[RE-wrenches] Generators and Grid-tie Systems

[Nick Soleil]

Hi Eric:
    Did you notice my e-mail on this subject last week?  I was hoping that someone would have some new, more concrete information on this subject, but I guess the old story still applies.  Here is the basic run down.
    The inverters will likely see the generator as utility power, especially if it is a decent quality generator, with a clean wave form.  The inverters will connect to the generator and back-feed the power into the generator's alternator, causing heat and generator failure.  The solar will burn up the alternator.  I have heard that this has occurred before.
    The only way to prevent this is to connect the solar directly to the utility power (not through the generator's backed-up emergency load center.)  
    If you must connect the solar through the generator's emergency load center, then the generator must not be placed into "Auto," but must instead be in "manual."  The customer must be clear that the solar breakers must be turned off before the generator is turned on.  This probably should include signage which makes this clear to the customer.

 Nick Soleil
Project Manager
Advanced Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC
PO Box 657
Petaluma, CA 94953
Cell:   707-321-2937
Office: 707-789-9537
Fax:    707-769-9037




________________________________
From: "solarepiphany at gmail.com" <solarepiphany at gmail.com>
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Sent: Mon, March 1, 2010 3:03:06 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Generators and Grid-tie Systems

Hello,

We have our first grid-tied install involving a propane generator coming up soon. No batteries. Customer will be getting a panel upgrade with the system. 

Specifically:
1.When sizing the replacement panel, do I have to account for the main, gen, and pv?

2.Will the pv sense the generator output as grid voltage and sync/output? 

3.If so: during a power outage and while gen is operating, what if pv production is higher than the house loads?

Thanks for the input!

Eric
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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