Solar / generator rough in question

[Big B Hova]

What say ye?

Obviously I don't want to blow up my house, my panels, myself or a lineman....

Been chatting with my brother about rough in options for adding a generator to my panel for the PDS PSPS Covid-19 Bird flu ICE lock downs.

Anyone with solar experience can you explained how this breaker works? (Bottom one, where solar ties into panel)
20 / 30+30 / 20. I believe the 30+30 is the input from the solar inverter to the panel? What are the other 2 20amp breakers that go back to inverter? It's a sunpower system, who no longer service the panels but still ask for payment every month lol. Fuck them.

Here is the system and panel

3

Was thinking it's feasible to change the solar disconnect box to a double throw on / off / on switch. And feed the panel?
Shut off the main breaker first. Doesn't look like my panel had alot of options to change breakers around....

Other option is more expensive and get the behind the meter generator tie in plug deal at $1100 plus finding someone with a key to pop meter out

 

[hallett21]

Easiest move would be a 10 circuit 30amp/240v reliance generator panel. Mount it next to the panel or on the interior wall behind the panel.

Option 2 would be a 125amp sub panel with a manual 30amp/240v interlock manual transfer switch. This basically would let you put all your circuits from the main into a separate panel. Then you could decide which ones you want on while the generator is running.

Both of these options are legal and keep everyone safe. Anyway you do this safely and legally is going to cost a minimum of $1,500.

There’s easier and cheaper ways but they can get people hurt.

 

[hallett21]

Reliance Controls TRC1003DR 100-Amp 12-Circuit Outdoor Transfer Panel

Buy Reliance Controls TRC1003DR Direct. Check the Reliance Controls 100-Amp 12-Circuit Outdoor Transfer Panel ratings before checking out.

www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com

https://www.duromaxpower.com/products/reliance-r510a-120-240v-50-amp-10-circuit-pro-tran-2-outdoor-transfer-switch?variant=42660491591857&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&tw_source=google&tw_adid=671633841062&tw_campaign=20497796801&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2JG9BhAuEiwAH_zf3ghNvF0QQbtt-PL7FbQcHsfmw7bJfAAsTDpxm9m_k32ku2SsXNDsphoCAmMQAvD_BwE

 

[Big B Hova]

Reliance Controls TRC1003DR 100-Amp 12-Circuit Outdoor Transfer Panel

Buy Reliance Controls TRC1003DR Direct. Check the Reliance Controls 100-Amp 12-Circuit Outdoor Transfer Panel ratings before checking out.

www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com

https://www.duromaxpower.com/products/reliance-r510a-120-240v-50-amp-10-circuit-pro-tran-2-outdoor-transfer-switch?variant=42660491591857&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&tw_source=google&tw_adid=671633841062&tw_campaign=20497796801&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2JG9BhAuEiwAH_zf3ghNvF0QQbtt-PL7FbQcHsfmw7bJfAAsTDpxm9m_k32ku2SsXNDsphoCAmMQAvD_BwE

This type also ties in the panels so they still produce power with the generator on? (If I understood it correctly reading on some Google research previously?)

 

[hallett21]

This type also ties in the panels so they still produce power with the generator on? (If I understood it correctly reading on some Google research previously?)

Correct. Everything would function as normal. But when you click over to generator power you’ve disconnected from utility and solar so there’s no worry about accidental back feeding.

 

[Big B Hova]

This guy on tiktok always has solid advice....

 

[Done-it-again]

like this...

 

[Bigbore500r]

What we discussed will work - You would need to shut off your 100A main separately however.

Technically it's not per code, and yes - technically you could forget to shut off your 100A main, backfeed power and/or have power come back on while you are on generator. You gotta be able to follow 2 steps, if not . . .i'd say you have bigger problems! Lol.

If you wan't to be 100% legit and foolproof / gayproof / OSHA 5000 .......just get this.
Handles everything and it's only $1100 . Automatic version availsble for $1200
Plug and play. Just need a buddy with a meter key so you can pop the meter and plug it in.
You can also take it with you if you ever move, which is slick.
You'd want to kill your 240V breakers for AC and Pool pump since you are juicing the whole panel with a 120V generator feeding both legs.

https://www.amazon.com/GenerLink-Automatic-Transfer-Generator-Protection/dp/B0D3WG7JCL/ref=asc_df_B0D3VQBPG8?mcid=e166b689531135e8825aa5f2b3a80935&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693458464558&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10813910575006228377&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031150&hvtargid=pla-2314516952782&th=1

 

[Done-it-again]

What we discussed will work - You would need to shut off your 100A main separately however.

Technically it's not per code, and yes - technically you could forget to shut off your 100A main, backfeed power and/or have power come back on while you are on generator. You gotta be able to follow 2 steps, if not . . .i'd say you have bigger problems! Lol.

If you wan't to be 100% legit and foolproof / gayproof / OSHA 5000 .......just get this.
Handles everything and it's only $1100 . Automatic version availsble for $1200
Plug and play. Just need a buddy with a meter key so you can pop the meter and plug it in.
You can also take it with you if you ever move, which is slick.
You'd want to kill your 240V breakers for AC and Pool pump since you are juicing the whole panel with a 120V generator feeding both legs.

https://www.amazon.com/GenerLink-Automatic-Transfer-Generator-Protection/dp/B0D3WG7JCL/ref=asc_df_B0D3VQBPG8?mcid=e166b689531135e8825aa5f2b3a80935&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693458464558&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10813910575006228377&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031150&hvtargid=pla-2314516952782&th=1

That Gen link is not approved for CA..... You need the Gen link that has its own sub panel and wire it in.

 

[Big B Hova]

That Gen link is not approved for CA..... You need the Gen link that has its own sub panel and wire it in.

View attachment 1476995

Newsom ruins everything.

 

[HTTP404]

I was going to start a new thread but this relates to my question. Can I incorporate an interlock kit on my panel?

 

[Bigbore500r]

That Gen link is not approved for CA..... You need the Gen link that has its own sub panel and wire it in.

View attachment 1476995

of course it’s not…..what’s the point if you have to do that!

 

[Big B Hova]

I was going to start a new thread but this relates to my question. Can I incorporate an interlock kit on my panel? View attachment 1477006

Looks like you have room for days! 200 amp panel.

The previous owners of my house got suckered into a $40k solar lease and they replaced the OG 100amp panel with a new 100amp panel

 

[Big B Hova]

of course it’s not…..what’s the point if you have to do that!

This is why people in California back feed their electric dryer plugs....

 

[Done-it-again]

Newsom ruins everything.

of course it’s not…..what’s the point if you have to do that!

That's why i did my MIL the other way. The sub panel unit is like 2k plus and still need to wire it it in.

My father had the power company in Florida install his gen link.

 

[HTTP404]

Looks like you have room for days! 200 amp panel.

The previous owners of my house got suckered into a $40k solar lease and they replaced the OG 100amp panel with a new 100amp panel

Yeah but the main service disconnect isn't adjacent to the branch circuits. I'll need a sub panel or something right?

 

[hallett21]

Yeah but the main service disconnect isn't adjacent to the branch circuits. I'll need a sub panel or something right?

You need what I posted above.