DIY Solar - Episode 9 - Sun Grid Tie Inverter Update (GTIL2)

In this episode, I cover an issue that I encountered that will effect many Sun Grid Tie Inverter with Limiter owners that are located in the United States. Since the main power lugs that come into the house are usually larger in the USA, I was not able to get the limiter clamp to close around the cable. I was able to order a larger clamp from www.YHDC.com and connect it to the original cable that came with the inverter. The replacement part number was SCT024TS and the spec were 400A:0.1A. After installing the replacement clamp, I was able to get a successful power reading on the Sun Grid Tie Inverter.
I also gave a preview of a couple additional projects I will be posting videos for later. One project will be the installation of a generator transfer switch. I also plan to do a video on a Hybrid Solar Hot Water Controller.

[@electricengineer624]

Beautiful job Great work God bless sharing info

[@alzeal]

Thanks for the info, I was able to order the clamp of the same part number from ebay.

[@niclas.lindstrom]

Even if you are not an electrician it is pretty obvious that you are an engineer (self made or not). The internet community need people like you spreading knowledge about engineering stuff, whatever that might be. You are part of the technology evolution even if you are not inventing anything new but only spreading generic technology knowledge. Some professionals don't like this, but that is mostly because they want monopoly on this kind of knowledge for comercial reasons. But in reality, spreading sound knowledge like this will actually decrease the number of dangerous installs around the world, so making a better world! :-)

[@jimginnyohio]

Niclas Lindström Thank you!

[@bjleau76]

Plus 1 so cool

[@skoto.power.systems]

Thanks I always learn something on your channel

[@robertstanton1247]

Having difficulty finding the solar panels

[@brianwilson7217]

Thanks for the updates and saving us time :-). I'm still testing and building battery packs.

[@jimginnyohio]

Be sure to post some pictures of those packs!

[@brianwilson7217]

jimginnyohio yes sir just have a few hundred more cells to test. Current packs I'm building are 7s40p.

[@xavierjared4824]

you all probably dont give a damn but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an instagram account? I was stupid lost the password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@rileykorbin5896]

@Xavier Jared Instablaster :)

[@xavierjared4824]

@Riley Korbin I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and Im trying it out now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@yancymuu4977]

I believe the proper clamp is 100 amps to 50 ma. Anything else might confuse the inverter and it wouldn't limit properly. (Although it would probably be ok to keep the ratio the same --- i.e. 200 amps to 100 ma).

[@jimginnyohio]

yancy Muu Yes, I have another clamp on order from China with the same specs as the original. This will be a new item since the manufacturer didn’t make a large enough clamp with the correct specs in the past. I will post another video once it arrives.

[@learningpower9437]

Excellent video... I come from the future.. did you finally replace the clamp meter with an actual 100 A: 50 mAmps CT unit ? In a future video you were saying that the reading from the Sun inverter watts was off. The issue was here. Again, keep the good work Sir!!!

[@John-brc20]

Hello, thank you for your videos.😊 so,Can I have 2 inverters 1kva , and plug them to my grid plug? Also, about the limiters, 2 inverters I have 2 limiters, is ok to add 2 limiters on my main wire so i dont exporting power back into the Grid? It will works? Thank you so much

[@PhiTonics]

Good update. I'm in a spot where my panels would be 300 feet from where my CT rings would hook up at the main, wondering how I might get them out that far.. :/

[@Nik-bd7pv]

Having similar issue. I might need to place inverter about 70 to 100ft away from the main grid cable inlet. Anyone has any experience with extending clamp cord. Manufacurer's representative said 60 ft will work just fine.

[@GordonTurnerr]

I did a test using 1 pair in a cat6 160ft long and it was 100% accurate

[@czarrevs3616]

Great video! Questions: Will this inverter monitor current on both legs of the house grid? It seems like the other leg(which doesn't have the clamp) will not be monitored and cause power to go back into the city grid.

[@jimginnyohio]

This is the 110V version of the inverter. It only monitors the one leg it is connected to. Since it is only connected to one of the legs, it will only supply power to that particular leg. It will not feed any power back to the other leg.

[@czarrevs3616]

@@jimginnyohio So that means that this 110v inverter will only monitor one leg. If wanted to monitor both legs here in Los Angeles, I would either need to get 2 110v inverters or get the 220v inverter with a split current sensor. correct?

[@jimginnyohio]

@@czarrevs3616 Yes, you are correct! I have two of the 110V versions in my house and they work great. If you decide on getting the 220v version, be sure to check out the following Facebook group for details for making it work correctly in the US since there are certain steps you will need to take: Solar Grid Tie Inverter with Limiter USA Users Good luck!

[@kellyvb9881]

@@jimginnyohio BUT for PROPER operation you HAVE TO MONITOR BOTH LEGS. 2 110vac units with a clamp on each leg OR 1 220 vac unit with a double clamp , 1 for each leg.

[@kellyvb9881]

RETRACTION, You only need to monitor BOTH legs if you have a 220 vac unit. Sorry for the miss information.

[@hansdampf3011]

Hello. How is that supposed to work? 100A/50mA and 600A/0,1A are different sensors with different input/output current ratio? Greetings from Germany.

[@raj_5036]

I just ordered this part SCT023R-100A off aliexpress , give me 30 days or less to give feedback it’s a fit, specs say an exact match 100a:50ma and 23mm diameter for use in USA Once I get it will share my experience Here is my dilemma, just getting into DIY got my panels and GTIL but without the limiter it’s all of no use So, any recommendations how I can start producing and using solar energy & using it even if in a limited way? I read there is the internal limiter I could use in the settings? Or thinking clamp this small puppy clamp to one of the big hogs which it can fit on to so I can start some reductions in meter spin!! Let me know

[@benkanobe7500]

What did you find out? I was unable to find it typing that into Aliexpress

[@RFAdventures]

what is the cabling type like for the clamp. My solar system is located in an outbuilding and would like to bury a similar cable when I bury the 100 amp cable going out to the outbuilding so I don't have to dig multiple trenches to get the cable to my main power box

[@jimginnyohio]

Ryan Hoke I simply used the cable that came with the original clamp. There are only two wires in there. I’m not sure how long that cable can be, but I would guess you wouldn’t want to run more than 25 feet. If you have to run longer than that, you might want to consider going with an external limiter instead.

[@garyconis4730]

I used a 50' 16awg light duty extension cord. I connected it with 16awg barrel clamps. The reading was exactly the same as with the original 6' cable

[@vinalnand8494]

Please can tell if limiter sensor arrow facing which way. Pointing towards power coming into the house or power going out. And one more question is that if I cut the and 20 ft more do you think sensor reading will be still accurate . Please let me know

[@jimginnyohio]

Normally it points in the direction energy is coming into the house. However, there is not much quality control when they make those, so if it doesn’t read correctly in one orientation, simply reverse it. Also, I’ve heard of some people extending those wires beyond 25 feet, but I’m really not sure about the accuracy unless you test the readings with another meter.

[@vinalnand8494]

Thank you so much for all the information

[@vinalnand8494]

What the right setting I can set up invertor. So it doesn't drain the. Because my Powmr turns off. I 3kw 48v lithium battery.

[@protechnh]

Doesnt only read one leg from the 240 and not both? Dont you need two CT sensors ?

[@stevegreen7638]

I believe the CT issue is that the clamp has an output of 65ma. Most clamps have a 100ma output. That would mean your reading should be 35% lower than with the provided clamp. Doing a bit of searching it seems very difficult to find a 200A ct with a 65ma output. Has anyone found a solution?

[@stevegreen7638]

I’ve verified this, the supplied clamp is 50ma so you’re reading half because the CTs you’re using are 100ma, so your reading is exactly half.

[@garyconis4730]

SCT016TS

[@yancymuu4977]

I have found that if one removes a short section of insulation from a 4-0 aluminum cable (as in my electrical panel) that the original factory clamp will fit quite nicely. However it should go without saying the the main house breaker must be off before attempting this (for obvious safety reasons).

[@dmeskill2]

Your mains are always LIVE!!! Not a good idea to do this.

[@yancymuu4977]

we have a main breaker outside house to turn off panel. This is case in places I have lived in Florida USA. Maybe not true everywhere.

[@alec4672]

@@yancymuu4977 that's only in the south. Most main breakers are located in the basement in northern states. You'd have to pull your meter to kill those lines.

[@yancymuu4977]

@@alec4672 thanks for the caution. Please anybody reading this, do not work on live wires!

[@crpth1]

Many, many years ago I asked my elec. teacher. Why in US 120V was the norm, instead of a much more logical 230V like we use in Europe?! His answer was short and swift. "Too much money to waste..."! I guess you guys are still paying the stupid decisions of the past. Particularly with the copper prices as they are. I guess it's not fun to drain the wallet. Pretty much, for no particular reason! By now my hair is white! And seeing a guy mention on video. That the cable is to damn large for the "small" clamp used, pretty much, everywhere else in the world! Says it all! ;-) Cheers

[@jimginnyohio]

Well, your teacher may have not been seeing the entire picture… The U.S. has far stricter safety laws than the rest of the world. While we find it more efficient to run thinner, high voltage lines (less copper) over large spans between homes and neighborhoods, our 120v standard within the home is far safer and we have much fewer electrocutions here than throughout the rest of the world. Is it really worth it to save money at the cost of additional safety?

[@vinalnand8494]

Sir please can you tell me which setting I can set up the invertor so I don't drain the battery. I have 48v lithium ion battery. With power mister charger controller. If the battery goes down my charger controller shut off

[@jimginnyohio]

Yes, watch the last couple minutes of this video. This gentleman explains it well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKDPiX9prMZppsk

[@rickyogles8854]

i istalled a 1 kw sun inverter the limit works . i cant get the panels right did you in stall yours parallel or series.

[@jimginnyohio]

Mine are connected in series AND parallel. You can see a diagram for that in this ebay ad: www.ebay.com/itm/2000W-Grid-Tie-Inverter-with-Power-Limiter-MPPT-Stackable-DC45-90V-to-AC190-260V-/224093079800

[@czarrevs3616]

Any updates on your transfer switch install? It would be nice to see.

[@jimginnyohio]

czar revs I posted an updated video a while back...since we will be moving soon and because my electrical panel is quite full, I decided not to install the transfer switch. Instead, I installed a second grid tie inverter for now. After moving into our new place, I plan to set up a new off grid system that will include the transfer switch and Chevy Bolt batteries.

[@joseantonioescobedo1897]

A question please. Can I use this clamp via wifi?. Thank,s.

[@jimginnyohio]

Jose Antonio Escobedo No, I don't believe so. At least, I'm not aware of anyone doing that.

[@vinalnand8494]

Do I need to claim the limiter sensor black or red wire

[@ryans1972]

I have a smart meter and breaker box outside that is like a split box. From the left side box with the meter, runs two bus bars into the main switch and then the bus bars travel vertical, that the breakers snap in place. There is only one place on one of the bus bars I might be able to clamp a limiter. Could I use the wires that travel to the smart meter from the ground. Would it matter if the limiter is on the input side of the meter. I seems like it would not as it is the same amount of current.

[@jimstockton3326]

It shouldn’t matter if the clamp is installed before or after the meter as long as only one of the cables is clamped. You cannot clamp both of them.

[@kellyvb9881]

@@jimstockton3326 WRONG, WRONG WRONG- You MUST monitor BOTH LEGS Jim!

[@jimginnyohio]

Kelly VB Not so! If you are using the 110 version of this inverter, you must only monitor the 110v side of the panel the inverter is connected to. You only need to monitor both legs if using the 220 version of the inverter or if you have two 110 inverters (one on each leg).

[@kellyvb9881]

Never mind, I was thinking of a 220 vac unit

[@vinalnand8494]

I already plugged limiter sensor in to black wire main meter. When I plug the limiter sensor to external port. I invertor looks like not working. When I plug in internal port the sound of power going out. Please can tell which Port I need to plug

[@jimginnyohio]

The sensor should be plugged into the internal limiter since you are using the one inside the inverter.

[@vinalnand8494]

Thank you so much

[@benkanobe7500]

After many attempts (now that I have my GTI), I am unable to find the correct current clamp on ebay, amazon, or the website listed on the clamps you purchased. Can you send a direct link to the correct clamp (SCTO23R / 100A:50mA) so that I can purchase it? Many thanks!

[@jimginnyohio]

Here you go. Be sure to select the 100A:50mA version. I believe your search was coming up blank since you entered an “O” instead of “0” in the model number. That should be a zero: SCT023R - Also, I didn’t use the screws when I installed it. I was worried about penetrating the wire. Good luck! www.amazon.com/YHDC-Current-Transformer-SCT023R-Variations/dp/B08H8QK6FZ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Sct023r&qid=1633728460&sr=8-1&th=1

[@benkanobe7500]

@@jimginnyohio Thank you!!

[@lysol7204]

Any info on extending that clamp cable?

[@sytemizeliveup]

Use an internet cable or utp cable and wire them up

[@benkanobe7500]

I have two questions: 1) I am unable to find the Sun version but I am able to find what looks like the identical unit only it is called "Eco-Worthy", is the Sun unit still available? 2) The Eco-Worthy apparently has internal programming capability that negates the need for the Mains clamp and you just program the "Limit' in. Do you know if this is true? Thank you! I plan to duplicate your system only with 3 GTIs.

[@jimginnyohio]

I believe Eco-Worthy is simply a reseller of the Sun Grid Tie unit. One of the devices I have was purchased thru them. However, the unit I received from them did indeed still come with the mains clamp for monitoring. The clamp method is really the only way the inverter can know for sure how much power to deliver. I'm not familiar with any devices that does that automatically. I imagine it's possible....but it would need to be a 220v unit instead of a 110V unit. Best to contact the seller to get clarification about that.

[@benkanobe7500]

@@jimginnyohio OK. By watching too many you tubes and reading all the reviews on Amazon, I believe with the programable-limiter does is NOT actively monitor. It just sets an upper limit of how much the GTI can put out. In my case, my lowest electric bill researched for each days KWH usage is then calculated to how much I can allow my (future) GTI to put out on that day and not exceed what was consumed on that day. I will put a 10% margin on that as well. Does this make any sense??

[@jimginnyohio]

@@benkanobe7500 I understand what you are trying to do. However, doing it that way may attract the attention of your power company! While everything may balance out at the end of the day/month when the billing is calculated, they will still get signals from your meter if it ever starts turning backwards. This may result in a nastygram from them asking you to cease and desist. If your intent is to do this in a "stealthy" manner, you're best to go with CT clamps instead.

[@benkanobe7500]

@@jimginnyohio OK. Got it. Will Do. Did you ever resolve your 1/2 reading on the clamp you were able to obtain that fit the mains wire?

[@jimginnyohio]

Ben Kanobe Yes. You will want to purchase these from Amazon or eBay if the clamps you receive with your inverter do not fit the mains cables in your panel. Part #: SCTO23R / 100A:50mA. That will fix the problem!

[@andino2003]

This inverter work with digital meter electric company ?

[@alfredampah234]

i have just ordered and installed this inverter 22 - 65DCV input and 240v output ac. my problem is; it did not come with any clamp. how can is order for the clamp alone that will work perfectly with my device?

[@jimginnyohio]

There are several vendors on eBay that sell a replacement clamp.

[@TheSpidersoftheworld]

I can make you a dual clamp that works on 240v . The single clamp will monitor just 1 leg you need to monitor both L1 L2 or you will back feed the grid

[@kellyvb9881]

@@TheSpidersoftheworld FINALLY, Someone here knows what there talking about here. BTW, DON'T order those BLUE clamps like I did, There only 13 mm and WONT fit our cables, we need 16 mm cables.

[@benkanobe7500]

@@kellyvb9881 So where did you purchase them? I live in San Diego and the one that came with my GTI is too small for my cables coming into my breaker box

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy J-G-Om Thanks COOP ...

[@anwarelmahrek4670]

Help I have installed the limiter and everything looks good on the inverter side, however, the meter still showing that excess power is going to the grid. is that normal?

[@jimstockton3326]

Two things to check.... Did you plug your clamp into the internal limiter port? It must be in that one. Also, did you enable the limiter via the interface panel?

[@anwarelmahrek4670]

@@jimstockton3326 Yes, I plugged the clamp on internal one and configured the setup to internal limiter. It also looks like, it is recognizing the limiter because first the clamp was in the wrong direction and the numbers showed under ac power as negative so I flipped the clamp and it showed positive number but still the meter showing excess power going to the grid.

[@jimstockton3326]

When you say “the meter showing excess power going to the grid”, are you meaning the meter on the right side of the inverter just below the voltage? If so, that’s not a problem! That number is showing the amount of power still being provided by your power company on the leg of your power panel where the inverter is plugged in. The number in the middle is what the inverter is producing. When you add those two numbers together, it equals the total amount of power your house is using on that leg.

[@anwarelmahrek4670]

@@jimstockton3326 I am talking about the utility companies meter, not the inverter

[@jimstockton3326]

How can you tell? Is the meter running backwards or slowing down whenever the gri inverter is on? If so, you might want to reach out to Roger Navel via the Facebook Group called SunG Grid tie inverter with Limiter. He is probably the best authority for inverters that aren’t working correctly. I have never experienced that issue myself. Sorry!

[@aogulla]

Hi, I had a look at the SunG Facebook group and saw Rogel's improved design using a new Sun-5K-G string inverter. Further probing shows that this string inverter is actually a replica of the Solis-1P5K-4G PV inverter manufactured by Ginlong Technologies. The good news is that the US version of this affordable and UL certified string inverter with an internal limiter or external Export Power Manager is available at www.ginlong.com/en/Solis_US_PV_Inverter_and_RSD.html with a standard 5 year warranty.

[@jimginnyohio]

Alphonse Ogulla That sounds interesting. I will check that out. Thanks for the information.

[@kellyvb9881]

How can you say there affordable, there are NO prices there. These look REALLY EXPENSIVE to me.

[@bigblockcutlass123]

I just install my amp clamp. I an getting only about half the amps on the Sun Tie screen. I do have the .1 amp. Is what yours do?

[@jimginnyohio]

bigblockcutlass123 Yes, I have that same problem with mine too. I wonder if they substituted a part inside that is causing it to read half the value. Just out of curiosity, what is your serial number? I wonder if it was built around the same timeframe as mine? My serial number is: GTI2-1706-041.

[@bigblockcutlass123]

jimginnyohio gti12-1805-036 and gti12-1805-013. Now I just received two from China that I didn't think I would ever get. Gti12-1807-260 and git12-1807-268.

[@jimginnyohio]

It will be interesting to see what kind of meter reading you get with the new devices. Please let me know if the readings appear to be more accurate with those! I have tried three different clamps and I have seen no difference in the meter. It still reads 50% of the actual value.

[@joetang6690]

it might not be working as you planed/thought. Your clamp is on both Lines, but your power cable only goes to one of line.

[@jimstockton3326]

No, that is not correct. My clamp is only on one line. I have learned this is a common issue when connecting this device in the US.

[@artlowery2400]

The proper cables on eBay for that grid tie inverter, two sizes, up to 100 ft. Search for gtil limiter

[@GlennRathke_WX]

I was able to find ebay listings using the search " gtil cables "

[@Fabe408]

Is it hard to add clamp to wire? Can you send me drawings, step by step on how to do it plz

[@antiguacharles5204]

I am try to get this clamp but the website is in chinese. What do i do ?

[@jimginnyohio]

Ha ha! Aren't you able to read Chinese?? Just kidding! :-) Look in the upper right of the website and you will see the letters "EN". If you click on that, it will translate the website to English. Otherwise, if you do a search on eBay, you should be able to find that clamp there too. Happy hunting!

[@vinalnand8494]

Sir if I plug limiter on main power at the corner of my roof. Is it going to work or not.

[@vinalnand8494]

Please. Let me know

[@jimginnyohio]

I guess the dual phases on the outside of you home are the same as those within your electrical panel. However, I would avoid doing that since the clamp is not waterproof and will corrode over time if exposed to the elements.

[@vinalnand8494]

Please can you give me your email I can send you pictures

[@vinalnand8494]

Please can tell if limiter sensor arrow facing which way. Pointing towards power coming into the house or power going out. And one more question is that if I cut the and 20 ft more do you think sensor reading will be still accurate . Please let me know

[@chuckger1625]

On the other leg - what is that white clamp going to the Mpp white box? and if so, does that mpp also limit???

[@jimginnyohio]

That is one of the sensor clamps for my Sense home energy monitor. The MPP device is an off grid inverter and does not have limiter.

[@NegritocitoCat]

How did you know which phase to put the inverter limiter clamp on? If we have two phase load centers, we have to choose, right?

[@jimstockton3326]

Yes, correct. If you’ll go back and watch some of my other videos, you will see that I installed a dedicated outlet to plug the inverter into. I made sure to install the clamp on the same phase that I installed the outlet on.

[@beardedprepper8606]

I was going comment on a similar note. If your inverter is putting out 110-120v, then one leg is all that the sensor needs to monitor, but if your inverter puts out 220-240v, then you actually need two sensor clamps, one for each leg. Other wise, it cannot read the correct in and out at the box. I too have one of these inverters, but the 2000 watt version. So, I have to make a dual clamp setup for mine to read correctly.

[@kellyvb9881]

Here is how to tell. Look and see what breaker # your using, 1,2,3,4 ...ect . Breakers 1 & 2 are on L1, 3 & 4 are on L2, 5 & 6 are on L1 and so forth

[@kellyvb9881]

I was informed that you need to monitor BOTH legs for proper operation. Why aren't you doing that? You would need 2 120 vac inverters with 1 clamp on each leg or 1 220 vac inverter with 2 clamps, one for each leg. you should look into this, looks like you have an IMPRESSIVE system there. I have the same sun GTL but 2000 watt at 220 vac.

[@jimginnyohio]

If you watch my updated videos, you will see that Later, I added a second inverter and now monitor both legs. However, if you are using the 110v version of this inverter, you only need to monitor the leg the inverter is plugged into. I have spoken with the manufacturer of this unit for confirmation about that.

[@kellyvb9881]

@@jimginnyohio That makes sense. I have the 220 volt unit so I needed 2 clamps. Problem is that these only come with 1, It's a 16 mm that fits my cable, SO i ordered 2 of the blue ones and THEY DON'T FIT.. To small, 13 mm, so at this point I installed the smaller ones on the L1 and L2 lines that feed my sub panel in the house until I can find 1 more 16 mm clamp. Have also been told to wire the clamps is series ind install 1 ct with the arrow facing down and the other facing up. I had them both facing down and got a + watt reading on the lower left corner of the display. When I pointed one of the clamps in the other direction I got DOUBLE the + watt reading. Not really understanding what the numbers mean. I know the LARGE watt readings are what my panels are inputting. How do I know if I'm back feeding to the grid? I NEVER want to backfeed. I have set it up to use the internal limiter in the settings.

[@jimginnyohio]

Kelly VB Check out the Facebook Group: Solar Grif Tie Inverter with limiter USA Users. There is good information there for configuring the 220v version to work in the U.S. including how to configure the clamp sensors.

[@kellyvb9881]

Thanks Jim, I already applied to join that group

[@jimthvac100]

You can't just use any CT sensor. These need to be 100A/50ma ratio else your inverter will display the wrong wattage.

[@jimginnyohio]

Yes. I’m well aware of that!

[@vinalnand8494]

And need to clam into black wire

[@sang3Eta]

Thank you been searching forever where to source these. The web site has moved to Poweruc*pl and CT means Current Transformer! * = . to bypasses web link censorship.