Need input on my new solar design.

[troy117]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the form and am excited for my next project! After watching a lot of Youtube for inspiration I believe I have mostly finalized the design for the new solar system / battery upgrades I want for my house. I am hoping I can get input from people and any suggestions before I begin spending my money.

I currently live in a house that has solar with no battery and 100amp service. The house has a detached garage that I am planning on turning into an ADU/mancave. I am looking to use an IronRidge 3" ground mount system that I will raise up an additional 4' so that I can use it as a pergola / shade area for growing plants. The 18 solar panels will run in two strings to the inside of the ADU where I will have the FlexBoss and two EG4 Wall mount batteries. To connect the FlexBoss to the GridBoss I will have to trench 55' to my service panel. I plan on removing the solar inverter that handles the existing solar, putting a shutoff switch, and then running the two strings from it also through the 55' conduit so that it can plug into the FlexBoss other input port.

I have the entire backyard ADU online viewable cad design with what I want to accomplish here: https://app.sketchup.com/share/tc/n...yhSR28I0uKDbRzmxO7BfHTtPsC3JGQ2zBv&source=web

I also made a slideshow presentation of the plan I and order I want to work through the project. It includes pictures and cad drawings of my current setup and what I want to get done as well as components and cost estimates: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1U-2JkOQYl9A9mg1KzAt1hEU1s6uoCe1PQdR4pYEiDcM/edit#slide=id.p

The couple questions I have:
Will 2' conduit be big enough for the two 3 gauge cables from the FlexBoss to GridBoss as well as the four 10 gauge cables for the solar to the FlexBoss? I'm pretty sure it is, but will still be a bit of work pulling cables 55'.
Instead of running a 4 gauge grounding wire from the FlexBoss to the GridBoss can I install a Ground Rod next to the FlexBoss? If not, it will have to go in the conduit as well.
What is the process like to get a permit and PGE's approval for the changes I want to make? I feel confident in my knowledge and ability to install everything to code so that it will pass inspection. But how do I get that process started? Any estimates on how much it will cost?

Once I finally get started on my project I will be recording a time-lapse video of everything to document the project.

For those of you who read through this and looked at my plan thank you. Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[timselectric]

Instead of running a 4 gauge grounding wire from the FlexBoss to the GridBoss can I install a Ground Rod next to the FlexBoss?

No
The earth is not a good conductor. And can not be substituted for the required EGC.

Will 2' conduit be big enough for the two 3 gauge cables from the FlexBoss to GridBoss as well as the four 10 gauge cables for the solar to the FlexBoss? I'm pretty sure it is, but will still be a bit of work pulling cables 55'.

You need 4 conductors between the gridboss and FlexBoss (L1,L2,N,G).
It will all fit into a 2" conduit. But I would prefer to put the AC and PV in separate conduits. Your local authorities may also require this separation. You will have to check on that.
As far as the rest, I can't download anything to my tablet. So I can't comment on it.

 

[troy117]

No
The earth is not a good conductor. And can not be substituted for the required EGC.

You need 4 conductors between the gridboss and FlexBoss (L1,L2,N,G).
It will all fit into a 2" conduit. But I would prefer to put the AC and PV in separate conduits. Your local authorities may also require this separation. You will have to check on that.
As far as the rest, I can't download anything to my tablet. So I can't comment on it.

Thank you! I will update my design so that I have separate conduits for the the AC & PV. Should I have a third for the ethernet cable?

The sketchup link is a viewable link so you shouldn't have to download anything.

 

[timselectric]

Should I have a third for the ethernet cable?

I would. Don't forget that it's two cables.

The sketchup link is a viewable link so you shouldn't have to download anything

I'll try it.

 

[timselectric]

Not sure but I think you need two runs between the gridboss and man cave.
One for the flexboss and one for the loads.
I don't think that you can connect the loads to the flexboss.
The loads have to come from the Gridboss.
You will have to check on that. That's just what I think that I have read About how that system works.

 

[Hungfish]

I would. Don't forget that it's two cables.

I'll try it.

@timselectric
for those with existing conduit, would shielded ethernet cable work or is it code that we have to separate them?
thanks Tim

 

[timselectric]

@timselectric
for those with existing conduit, would shielded ethernet cable work or is it code that we have to separate them?
thanks Tim

Shielding helps.
For code compliance, each cable/conductors insulation must be rated for the highest available voltage in the common raceway (Conduit). and connections (junctions) of different voltages should not be in the same enclosures.
But local jurisdictions each have their own pet peaves. So it's always best to ask first.

 

[troy117]

I got some feedback from a designer at SignatureSolar and have made some changes to my wiring diagram.

 

[troy117]

Not sure but I think you need two runs between the gridboss and man cave.
One for the flexboss and one for the loads.
I don't think that you can connect the loads to the flexboss.
The loads have to come from the Gridboss.
You will have to check on that. That's just what I think that I have read About how that system works.

You are correct, the I need two runs between the Gridboss and the ADU. One with the L1, L2, N, G to connect the GridBoss to the FlexBoss, and another with the L1 and L2 from the GridBoss SmartPort to the ADU Panel.

I am assuming/hoping I can use the G and N from the FlexBoss to the ADU Panel to save on Wire. Is this correct, or do I need to also run another N and G?

Right now this is my current Wiring Diagram. If anyone see's any issues please let me know.

 

[timselectric]

I am assuming/hoping I can use the G and N from the FlexBoss to the ADU Panel to save on Wire. Is this correct, or do I need to also run another N and G?

That's fine, but I probably wouldn't run through the flexboss to get to the panel.
I would split it external of the flexboss.
I don't like running wiring for equipment through other equipment. Unless the first piece of equipment feeds the second piece of equipment (directly) .

 

[troy117]

Thank you, I updated my wiring diagram so the neutral and ground are split before the FlexBoss.