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stevehull · 02-17-16, 09:56 AM

Did a fair amount of research on this and sadly a PV array is a power source that does NOT modulate with load. Unlike an internal coupled generator, that matches load with power, a PV system must have the grid, a "dump load" (or batteries) to suck up power in excess of what is needed.

Ok - then. I need to build a switch that is energized by the grid and when the grid goes down, the switch trips and stays off until it is manually reset.

A 240 V dPsT switch is easy, as when power goes off the relay shuts down and the contacts open. But when the grid (or generator) comes on, then it reconnects the power to the PV system.

If you have a generator powering the system, and if attached to a PV system, then something will give. It could be that all the EnPhase microinverters turn off and play dead. The other is a bad (read expensive) way . . .

Anyone know of a switch like this? Think of a circuit breaker, that when energized, stays off until you manually reset it.

Steve

02-17-16, 09:56 AM	#9
stevehull Steve Hull Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: hilly, tree covered Arcadia, OK USA Posts: 826 Thanks: 241 Thanked 165 Times in 123 Posts	Did a fair amount of research on this and sadly a PV array is a power source that does NOT modulate with load. Unlike an internal coupled generator, that matches load with power, a PV system must have the grid, a "dump load" (or batteries) to suck up power in excess of what is needed. Ok - then. I need to build a switch that is energized by the grid and when the grid goes down, the switch trips and stays off until it is manually reset. A 240 V dPsT switch is easy, as when power goes off the relay shuts down and the contacts open. But when the grid (or generator) comes on, then it reconnects the power to the PV system. If you have a generator powering the system, and if attached to a PV system, then something will give. It could be that all the EnPhase microinverters turn off and play dead. The other is a bad (read expensive) way . . . Anyone know of a switch like this? Think of a circuit breaker, that when energized, stays off until you manually reset it. Steve __________________ consulting on geothermal heating/cooling & rational energy use since 1990 Last edited by stevehull; 03-01-16 at 05:12 AM..