Inverter to Inlet Box

Sabu66 · Sep 7, 2023

I'm a new member and I am just educating myself on solar and whole house backup. I recently moved into a home that has a 50 amp inlet box that was used for a gas/propane generator for powering the 200 amp main panel. I am looking to setup a simple system with 2 inverters and a few 48 volt batteries in order to get a 240v for those appliances needing power in case of outage on a minimal basis. My question is, is there an easier / cheaper solution to hook up the 2 inverters so I can plug into the current inlet box or do I need to forego that idea and just get a subpanel that the 2 inverters feed?

BentleyJ · Sep 7, 2023

Since the 50A Gen receiver and presumably a 50A, 2 pole breaker are already installed, seems like connecting an inverter to this existing set up would be the least complicated way.

BTW, there are several choices for single inverters that have 240V split phase output, there is no need to use 2 inverters unless you feel strongly about having some redundancy.

If you do use the Gen input for your inverter connection, it is highly recommended to install an interlock (if not already installed) on the main panel so the main breaker and the Gen breaker can never be ON at the same time.

While the above satisfies the requirement of relatively cheap and easy it is also the least flexible with respect to being a completely manual switch over process.

Sabu66 · Sep 7, 2023

BentleyJ said:
Since the 50A Gen receiver and presumably a 50A, 2 pole breaker are already installed, seems like connecting an inverter to this existing set up would be the least complicated way.

BTW, there are several choices for single inverters that have 240V split phase output, there is no need to use 2 inverters unless you feel strongly about having some redundancy.

If you do use the Gen input for your inverter connection, it is highly recommended to install an interlock (if not already installed) on the main panel so the main breaker and the Gen breaker can never be ON at the same time.

While the above satisfies the requirement of relatively cheap and easy it is also the least flexible with respect to being a completely manual switch over process.

Thank you, I was thinking 2 inverters to get the 240v, I'll check out 240v split phase inverters. Any off hand you would recommend that you are aware of?

PS
Just checked and there is an interlock switch on it, so thanks for that tip!

BentleyJ · Sep 7, 2023

Since the system is primarily for back-up and is going to be a manual switch over process, can go with a "value" priced product that doesn't need all the grid interactive features and UL1741SB compliance.

Many on the Forum are using inverters such as the Signature Solar EG4 6000 or MPP Solar lVX6048. These are 6,000Watt examples, and there are other choices.

wildbillpdx · Sep 7, 2023

BentleyJ said:
using inverters such as the Signature Solar EG4 6000

I've got the 6000ex and three LifePower4 batteries. Only in use for about 2 weeks. I did something similar in my setup. I have a manual transfer switch used with my gas generator. Setup a load center in my garage next to the inverter with a 30 amp outlet into which I plug the transfer switch. I've turned on several circuits and it seems to be working well. Left it that way rather than hard-wiring things since I don't have enough battery and solar to run all my circuits if I lose grid power. Then I'll plug the transfer switch into my generator if needed. Primary function for now is to help reduce power utilized from the grid and to supplement my 9.6kW grid-tied system.

Sabu66 · Sep 8, 2023

wildbillpdx said:
I've got the 6000ex and three LifePower4 batteries. Only in use for about 2 weeks. I did something similar in my setup. I have a manual transfer switch used with my gas generator. Setup a load center in my garage next to the inverter with a 30 amp outlet into which I plug the transfer switch. I've turned on several circuits and it seems to be working well. Left it that way rather than hard-wiring things since I don't have enough battery and solar to run all my circuits if I lose grid power. Then I'll plug the transfer switch into my generator if needed. Primary function for now is to help reduce power utilized from the grid and to supplement my 9.6kW grid-tied system.

Thanks that’s exactly setup I’m looking to do initially. Much appreciated!

chrisski · Sep 8, 2023

Will this 50 amp panel provide power to the whole house, or is it prewired for some essential circuits?

For my grid tied solar build with battery, I am in the process of choosing the essential circuits for for my inverter.

With what you’re thinking of doing, you are fairly close to a grid tied system.

wildbillpdx · Sep 9, 2023

This is my setup...distribution panel has three circuits. The inverter feeds into a 40 double pole breaker, there is a 20 amp for the regular outlet and a 30 amp for the transfer switch.

Inverter to Inlet Box

Sabu66

New Member

BentleyJ

Solar Wizard

Sabu66

New Member

BentleyJ

Solar Wizard

wildbillpdx

Solar Enthusiast

Sabu66

New Member

chrisski

Solar Boondocker

wildbillpdx

Solar Enthusiast

Similar threads