Rhys79
New Member
I'm looking for recommendations for a system controller for US 120/240v split phase service. Fairly specific needs, and not out of the question to design my own if needs require. I have the knowledge, experience, and tools to do so, if necessary, but would prefer something off the shelf so I don't have to fight with the local code officer....
I live in an area with relatively frequent and sometimes prolonged grid outages. As in 3-5 times a year on average, and sometimes upwards of a week without grid power. Historically, a portable generator had been used (5KW) with extension cords to power critical items in the house. Since moving in, I have added a proper 50A rated generator inlet, and am in the process of adding a natural gas hookup, converting the gen set to run on natural gas, and building a control system so gas supply and gen set can be managed without going outside. Eventually, as funds allow, I'll upgrade to a proper standby generator, but I'd like to get started on a solar system first.
I'd like to start small, as funding is tight. The house needs a LOT of work, it's only tried to kill us three times in the last few months. Just finished overhauling the meter pan and service panel as the pan tried to catch the house on fire ?. Expensive and unexpected, but everything is freshly wired with brand new 200A service equipment and feeds.
What I would like suggestions on is a relatively inexpensive hybrid solar grid-interactive battery storage generator augmented system controller. I intend to use microinverters on the panels, as I want to be able to build the system out starting with one or two panels, and add panels as I can afford them, up to the point the solar and batteries can handle the full energy needs of the house with a net export to the grid. The controller will need to sync the solar/battery system to the grid for normal grid tie use, but also handle transitioning to off-grid when the power is out. Off-grid operation would be solar/battery first, then auto-switch to gen set as needed to power the house and charge the batteries when solar is unavailable. Once the grid is back up, the system would need to automatically bring the system back to solar/battery, shut down the gen set if it is running, resync to the grid, and go back into grid-tie net export mode.
As a bonus, would be even better if the system can also handle the possible addition of a wind turbine if I can get it approved by the city. Additional bonus if the controller can handle coordinating and phase locking multiple gen sets. I can pick up used 5kw electric start gen sets all day for $200ish around here, whereas a single 20+kw standby generator is north of $5k. I know some of that control would be on me to build, as there's nothing I can find off the shelf for that, but it is doable.
I know this is pretty far off the beaten path, and there isn't likely anything commercially available that will do even half of what I want, but any information or resources would be much appreciated!
I live in an area with relatively frequent and sometimes prolonged grid outages. As in 3-5 times a year on average, and sometimes upwards of a week without grid power. Historically, a portable generator had been used (5KW) with extension cords to power critical items in the house. Since moving in, I have added a proper 50A rated generator inlet, and am in the process of adding a natural gas hookup, converting the gen set to run on natural gas, and building a control system so gas supply and gen set can be managed without going outside. Eventually, as funds allow, I'll upgrade to a proper standby generator, but I'd like to get started on a solar system first.
I'd like to start small, as funding is tight. The house needs a LOT of work, it's only tried to kill us three times in the last few months. Just finished overhauling the meter pan and service panel as the pan tried to catch the house on fire ?. Expensive and unexpected, but everything is freshly wired with brand new 200A service equipment and feeds.
What I would like suggestions on is a relatively inexpensive hybrid solar grid-interactive battery storage generator augmented system controller. I intend to use microinverters on the panels, as I want to be able to build the system out starting with one or two panels, and add panels as I can afford them, up to the point the solar and batteries can handle the full energy needs of the house with a net export to the grid. The controller will need to sync the solar/battery system to the grid for normal grid tie use, but also handle transitioning to off-grid when the power is out. Off-grid operation would be solar/battery first, then auto-switch to gen set as needed to power the house and charge the batteries when solar is unavailable. Once the grid is back up, the system would need to automatically bring the system back to solar/battery, shut down the gen set if it is running, resync to the grid, and go back into grid-tie net export mode.
As a bonus, would be even better if the system can also handle the possible addition of a wind turbine if I can get it approved by the city. Additional bonus if the controller can handle coordinating and phase locking multiple gen sets. I can pick up used 5kw electric start gen sets all day for $200ish around here, whereas a single 20+kw standby generator is north of $5k. I know some of that control would be on me to build, as there's nothing I can find off the shelf for that, but it is doable.
I know this is pretty far off the beaten path, and there isn't likely anything commercially available that will do even half of what I want, but any information or resources would be much appreciated!