I’m curious how this works out for you. I was planning to do something similar, but I have a whole house backup with 200amp ATS. I reached out to EG4 and after about two weeks they responded that they have no information on how to integrate their inverter with an automatic transfer switch, and that I should consult an electrician. I presume you may connect the 18kpv with a back feed breaker. If power goes off the 18k will know grid is out. If batteries get below a set level I presume you will have the 18k start the generator via the two contacts. Presumably the 18k will turn on the generator and the transfer switch will automatically transfer power. Also presuming that the generator will not be connected into the generator port on 18kpv. So now the generator starts and the 18k will see voltage on the grid power again. How does it know that it is on generator or grid? Once the grid is back on how will it turn off the generator? Just some questions I had. I think your situation may be a little different. Looking forward to see your solar project!
I haven't done any of the installation on my 18kPV yet, though I do have it and I'm putting my plans together. I'm planning to eliminate the Generac Automatic Transfer Switch. The 18kPV will start the Generator via its internal relay, when it senses the grid is down and the batteries are below 20% state of charge. The relay will switch OFF the 240Vac grid sensing signal, which will be derived from the critical loads panel. (Those two smaller wires on 5 amp fuses in the ATS.) In other words, the 18kPV will control the generator, instead of the ATS. At least, this is what I'm thinking at this point. The Generator WILL be connected to the 18kPV generator input terminals. The generator outputs on a 60Amp circuit. That's how the batteries will get recharged when the grid is down. It's possible the batteries could be maintained by PV. In that case they won't drop below 20% during the grid down period. When the grid comes back on, the 18kPV senses it and turns the generator off. (Probably at a preset SOC.) I'm planning on using a 100Amp critical loads sub-panel, which will get its power from the Load terminals on the inverter. 99% of my house power will be taken from that sub-panel. Currently, all those loads are served by the Generac Transfer Panel, which is supplied by a 70Amp breaker in the Main panel. That's what runs the house. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@manabouthomegotcha so you are basically just using the control wires from the ATS but basically just getting rid of the ATS and moving all those circuits to a new critical loads panel. I’m not sure which generac you have but for some models, generac sells a two wire start kit. You still need to provide power for maintaining a battery which I believe you’re just planning to use what you have now and also double duty it as the starter feature. I didn’t see 18kpv have an exercise option like the sol ark has so you may need to manually exercise it or come up with some timer for it. Eventually I would think EG4 would add that feature through a firmware update. Where did you purchase your 18kpv from?
@@godelrt I got it from Signature Solar. The 240Vac ATS signal for the generator start function, also provides power to maintain the 12V battery. I'll have to look into that two wire start kit you mentioned, to see if it has functions I can use. The exercise mode is controlled in my Generac Generator. It starts and runs independently of the transfer switch. I'm not sure if I need the 18kPV to operate exercise mode. But I don't think so. A timer is another interesting idea, but I'm hoping I don't need to do anything extra.
I’m curious how this works out for you. I was planning to do something similar, but I have a whole house backup with 200amp ATS. I reached out to EG4 and after about two weeks they responded that they have no information on how to integrate their inverter with an automatic transfer switch, and that I should consult an electrician. I presume you may connect the 18kpv with a back feed breaker. If power goes off the 18k will know grid is out. If batteries get below a set level I presume you will have the 18k start the generator via the two contacts. Presumably the 18k will turn on the generator and the transfer switch will automatically transfer power. Also presuming that the generator will not be connected into the generator port on 18kpv. So now the generator starts and the 18k will see voltage on the grid power again. How does it know that it is on generator or grid? Once the grid is back on how will it turn off the generator? Just some questions I had. I think your situation may be a little different. Looking forward to see your solar project!
I haven't done any of the installation on my 18kPV yet, though I do have it and I'm putting my plans together. I'm planning to eliminate the Generac Automatic Transfer Switch. The 18kPV will start the Generator via its internal relay, when it senses the grid is down and the batteries are below 20% state of charge. The relay will switch OFF the 240Vac grid sensing signal, which will be derived from the critical loads panel. (Those two smaller wires on 5 amp fuses in the ATS.) In other words, the 18kPV will control the generator, instead of the ATS. At least, this is what I'm thinking at this point.
The Generator WILL be connected to the 18kPV generator input terminals. The generator outputs on a 60Amp circuit. That's how the batteries will get recharged when the grid is down. It's possible the batteries could be maintained by PV. In that case they won't drop below 20% during the grid down period.
When the grid comes back on, the 18kPV senses it and turns the generator off. (Probably at a preset SOC.)
I'm planning on using a 100Amp critical loads sub-panel, which will get its power from the Load terminals on the inverter. 99% of my house power will be taken from that sub-panel. Currently, all those loads are served by the Generac Transfer Panel, which is supplied by a 70Amp breaker in the Main panel. That's what runs the house.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@manabouthomegotcha so you are basically just using the control wires from the ATS but basically just getting rid of the ATS and moving all those circuits to a new critical loads panel. I’m not sure which generac you have but for some models, generac sells a two wire start kit. You still need to provide power for maintaining a battery which I believe you’re just planning to use what you have now and also double duty it as the starter feature. I didn’t see 18kpv have an exercise option like the sol ark has so you may need to manually exercise it or come up with some timer for it. Eventually I would think EG4 would add that feature through a firmware update. Where did you purchase your 18kpv from?
@@godelrt I got it from Signature Solar.
The 240Vac ATS signal for the generator start function, also provides power to maintain the 12V battery. I'll have to look into that two wire start kit you mentioned, to see if it has functions I can use. The exercise mode is controlled in my Generac Generator. It starts and runs independently of the transfer switch. I'm not sure if I need the 18kPV to operate exercise mode. But I don't think so. A timer is another interesting idea, but I'm hoping I don't need to do anything extra.