generator output too large

jim naklick · Apr 17, 2023

Recently moved to a new home that has an existing generator. I am in the process of designing a solar system but it seems the output of the generator is too much for all the inverters I have looked at. It is a generac with an output of 22K.
I don't understand what makes this an issue? Would the generator be putting out full power to charge the batteries or power the inverter? The company I have my quote from tells me that the inverter will not handle that and they were told by the distributor to leave the generator unhooked. Is there some sort of regulator that could be used to lessen the output or some other option other than replacing the generator?

Lt.Dan · Apr 17, 2023

The generator is not going to FORCE power through the inverter. You can't have too big of a generator. Some inverter companies actually state in their manual that they recommend a Generator be 2-3x the inverters output.

I would start looking at dealing with a different company.

629658 · Apr 17, 2023

jim naklick said:
Recently moved to a new home that has an existing generator. I am in the process of designing a solar system but it seems the output of the generator is too much for all the inverters I have looked at. It is a generac with an output of 22K.
I don't understand what makes this an issue? Would the generator be putting out full power to charge the batteries or power the inverter? The company I have my quote from tells me that the inverter will not handle that and they were told by the distributor to leave the generator unhooked. Is there some sort of regulator that could be used to lessen the output or some other option other than replacing the generator?

Buy a Sol Ark 15k attach it on the grid input with your ATS and not the gen input and your good to go.

629658 · Apr 17, 2023

Just like this

Quattrohead · Apr 17, 2023

That company has no idea what they're talking about, get yourself some other quotes.

Lt.Dan · Apr 17, 2023

jfpetesn said:
Buy a Sol Ark 15k attach it on the grid input with your ATS and not the gen input and your good to go.

Yes! The Sol-Ark 15k specifically recommends any Gen over 19.2kw to be connected to the grid input.

629658 · Apr 17, 2023

Lt.Dan said:
Yes! The Sol-Ark 15k specifically recommends any Gen over 19.2kw to be connected to the grid input.

The beauty of installing with the ATS is your 100% isolated in a grid out situation.

629658 · Apr 17, 2023

jfpetesn said:
The beauty of installing with the ATS is you’re 100% isolated in a grid out situation.

I was able to sneak in my ATS for my 200A AC disconnect. I was sure they were going to make me install another disconnect but they passed it.

jim naklick · Apr 17, 2023

jfpetesn said:
Buy a Sol Ark 15k attach it on the grid input with your ATS and not the gen input and your good to go.

I do have the sol-ark 15K as what I would like to use. Can you explain to me why do you suggest wiring this way? My unit would be grid tied

629658 · Apr 18, 2023

jim naklick said:
I do have the sol-ark 15K as what I would like to use. Can you explain to me why do you suggest wiring this way? My unit would be grid tied

A couple of reasons. First I already had a generator and ATS installed. Second, in a grid out situation the ATS disconnects you from the grid so no possibility of backfeed. Third, it left my grid port open for future AC coupling/load shedding. Forth, allows for larger generators to be installed. Fifth installation was easier.

dcg9381 · Apr 18, 2023

Quattrohead said:
That company has no idea what they're talking about, get yourself some other quotes.

Or they know exactly what they are talking about and are trying to sell this poor consumer a bunch of crap he doesn't need.

jim naklick said:
s there some sort of regulator that could be used to lessen the output or some other option other than replacing the generator?

Jim, the inverter is setup like any other load device, only you can set the charge rate. You set the charge rate on the inverter and put it on an input circuit and breaker that matches.

Total crap-show advice from whatever company told you that you had "too much" generator.

Browse · Apr 18, 2023

Generators only output what you request from them, up to their maximum. If you plug in a 100W light bulb to your 22kw generator, it will output 100W.

DIYrich · Apr 18, 2023

jim naklick said:
I do have the sol-ark 15K as what I would like to use. Can you explain to me why do you suggest wiring this way? My unit would be grid tied

If you ever need to take the Sol-Ark 15k out of the circuit for service. Also, Gen Input is limited to 19kW. No practical limit on the Grid Input line.

jim naklick · Apr 18, 2023

DIYrich said:
If you ever need to take the Sol-Ark 15k out of the circuit for service. Also, Gen Input is limited to 19kW. No practical limit on the Grid Input line.

the generator input is the issue of why I started this thread. My generator output is 22K and I don't understand why the max output of the generator is a problem?

Mattb4 · Apr 18, 2023

jim naklick said:
the generator input is the issue of why I started this thread. My generator output is 22K and I don't understand why the max output of the generator is a problem?

Pretty easy to explain why you do not see it as a problem. Because you are right to think it is not. Loads drive supply.

jim naklick · Apr 18, 2023

Mattb4 said:
Pretty easy to explain why you do not see it as a problem. Because you are right to think it is not. Loads drive supply.

I thought that was the case then why does the sol-ark 15K have a max gen input of 19K could some sort of damage result from hooking my 22k gen line into the gen inputs?

Lt.Dan · Apr 18, 2023

jim naklick said:
I thought that was the case then why does the sol-ark 15K have a max gen input of 19K could some sort of damage result from hooking my 22k gen line into the gen inputs?

No, you just can only use 19kW worth of your 22kW gen. Not the worst sacrafice.

Mattb4 · Apr 18, 2023

Max input is the max amount the SolArk can handle as it supplies loads. The generator feeding it could be a turbine MW one sitting at the base of a major hydroelectric dam.

DIYrich · Apr 18, 2023

jim naklick said:
the generator input is the issue of why I started this thread. My generator output is 22K and I don't understand why the max output of the generator is a problem?

Not a "problem", but a "limitation". The Sol-Ark has CT's on the Gen Input. So, it will not take more than 19.2kW in from the Gen Port, even if the generator can supply more. Not a big deal if you limit the generator to 80% of load, or 17.6kW.

Let's say that you need surge up to the full 22kW of the generator. It won't happen on the Gen Input port. It can happen on the Grid input port.

629658 · Apr 18, 2023

Another benefit of bringing in the genny in on the line in. I see it as a huge benefit. You seem to look at it as a disadvantage.

generator output too large

New Member

Solar Wizard

629658

Guest

629658

Guest

Attachments

Solar Wizard

Solar Wizard

629658

Guest

629658

Guest

Attachments

New Member

629658

Guest

Solar Enthusiast

Solar Enthusiast

Solar Wizard

New Member

Solar Wizard

New Member

Solar Wizard

Solar Wizard

Solar Wizard

629658

Guest

Similar threads