay outside the building for PV DC wiring.

Mike C.

Arcing that can cause fires?

 

[BKY2003]

And if there was a breach, want it Arc against the metal conduit causing the AFCI switch in the inverter to shut it down?

 

[Dagoth Ur Does Solar]

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

Definitely is the right idea to plan ahead. The PowerPros really look slick, lots of people on here seem to have them.

You must live in an area with a stable grid. Where I am in the US, I've learned to live with just putting all my electronic devices on UPS's. I must have 5 or 6 in the house. Got really tired of flickering power during mild thunderstorms after years of dealing with it.

I dream of the day that I can just have a UPS on my PC and the rest of the house covered by a whole-home solar/battery system!

 

[Quattrohead]

What is the basis for this code requirement?

Seems arbitrary to me. If PVC is good enough to protect AC wiring (that could be higher voltage and power than DC), why isn't it good enough to protect PV DC wiring?

And even odder, PVC is okay outside the building for PV DC wiring.

Mike C.

I can't explain how the NEC decided it, but you have to do it for a code compliant install.

 

[mciholas]

Arcing that can cause fires?

Metal conduit makes that more likely, not less, since it provides conductive material everywhere.

Also, metal conduit means cutting metal and metal shavings. That's the last thing I want to mix with power wires.

I suspect this has to do with metal conduit suppliers or trade unions and really has no basis in safety.

Mike C.

 

[AustinMaddox]

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

No. If I get them, they'll be mounting in my garage under the metal gutter (below my inverter).

 

[Quattrohead]

Also, metal conduit means cutting metal and metal shavings.

I was thinking about this as I was cutting some more conduit today LOL.
I pushed a rag through to clear them out.

 

[ksmithaz1]

Metal conduit makes that more likely, not less, since it provides conductive material everywhere.

Also, metal conduit means cutting metal and metal shavings. That's the last thing I want to mix with power wires.

I suspect this has to do with metal conduit suppliers or trade unions and really has no basis in safety.

Mike C.

I had a discussion with @timselectric on this. The idea is around arcing on the DC conductors inside the tube. I guess hopefully the gap will widen or a breaker will trip, and steel will not catch fire in the mean time. Of course a big enough arc will chew thru steel as easily as plastic, but might give you a bit more time. I think it's a little esoteric, but it's a reason. If you accidentally create an arc inside the conduit steel would be better than PVC, which would likely catch fire. High voltage DC is not as forgiving as AC.

 

[ricardocello]

If you accidentally create an arc inside the conduit steel would be better than PVC

Last year I had installed about 45 feet of PVC in my crawl space for solar PV (250V), until I started reading this forum.
I gladly ripped it all out and replaced it with EMT.

And, I have a GFPD, so if the + shorts to the conduit, it will trip.

 

[mciholas]

If you accidentally create an arc inside the conduit steel would be better than PVC, which would likely catch fire.

So why is PVC okay outside the building, say on the roof, if that is the reason? Fire there is okay somehow?

Mike C.

 

[Skypower]

So why is PVC okay outside the building, say on the roof, if that is the reason? Fire there is okay somehow?

Mike C.

You said it not me

 

[AustinMaddox]

Spray foam insulation is in. Drywall is underway! I covered my precious 18Kpv with a garbage bag to prevent sheetrock mud and spray getting into the vents in the top.

 

[Shimmy]

So why is PVC okay outside the building, say on the roof, if that is the reason? Fire there is okay somehow?

It depends on the jurisdiction. Mine won't allow PVC on the roof anymore... EMT minimum required. The PVC gets brittle with enough UV exposure here.

 

[cotrailhead]

I am mid build new construction. And have found room in the budget for an 18k. What’s the line diagram look like? Is it meter, whole house disconnect, eg4, panel? Is the disconnect not required?

 

[Dave911]

3hp well pump? Is that correct?
Id consider going with a three phase unit and drive it with a vfd. It will be more reliable and you can soft start it with a vfd. Single phase submersible pumps are ok, three phase much better.

 

[AustinMaddox]

Shot with the panels opened.

 

[Shimmy]

I am mid build new construction. And have found room in the budget for an 18k. What’s the line diagram look like? Is it meter, whole house disconnect, eg4, panel? Is the disconnect not required?

Disconnect is required for most utilities/jurisdictions.

 

[Brucey]

I would suggest a method to bypass the inverter(s) as well for convenience.

 

[AustinMaddox]

It's been a few months since I've posted any updates so I thought I'd share that my panels arrived today!

I went with a pallet of 30 Canadian Solar 395W Mono-Crystalline Solar Panels.

still trying to decide on which mounting system to use on my roof. Any suggestions?

 

[wpns]

It's been a few months since I've posted any updates so I thought I'd share that my panels arrived today!

I went with a pallet of 30 Canadian Solar 395W Mono-Crystalline Solar Panels.

still trying to decide on which mounting system to use on my roof. Any suggestions?

I had good luck with IronRidge, the HUG fasteners went well on my painted shingle roof.

 

[JungleTim]

I see all of your inverter knockouts connected to the gutter. Isn't the PV power supposed to feed directly to the inverter in metal conduit and NOT in the gutter with the AC wires?

 

[Solar funny Farm]

Thanks! First photo:

I am about to mount my 18Kpv on an inside wall. In looking at your picture it looks like something other that sheetrock behind your 18Kpv. Could that be cement board? Wasn't sure if the inverter could be mounted with sheetrock behind it. Lee