SunDave
Solar Enthusiast
Hello solar fans. Long time lurker, first time poster.
I have been working on this solar plan for some time now. The whole thing is definitely a learning process. The whole project is split into two phases, mostly because I'm busy and want to do a good job.
The picture below is phase 1 complete: It is a sol-ark 15k. A bit over 30kW of Pytes 48100r batteries in the forest RB enclosure, and associated cabling. The extra small conduit on the left is an existing generator inlet that is now piped into the sol-ark. The other is an outside emergency stop button. Worked with a great local electrician on the install. I went with a disconnect after the main meter, then right into the sol-ark. The load terminal feeds the main house panel. So all ports on the sol-ark are in use (gen, grid, load, battery, pv).
I only have 2kW of panels, just to make sure I had something, and could fully install and test the unit. Phase 2 (this spring) is to add a 19.5 kW ground mount array. That maxes out the DC side input on the sol-ark. I am trying to use everything efficiently. The battery was sized using the same thought process to be capable of 300 amps of discharge so that the sol-ark can pull the full 275 amps it is capable of. 6 Pytes batteries, and some 4/0 copper to the bus bars. Basically maxing out the capability, while not breaking the budget completely.
I left room for more batteries and another sol-ark but I'm hopeful I never need it. I have seen some of the stories on this forum how people keep on adding on, so I wanted to at least leave room to expand my newest addiction.
I have questions about the battery yet. After some consulting with Sol-Ark (good support, but they are busy lately) I am using a full time of use schedule, to make sure I am using the batteries at night, and can fully capture the sun I get during the day. I am not grid tied until phase 2.
My experience with the Sol-Ark and Pytes? Both pretty top-notch. Also, practical preppers was good to work with when purchasing. I realize that there are limitations on the equipment. There is a small flicker if I flip off the main breaker from the meter, but as far as I can tell, only when I am not already running primarily off the battery. I have not had a trip or fault yet, but I'm also not a huge power user, and anything large is already a 240v draw. It has been running the well pump, fridge, lights, septic, occasional stove/oven/microwave use, ceiling fans, etc. The setup on the sol-ark can be a bit confusing. I thought I knew things from reading the documentation and videos, then when I went to actually do it, things were not so clear. CT's, using a portable generator occasionally with time of use settings, and those type of things can be confusing. Our install took several days. It wouldn't take that long if I was not so picky about looks.
Battery question : I have it set to use the battery until 70%, then use grid. That means I get to around 85% on a sunny day, then burn that and then some at night. Should I set it up so that I get a full 100% charge from grid once a week? I could also set it to draw it down farther. I want to be good to the batteries, and make them last a long time. If it is not a concern, great! It will no longer be an issue once the big ground mount array is in.
On the flip side, should anyone have questions about this install, or if I can help in return. Chime in.
I have been working on this solar plan for some time now. The whole thing is definitely a learning process. The whole project is split into two phases, mostly because I'm busy and want to do a good job.
The picture below is phase 1 complete: It is a sol-ark 15k. A bit over 30kW of Pytes 48100r batteries in the forest RB enclosure, and associated cabling. The extra small conduit on the left is an existing generator inlet that is now piped into the sol-ark. The other is an outside emergency stop button. Worked with a great local electrician on the install. I went with a disconnect after the main meter, then right into the sol-ark. The load terminal feeds the main house panel. So all ports on the sol-ark are in use (gen, grid, load, battery, pv).
I only have 2kW of panels, just to make sure I had something, and could fully install and test the unit. Phase 2 (this spring) is to add a 19.5 kW ground mount array. That maxes out the DC side input on the sol-ark. I am trying to use everything efficiently. The battery was sized using the same thought process to be capable of 300 amps of discharge so that the sol-ark can pull the full 275 amps it is capable of. 6 Pytes batteries, and some 4/0 copper to the bus bars. Basically maxing out the capability, while not breaking the budget completely.
I left room for more batteries and another sol-ark but I'm hopeful I never need it. I have seen some of the stories on this forum how people keep on adding on, so I wanted to at least leave room to expand my newest addiction.
I have questions about the battery yet. After some consulting with Sol-Ark (good support, but they are busy lately) I am using a full time of use schedule, to make sure I am using the batteries at night, and can fully capture the sun I get during the day. I am not grid tied until phase 2.
My experience with the Sol-Ark and Pytes? Both pretty top-notch. Also, practical preppers was good to work with when purchasing. I realize that there are limitations on the equipment. There is a small flicker if I flip off the main breaker from the meter, but as far as I can tell, only when I am not already running primarily off the battery. I have not had a trip or fault yet, but I'm also not a huge power user, and anything large is already a 240v draw. It has been running the well pump, fridge, lights, septic, occasional stove/oven/microwave use, ceiling fans, etc. The setup on the sol-ark can be a bit confusing. I thought I knew things from reading the documentation and videos, then when I went to actually do it, things were not so clear. CT's, using a portable generator occasionally with time of use settings, and those type of things can be confusing. Our install took several days. It wouldn't take that long if I was not so picky about looks.
Battery question : I have it set to use the battery until 70%, then use grid. That means I get to around 85% on a sunny day, then burn that and then some at night. Should I set it up so that I get a full 100% charge from grid once a week? I could also set it to draw it down farther. I want to be good to the batteries, and make them last a long time. If it is not a concern, great! It will no longer be an issue once the big ground mount array is in.
On the flip side, should anyone have questions about this install, or if I can help in return. Chime in.
