Re: [RE-wrenches] Main panel and ATS request

[Allan Sindelar]

Gary, Thank you for the referral to this product; I didn't know it existed. If you reread my original post, you'll see that there's no generator involved; this is purely inverter- and battery-based. At the link you provided, I was able to download a spec sheet, but the spec sheet lacked some of the information to determine how well this would work in an inverter-based situation. It appears that this unit includes a load-shedding control algorithm based on AC input voltage (representing full load/overload sensing) that would have to be left unused. It's not clear to me that this could be set up to work as simply as a shift-to-backup on the critical loads section could be automatic and based solely on loss of grid AC. Have you used this in a GTWB installation? ?If so, what can you tell us? This unit retails around $350 and is based on a generator-based application. I would think that a simple series of AC critical load panels, that include a simple 30 or 60A 120/240 automatic transfer switch function in order to switch critical loads from utility source to inverter source, would be a product with a ready, small but growing market. We have requests for sophisticated grid-tie with backup systems, intended as preparation for possible permanent loss of utility electricity. Allan Allan Sindelar al...@positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Positive Energy, Inc. 3201 Calle Marie Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 www.positiveenergysolar.com On 5/14/2011 5:08 AM, Gary Willett wrote: Allan : Since you are planning to replace the main service panel, you might consider the Generac GenReady panel that has a built-in 125A automatic transfer switch (ATS). http://www.generac.com/Residential/Transfer_Switches/Essential_Circuit/GenReady_Load_Center/ The upper portion of the panel are the breaker spaces for the unprotected loads, and the lower portion has the spaces for the protected loads. You can get the GenReady with or without a service entrance rated main service breaker. It's cost is comparable to the stand-alone ATS. This panel is single phase 240/120, so if your backup source is 120V you will need a suitably sized transformer. Is the "backup" portion of your project a generator only, or a combination of  batteries & generator? Regards, Gary Willett, PE Icarus Engineering / Solar Services LLC NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer # 031310-246 On 5/13/2011 7:21 PM, Ray Walters wrote: HI Allan; We got some through Northern Tool and equipment. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200317677_200317677 It's Generac, but it's UL listed, and cheap. (actually its made by Nexus) As you can see the Cutler Hamer are over $1000. I've also used their very low cost manual transfer switches from Reliance. For specialty  BOS equipment related to generators, Northern has been pretty good. You can set up a wholesale acct. and get another whopping 10% off..... GTWB with PNM sure is fun huh? Ray On 5/13/2011 11:08 AM, Allan Sindelar wrote: Fellow Wrenches, Two requests, please, for the same job: We have a GTWB (grid-tie with backup) job coming up for which we need to include an ATS (automatic transfer switch). The utility pays RECs, but the critical loads must pass through the REC meter > main load center > transfer switch > critical loads panel in order to be counted. The customer has requested an automatic transfer switch, rather than the usual manual switch, for this application. It's an Outback GVFX3648-based system, that may or may not include a PSX-240 autotransformer to produce 240VAC - it depends on whether we have any mulitwire branch circuits that can't be reconfigured. My request is for recommendations of a basic and inexpensive, but adequate and reliable, 30A 240V ATS, to switch from grid to inverter when the grid goes out. I would also like a recommendation of a 60A version, either straight 120V or 240V, in case we don't need the transformer. The home also will need a full service upgrade. There are now All-in-one meter base/main load centers offered as PV-ready - to satisfy NEC 690-64(b)2 bussbar issues. I have seen mention of such on this list, but can't find the posts. Could someone post or send me a link to such a panel? We're upgrading the existing 100A to 150-200A, mainly to correct old New Mexico funk. Thank you for any assistance. Allan -- Allan Sindelar al...@positiveenergysolar.com NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician Positive Energy, Inc. 3201 Calle Marie Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 www.positiveenergysolar.com _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org

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