Battery and PCS MPU

[haaaw]

I'm trying to add some batteries and backup and I'm confused about PCS main panel upgrade avoidance.

Let's say I have 20a of solar and 1 5P at 20a. That's fine to back feed at the max 40a into my 200a main panel right? But don't people usually have over that making MPU usually needed?

Because I'll have probably have 2 batteries at 40a and backfeed breaker will need to be 60a or am I wrong?

My main concern is moving consumption CTs from the main panel to the system controller and losing whole home consumption monitoring? What do people usually do?

Should I derate my panel? Or use oversubscription to limit 2 batteries to 20a?

[Manon_Chaboud · Accepted solution]

Hello @haaaw !

When dealing with these configurations, it's essential to ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes. While I can provide general insights, it's crucial to consult with a certified electrician or relevant professionals for specific advice.

Here are some general considerations based on your questions:

- Backfeeding and Main Panel Upgrade: When adding solar and battery backup systems, it's important to assess the total current that will be backfed into the main panel. This includes the combined current from the solar system and the batteries. Depending on the capacity and local regulations, an upgrade to the main panel or the addition of a main power unit (MPU) might be necessary.

- CTs and Consumption Monitoring: Moving consumption CTs from the main panel to the system controller can impact whole-home consumption monitoring. There are solutions available, such as using additional monitoring equipment or integrating monitoring capabilities within the system controller. Consult with experts to understand the best approach for maintaining comprehensive consumption monitoring.

- Panel Capacity and Derating: If the total current from the solar and battery systems exceeds the capacity of the main panel, it's important to consider derating the panel or implementing oversubscription to ensure safe operation. Derating or oversubscription can help manage the power flow and prevent overloading.

- Regulatory Compliance: Always ensure that your electrical setup complies with local electrical codes, building regulations, and utility interconnection requirements. This often involves obtaining permits, adhering to safety standards, and coordinating with the utility company.

Given the complexity of your project and the need for precision in electrical design, seeking professional guidance from a certified electrician, solar installer, or energy system designer is highly recommended.

As for the router login query, it seems like you might be looking for the router's admin interface. The correct default IP address for many routers is often "192.168.1.1" or "192.168.0.1". However, it can vary based on the router model. Always refer to the router's manual or documentation for the correct login details.