[RE-wrenches] Generator and AC coupling on a Sol-Ark

Tue May 4 21:32:09 EDT 2021

You can even buy a kit.
https://www.solar-electric.com/outback-power-gs-ac-gen-kit-generator-back-up-kit.html
This provides an enclosure for the contactor. 

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On 2021-05-04 16:03, Jason Szumlanski wrote:

> What happens when the contactor fails? I don't trust a NC contactor that is supposed to open on 240Vac coil voltage from the generator. It's not a failsafe solution.  
> 
> Jason 
> 
> On Tue, May 4, 2021, 3:15 PM Drake <drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org> wrote: 
> P.S. The contactor method is even mentioned somewhere in the Outback literature. I've been using it for years. It is very simple and requires no complex equipment. It will not interfere with rapid shutdown. 40 A, 240 V contactors with 240 V coils are readily available and not terribly expensive. The 240 V output of the generator circuit provides the signal. 
> 
> At 10:02 AM 5/4/2021, you wrote:
> Get a contactor with a 240 VAC coil. Connect the coil wire wires to the 240 V output circuit of the generator, so when the generator comes on, the contactor opens. Run the current from the AC coupled Enphase inverters through the contacts from common to N/C. 
> 
> ---
> 
> On 2021-05-03 10:26, Dave Tedeyan wrote:
> Hi All,  
> 
> I am planning on using a Sol-Ark for the first time for adding battery backup to an existing system. It is Enphase, so clearly it will be AC coupled, and there is a whole house generator. When I talked to Sol-Ark about it, they recommended putting the generator on a time of use schedule to not allow it to come on during the day so that we don't run into the issue of the solar backfeeding the generator.
> 
> I was wondering though if anyone has just used a contactor to cut out the solar when the generator turns on? Something like Outback's GS-AC-Gen-Kit, although in this case I will need something rated for just over 30A. This seems like a better way to allow the generator to run at any time it is needed, especially if it is a gloomy, snowy, winter day.
> 
> Cheers, 
> Dave
> 
> -- 
> Dave Tedeyan, PE
> 
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