Generac Generator + SolarEdge Inverter

[arf88]

There is a disconnect there but I don't recall if it is fused. Likely not which is why they put the 30A breaker in. This means the disconnect would have to replaced or another sub panel added to add the 30A fuse back in. Joy

[Markyrocks69]

Yep. If you look at the drawing I posted it has a fused disconnect between the solar inverter and the connection point to the grid.

[ButchDeal]

Let me ask you guys this, still waiting to hear back from the solar company, but how critical is that 30A breaker? Going with the way everyone recommended it would eliminate the 30A breaker in the loop, unless they require to put another sub-panel just for it which would add more cost.

This is what I sent them.

you need a fused disconnect. It would not pass code without a fuse or breaker.

[arf88]

Let me ask you guys this, still waiting to hear back from the solar company, but how critical is that 30A breaker? Going with the way everyone recommended it would eliminate the 30A breaker in the loop, unless they require to put another sub-panel just for it which would add more cost.

This is what I sent them.

[arf88]

Thanks for sharing, I agree with everyone else, things needs to be moved. I'm waiting for my solar company to let me know if the electrician can do it or they need to do it to maintain the warranty. Sadly they don't have experience with generators, my first conversation with them, they thought everything could be left alone and work but they just didn't know any better. Mind you these are all licensed and pros but i can't blame them since they focus on their own equipment.

[N4KIT]

I had similar generator concerns when we were planning our installation, however in our situation the generator is a "critical loads" instead of "whole house". The generator is 8kW portable, so cannot possibly handle the whole-house loads. The solar system is SolarEdge, 9kW of panels and a 7600H inverter. It feeds the main panel through a 30A breaker. The inverter is also battery-ready although we do not yet have the batteries.

In preparation for the solar install, I moved 8 "critical loads" circuits (well pump, refrigerator, chest freezer, furnace air handler {furnace is LP}, 1 LR receptacles circuit, 1 kitchen receptacles circuit and the microwave) into a Generac HomeLink 6853 transfer switch/sub-panel, which gets it's grid-side feed from a 30A breaker in the main panel.

Set up this way, once we have the batteries installed, we have three options:

1. "Normal" - Transfer panel is in grid mode, grid power feeds the main panel, inverter is feeding main panel and main panel feeds the sub-panel. Batteries being charged if needed.
2. "Solar-backup" - grid power is out, transfer panel is in grid mode, batteries are feeding both the main and critical loads transfer subpanel.
3. "Generator" - grid power is out, transfer/critical loads panel is in Generator mode. Inverter, main panel and grid are isolated from the critical loads panel which is now being fed by the generator.

I realize this is different from the OP's situation in that it is not whole-house, automatic and does require user intervention.

IMHO, the only safe way to accomplish the whole-house, automatic transfer situation being discussed is to have the solar installer move the inverter feed to a line side tap instead of MSP breaker feed, and insure the ATS for the whole house is installed between the inverter taps and the main panel, as others have described. If your inverter does not have an over-current protected disconnect other than the MSP breaker, one will need to be installed (most jurisdictions require a separate disconnect outdoors so first responders can shut the solar down externally).

Offered for the benefit of the group

20190619_155548.jpg

[arf88]

I wish that was possible but it is not. None of the settings let you adjust this.

[Mike90250]

Setting the generator speed for 61 Hz will not affect anything other than clocks, which would run a tiny bit fast. It would be "wrong enough" that the inverter should ignore it, being outside the 60.00Hz spec.

[arf88]

If that is the case they should not have an option for "Homeowners" support as an option. There is uncertainty from the installers so either i put my faith in their hands or get an understanding myself.

In any case waiting to hear back from the solar company but i think all indications show there needs to be change from the existing solar install to make this work.

[ButchDeal]

I just don't see the harm in providing an answer if someone owns the equipment and is doing it themselves regardless if they are the installer or not it is affecting their product. They did not mention anything about that PDF you posted (thanks), can't blame them as they don't know how things are wired. The problem is the experts are not 100% and it makes me very nervous as a home owner.

they don't have enough to handle all the homeowners calling them. Installers are supposed to be trained and knowledgable about first line installations issues so an installer should know that the inverter and generator must be isolated.
The techs and phone support are set up to deal with trained installers, meaning they use correct terms and language etc. It is the same thing if you call GM and try to explain the noise your car is making... they will try to pass you to a dealer.

[arf88]

I just don't see the harm in providing an answer if someone owns the equipment and is doing it themselves regardless if they are the installer or not it is affecting their product. They did not mention anything about that PDF you posted (thanks), can't blame them as they don't know how things are wired. The problem is the experts are not 100% and it makes me very nervous as a home owner.

[ButchDeal]

Absolutely I agree, I don't think anyone is being malicious, they just don't know and why I'm doing my own homework. I'm astonished however at SolarEdge and their customer service, took me 2 hours to get to speak to someone and even than they were not willing to give info because it was a third party hardware when I was simply asking about how their inverter would fare with a generator in the loop. Nothing in writing from them but I believe you guys are right, there has to be an isolation and the only way is to move the existing breakers out of the main panel which means they have to come service it to maintain the warranty.

They do have recommendations as I already posted. The inverter needs to be isolated from the generator. This is true of most grid tie (non-bimodal) inverters.

They are also a manufacturer and are not set up for direct to customer sales or support. Their support is set up for installers.

This is true of most manufacturers, BTW.

[arf88]

Absolutely I agree, I don't think anyone is being malicious, they just don't know and why I'm doing my own homework. I'm astonished however at SolarEdge and their customer service, took me 2 hours to get to speak to someone and even than they were not willing to give info because it was a third party hardware when I was simply asking about how their inverter would fare with a generator in the loop. Nothing in writing from them but I believe you guys are right, there has to be an isolation and the only way is to move the existing breakers out of the main panel which means they have to come service it to maintain the warranty.

[ButchDeal]

This would void the warranty from the Solar installer who installed the equipment originally. I have a 20yr warranty with them, not willing to risk this.

I would doubt that this would void the warranty but you should call them and ask.
I know that if you install the generator with the inverter on the MSP side of the ATC you will void the SolarEdge warranty as improperly installed. The installer is not going to warranty something that you altered after they left that is not to the manufacturers recommendations, either.

Just to be clear on this : https://www.solaredge.com/sites/defa...generators.pdf

[Markyrocks69]

I will have to do that, their engineer is actually going to talk to solar edge but I'm afraid all this is not being translated properly. I did specifically mention the issue with the breakers being in the main panel, he didn't think it would be an issue b/c the inverter will Sync to Edison and did not think it would sync to the Generator which is 60Hz and i don't believe you can change this. I assume Edision comes in at 60Hz as well?

Here is the datasheet for the generator.

https://soa.generac.com/manuals/3002066876/10000000226

Well I wouldnt be taking people's words for it. "I believe" or "I don't think " isn't good enough. I'd want this stuff in writing incase they're wrong.