Re: [RE-wrenches] Adding battery to grid tie

[Jay via RE-wrenches]

Thx William The instructions specifically say that AC coupling only is not recommended.  To me I read that in terms of the inverter wanting DC solar as well  Can you explain what’s going on.  Which is the correct way to install it and why does it say not recommended  Thx Jay On Aug 9, 2025, at 3:13 PM, William Bryce via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:  With the MNP AIO You can use an AC couple array at the same time as the Generator. But.... If the AC coupled input is larger than the Generator input, the Gen set relay will open to protect the Generator. On Sat, Aug 9, 2025 at 3:12 PM Jay via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Thx I looked it up.  But according to midnite they don’t recommend a only ac coupled system.  Jay On Aug 9, 2025, at 12:53 PM, Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:  The Midnite Power AIO has inputs for grid, generator, AC coupling and another smart load. I have not used both generator and AC coupling to see how it acts if both are active at the same time, but at least the inputs are there for them both. On Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 2:33 PM Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Jason, Wrenches, Consensus well that may not be the correct word to use, personally l have used Solark for retrofitting systems that already have GT type inverters, if you go with AC Coupling then the gen set connection is a little more complicated but very doable. Funtimes On Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 11:26 AM Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: I go with "Backup Loads" on my drawings. Tesla will not charge from a generator. But you can obviously have a generator power the loads via a transfer switch if the battery is completely depleted. It's not the best solution, for sure.  Jason Szumlanski Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP) Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956 Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208 On Sat, Aug 9, 2025 at 1:57 PM jay via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Yeah I’ve given up trying to correct people on that one. On Aug 9, 2025, at 11:26 AM, Foxfire Energy via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Umm, just an FYI, I actually got dinged for labeling the AC output panel from a battery backup inverter as "Critical Loads".. Critical loads (Critical Branch circuits) are defined in article 100 of the NEC as circuits associated with Patient Care.. AC loads from battery backup inverters are more appropriately defined as "Dedicated Loads"..  Maybe someone could correct me here, but I'm under the impression most garden-variety inverters are not rated for Critical Load applications. db From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org> on behalf of William Miller via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2025 1:03 PM To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Cc: William Miller <will...@millersolar.com> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Adding battery to grid tie   Correct me if I'm wrong:  I believe AIOs can accept AC coupled power through the load ‘output’ port. That leaves the Grid and Gen inputs free for their roles as labelled.  The AC coupled inverters connect via a breaker in the critical loads panel.  William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Sat, Aug 9, 2025 at 9:50 AM david quattro via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: True.  if you want to do grid, gen, and AC Couple then you need a transfer switch or contactor.         Likewise I haven’t touched a Powerwall, nor an Enphase battery.  On Sat, Aug 9, 2025 at 9:36 AM jay via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: One big issue with the AIO’s is that you can’t do grid, generator and ac coupling to the best of my understanding  I do like the idea of just removing the old GT inverter and stuffing that into the AIO, elegant yes its my understanding that Tesla won’t accept generator.  While many are pissed off at eg4, I won’t touch tesla. and FYI you can buy the same inverter at Fortress.  thanks everyone. jay On Aug 9, 2025, at 10:28 AM, Tyrone Houck via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Midnite AIO and Sol-Ark both work great for AC coupling in my experience. If anyone is new to "All In One" inverters I recommend having tech support walk you through commissioning, check firmware, etc. the first time.       On Sat, Aug 9, 2025, 8:47 AM William Miller via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Two options: 1. AC couple existing inverter to a battery capable inverter.  2. Replace existing inverter.  I favor option 2.  Option 1 is only preferred if gaining access to the existing inverter for replacement is difficult. An example would be a micro-inverter system. New AIO inverters allow true high voltage PV input so the existing stringing will probably not need to be modified.  I’m new to this so type of upgrade so I welcome any corrections to these opinions.  I did replace a Sunny Boy in my shop with a Soul Ark and it’s working great! William Miller Miller Solar.com 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com On Sat, Aug 9, 2025 at 8:26 AM Jay via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote: Is there a consensus as to what equipment to use for adding battery backup to normal GT inverter?   I’ve had a few people ask and I actually haven’t done it.  Thx  Jay _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org There are two list archives for searching. 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