Solar power anyone ?

MrWhippy · Jan 30, 2014

Necro thread:

Let me ask this:

I have 2 service panels (ie 2 240V service panels, not a service panel and subpanel) in my home. If I feed solar back into one of the panels, does it back feed into both panels or does it just energize the panel it runs into?

techman · Jan 30, 2014

MrWhippy said:
Necro thread:

Let me ask this:

I have 2 service panels (ie 2 240V service panels, not a service panel and subpanel) in my home. If I feed solar back into one of the panels, does it back feed into both panels or does it just energize the panel it runs into?

If your main breakers are both on, it will feed into both panels.

paul

MrWhippy · Jan 30, 2014

techman said:
If your main breakers are both on, it will feed into both panels.

paul

Two separate main breakers (ie service disconnect breakers). Is there a way to feed to both panels from one inverter?

rmorey · Jan 30, 2014

MrWhippy said:
Necro thread:

Let me ask this:

I have 2 service panels (ie 2 240V service panels, not a service panel and subpanel) in my home. If I feed solar back into one of the panels, does it back feed into both panels or does it just energize the panel it runs into?

We really need more info about what you are trying to do and how it's currently hooked up, in order to best offer advice.

Based on your post, here are my assumptions;

1. You currently feed the grid 240vac to the main breaker of both panels. (either that or there are two sets of wires coming from the pole outside, one set to each panel)

2. The reason for more than one "main" panel is to split the building (as in a major reno took place and there was no room to add the additional circuits to the first main panel).

3. You need to have a way to disconnect the grid ac "before" you apply inverter ac or the sparks will fly. :shocked: If you feed "any" other ac source to either of these panels, it will backfeed thru the main breaker to all circuits on both panels. (as well as out to the grid)

What most folks do is feed the grid to the AC IN port of the inverter, and let the inverter choose the whether the grid ac feeds the panels or the inverter ac feeds the panel, based on the serviceability of the grid ac. That way, the inverter power will "sync" with the grid.

More data required!

MrWhippy · Jan 31, 2014

I don't have a system yet. I'm am trying to ascertain what I can reasonably expect from a solar power system. My home has 2 separate main panels. Each panel has a main breaker. By this I mean, there are 2 separate heavy cables entering the house through the wall which originated from the utility company's power meter.

One meter, 2 service panels. If I turn off the main breaker in panel #1, it has no effect on the circuits run from panel #2. The same is true for panel #2 regarding panel #1. There is no cable INSIDE the house that runs from panel #1 to panel #2 ie it is not a master panel-subpanel set up.

So here is my question: At some point, the power is shared BECAUSE the single utility meter reads the power usage that goes to each main panel. Is there a way to wire a solar power system so that only one controller box feeds into my home's TWO main panels or does each main panel require a separate controller.

rmorey · Jan 31, 2014

MrWhippy said:
I don't have a system yet. I'm am trying to ascertain what I can reasonably expect from a solar power system. My home has 2 separate main panels. Each panel has a main breaker. By this I mean, there are 2 separate heavy cables entering the house through the wall which originated from the utility company's power meter.

One meter, 2 service panels. If I turn off the main breaker in panel #1, it has no effect on the circuits run from panel #2. The same is true for panel #2 regarding panel #1. There is no cable INSIDE the house that runs from panel #1 to panel #2 ie it is not a master panel-subpanel set up.

So here is my question: At some point, the power is shared BECAUSE the single utility meter reads the power usage that goes to each main panel. Is there a way to wire a solar power system so that only one controller box feeds into my home's TWO main panels or does each main panel require a separate controller.

A question back at you, why do you have more than one breaker panel? Is it because an addition was done and the existing panel was too full? What size are each panel, 100 amp/200amp? Your life would be sooooo much easier if you had only one. Not saying its impossible, just easier.

As I said earlier, you cant feed more than one ac source to the panel. You will have to find a way to switch between grid power and solar power. Right now, the grid feeds both panels. What you will need is a switch where both the grid power is fed, as well as the solar power. Then, based on certain conditions, a decision is made as to which power is selected to feed both panels.

You probably should open your own thread, as this one we are stealing from Raspy.

MrWhippy · Jan 31, 2014

rmorey said:
A question back at you, why do you have more than one breaker panel? Is it because an addition was done and the existing panel was too full? What size are each panel, 100 amp/200amp? Your life would be sooooo much easier if you had only one. Not saying its impossible, just easier.

As I said earlier, you cant feed more than one ac source to the panel. You will have to find a way to switch between grid power and solar power. Right now, the grid feeds both panels. What you will need is a switch where both the grid power is fed, as well as the solar power. Then, based on certain conditions, a decision is made as to which power is selected to feed both panels.

You probably should open your own thread, as this one we are stealing from Raspy.

2 separate 200 amp panels. The person who built the house wanted a lot of service because he had a full shop, separate garage (with 240V power) in addition to the house. It is nice for adding new circuits (like when we did the kitchen renovation). At this point, there is now easy way to revert to one service panel.

As this was a 4 month old post, I don't really think it would be considered "active" at this point.

dave1949 · Jan 31, 2014

techman said:
If your main breakers are both on, it will feed into both panels.

paul

I think this is correct. Both panels end up at the same electric meter, they are electrically tied together. It doesn't matter which panel you connect the inverter to.

MrWhippy · Jan 31, 2014

dave1949 said:
I think this is correct. Both panels end up at the same electric meter, they are electrically tied together. It doesn't matter which panel you connect the inverter to.

That was my thought too. I just wanted confirmation before researching further. Thanks.

ultrarunner · Jan 31, 2014

My home was built in 1977 with two 200 amp panels side by side.

I also have a generator panel that covers 8 essential circuits... so only those eight go through a smaller panel with 8 switches to let me select.