Rethinking offgrid system layout - 2x EG4 6000XP

[solarenvy]

First off, I was hoping to have my environment all setup and running by now. But here we are in May ‘24…and I’m pondering a complete redesign based on the constant stream of learnings (and frightening stories). This post is to solicit advice on a potential design pivot and whether I’m totally overthinking things.

Off-grid cabin (grid for AC backup)
2 x EG4 6000XP Inverters
10 x Solarever 455W panels
2 x EG4-LLv2 batts

Wiring design (and other details): https://diysolarforum.com/threads/dual-eg4-6000xp-wiring-please-review.78087/

I built a small — totally sealed, insulated and temp-controlled — “solar shed” adjacent to the cabin, about 30ft from the existing grid meter. The plan was to install every thing in there and have 2 dedicated 1.5” conduit runs to/from the shed and meter. The grid will only provide AC backup to the system. The PV panels are in the field about 75ft from the shed. I buried 4” conduit between the shed and PV array early on to make my life easier. This is the plan of record at the moment.

Then I got to thinking — will the shed be adequate? Is it too close to the cabin [in case of catastrophe]? Will I regret any of this?

In the meantime, I also have a recently completed workshop (garage) that is already offgrid on a small, portable setup. The garage is located about 60ft from the PV array, about 135ft from the cabin (in terms of pvc/wire runs). The workshop is isolated from the rest of the system and has a few dedicated panels on the roof.

What I was thinking:

1) Keep everything as-is and be happy with it, save some time and expense...but not anxiety.

2) Relocate all the gear from the solar shed to the workshop. This will require ~60ft of additional trenching / PVC / wiring to be extended to the workshop. I would have to run two sets of ~135ft wire to/from the workshop and cabin to interconnect to grid and main breaker. I can then consolidate power for workshop and cabin. An undertaking, but I would feel more comfortable overall (maybe).

So, the question really comes does to this -- what would you do in this situation?

 

[DIYrich]

Put everything in the Workshop.
Options to avoid 2nd AC line:
1) Transfer switch at Home/Shed to switch from Grid or Solar. Con: Can't charge battery from Grid, or supplement power.
2) CT at Shed to Net Zero the Grid. Don't know if CT can go that far.

 

[The Super Minion]

What catastrophy you are thinking of? Fire hazard due to electricity? If you connect everything properly with proper wire gauges, fuses, and grounds, and use LFP batteries, there is nothing to worry about. Think of people in San Francisco who uses solar and battery in the same house. How many catastrophic event have you heard about them? So if you are confident that everything is up to the fire code, then I wouldn't worry about anything. But definitely get everything checked by a professional as a buddy check to make sure everything is okay.

 

[solarenvy]

What catastrophy you are thinking of? Fire hazard due to electricity? If you connect everything properly with proper wire gauges, fuses, and grounds, and use LFP batteries, there is nothing to worry about. Think of people in San Francisco who uses solar and battery in the same house. How many catastrophic event have you heard about them? So if you are confident that everything is up to the fire code, then I wouldn't worry about anything. But definitely get everything checked by a professional as a buddy check to make sure everything is okay.

Yes, mostly the fire concern...not so much due to electricity, but the potential of faulty equipment. I do have confidence in my work and preventive measures and will certainly get it all checked by a pro.

The other drivers are a) space, b) the option to combine the cabin and workshop, c) hear what other ideas I might not be considering.