New Growatt Transformer Solar ATS Install! Alleviates Safety Issues

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[@tiggeroush]

The Growatt autotransformer is made to be put between the inverter and the breaker panel. As connected you are sending 60 Amps to the autotransformer before the breakers will trip. This would be multiple NEC violations using two breakers to the same load. You can remove the input.

[@abelmicah5546]

👍💯✔nice ! You got the matching Auto/Transformer Growatt. You do good job for your people, your community in the Tube, i'm one if them, THANK YOU 👍💯✔!!! (One of these days we'll have a conversation. Still getting ready and watching all your vids. i really appreciate them !!!)

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you so much for the very kind comment! I am happy to help.

[@ronaksoni2276]

By the way both auto transformers are exact same. the growatt just have a extra connector which is paralleled with input so not much difference

[@dwaynefrench225]

Hello, not sure if someone has commented already but your input and output are the same legs. You can see the two red wires from the input jump to the output side. So your current still flows up and down the wires just like your other transformer. I think they did it this way because it was confusing people the other way.

[@dangibb1329]

Good video. It's always nice to see an easy to follow instructional diy installation. I have three 5000es growatts in parallel and had 2 seauto 5000 transformers with 18k of panels. When growatt offered the new auto transformers I bought them based on all the safety hype. They do look more robust even though they are rated the same. The growatt uses 10ga wire into the coils whereas the seauto uses 12ga. The growatts take up more space but they look prettier. The fancy plastic connector is of no use to me. The growatt transformer still only has 3 wires going into the coils just like the seauto. I use 4 gauge wire to hook my transformers into a breaker. Using another set of 4 gauge wires for an in and out type connection is just a waste of copper. I've noticed the growatt does get hotter under the same loads though. The seauto is aluminum with a large heat sink which dissipates heats much more efficiently. The growatt also makes a louder humming noise where I can not hear the seauto unless I put my ear close to it.. I currently have 1 seauto and 1 growatt transformer running in my system. I've had no problems with either setup. For the vast majority of people who are using the seauto transformer, switching to the growatt will not solve any problems, and isn't any more safe.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you

[@scotbrown6598]

Hello, we are so impressed with you. We are sitting here on 200 acres in Elephant Butte, NM on our private wildlife preserve. We have installed a Signature Solar 10,000 KW system. We are at an impasse with wiring in our 2 Growatt transformers into our main AC load center panel. We have 2 x 5000K Growatt inverters, 16 Canadian Solar panels run in series of 8, 2 x Eg4-LL lithium batteries in our battery rack. Our 16 panels are mounted on top of our 40 ft connex. We are 100% off grid. We are stuck at wiring in our transformers. We have contacted Signature Solar many times. They are not helping us other than sending a Growatt schematic and telling us they are not qualified electricians. The diagram they sent is contrary to your working system in your video of how you are wiring back into the same panel with L1 and L2 wires from the Growatt transformers’ output. Would appreciate any help, are road trips an option? Regards, Scot and Janie

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Hello. How is wired differently? Sig Solar can't give advice on actual wiring legally. Contact me on our Facebook messenger and send me some pictures.

[@joanies6778]

Wish I could afford solar and could install it myself. Not happening, but I still enjoy learning about it. 🤗

[@abelmicah5546]

Hey Bruh, don't lose it. You''ll get it at the proper time and it will be in time, and You'll be a PRO.

[@wadebrewer7212]

It takes a LONG TIME yo do it yourself. I bought some components 2 years ago and still not entirely installed. Don't think you have to have $30 grand right up front. Don't give up on it. Start small. Build a small solar generator to learn and scale to what this guy is doing. Just think....this transformer is about 359 bucks...in due time...you could build enough system to start saving. Make it a goal and stick to it! You want it....go get it.

[@eddietee6305]

It's not that bad. You just start with a very simple setup.

[@thomastaylor8657]

Solar is cheaper than the grid. I just installed a $500 system that runs lights, water pump, and phone chargers free for a man who lost his legs.

[@JamesLee-ey2yv]

FYI, I might be a little confused, but I have 2 of the new transformers on my 4 Growatt 5kw system and both are on and they automatically split the unbalanced phase voltage between the the 2 transformers. I have 2 AC multi meters (from Amazon $15 each) that shows the voltage on the neutral on each transformer. If one had a problem the other one would automatically pick up the difference and I could see the imbalance on the meters and know to fix it. If your old transformer is not on and sharing the imbalance you would already have fried some 120volt appliances if you have a problem before you even knew there was a problem. I have learned a lot from your videos and putting in my similar system and just thought I should mention this.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you. Not sure exactly what you mean though. Both of my transformers are on.

[@Carl9524]

I don't understand why you need to loop line 1 and 2 back to breaker box when all it does is get jumped at the transformer terminals. wonder why not just run the white neutral in its own conduit back to the breaker box? one less breaker and less wire. The way you got it set up now two breakers would need to knock if something goes wrong. To me that's the sane as putting jumpers right at the two breakers and using them in parallel as a single circuit. would it not take double the amps to knock?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Growatt's instructions.

[@mcarling6495]

Correct.

[@mariomorales1010]

Great content thanks for sharing ! As constructive feedback, the way you connected your new Growatt autotransformer is no different than your old solaredge. If the purpose of the new autotransformer is to give you protection for the 120v appliances in case of failure, then you should connect your inverter output directly to the input of the growatt transformer and then the output of the autotransformer to your sub panel. My two cents, but again thanks for sharing 👍.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I appreciate it and thanks for the criticism. I, however, have to go with what the solar company told me to do.

[@mcarling6495]

The problem with the proposed arrangement is that typical 240V loads (range, dryer, air conditioner, EV charging) would exceed the capacity of (the wires going into and out of) the autotransformer, so separate panels would be required for the 120V and 240V loads. It would have to be inverter(s) connected to 240V panel connected to the input side of the autotransformer and then the 120V panel connected (with a pair of 120V breakers) to the output side of the autotransformer. I would print and affix a big warning label for the 120V panel: “Do NOT install 240V breakers in this panel” and another label for the 240V panel: “Do NOT install 120V breakers in this panel.”

[@eddietee6305]

You are TOTALLY correct. Hobbyist is one thing, electrical engineering is another. Not a good set up there irrespective of what is said in solar forums. Not at all. So may things wrong with athat setup.

[@eddietee6305]

@@mcarling6495 you are correct. Great observation and recommendation.

[@mcarling6495]

@@CountryLivingExperience You do you, but what you report the solar company has told you to do is 1) a violation of several sections of the NEC, 2) unsafe, 3) doesn’t solve the safety issue it’s claimed to solve, and 4) makes no sense from an electrical engineering perspective. No competent or semi-competent building inspector would allow it.

[@dysfunctional_vet]

i think i had written i would have done some of what you post differently, (choice i think), but this is a good set up. it does bother me to see you sticking your hands in the panel box facing the camera. be safe thumbs up, well done

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you. (everything was disconnected on the input side when I put my hand in there)

[@steveleonard7056]

Great shirt!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you

[@FREEDOM-ei2fg]

Thanks for video, was wonder your input on connecting 2 Growatt 5000es to sub panel then directly to a Victron Energy Autotransformer 120/240 100A, then from autotransformer to safety switch? The autotransformer has built in 100A breaker on input side.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I have never tried a Victron

[@stoncrop8725]

Thanks! I watched James video on this same subject and couldn't understand some of what he was doing. His video didn't show what was hooked where, etc. Your video however, was very clear. I, incidentally, have the exact same pieces of equipment that you show here. The one thing James explained was how to size the breaker in the distribution panel which yours didn't. Essentially it is the required breaker for all transformers connected to it. In this case, a 20A breaker for the Growatt Transformer and a 25A breaker for the Solaredge equals a 50A breaker in the distribution box. Actually would be 45A but go with the 50A as you can actually find one of those. NOW, I am ready to rock. Thank you very much.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Awesome. You’re welcome

[@MikeSiedlecki]

Love the shirt 😉

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thanks

[@mkonvo]

I have basically the same setup with the Growatt autotransformer. I had talked to Signature Solar about the wiring of the autotransformer and they told me to ignore the wiring labeled "inverter/input". If what you did here is accurate, this is just one of many times Signature Solar has given me wrong information. My system runs perfectly good without the input side used but I will wire it up and see if it maybe runs more efficiently.

[@edmiller7761]

Signature Solar is right. Were the breaker feeding the input of the transformer tripped, the system would continue to work.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

That is so interesting. Another case of conflicting info. Hmmm, I talk to Ethan and Matt in the tech department. Confirmed this with Ethan on Wednesday.

[@mcarling6495]

@@edmiller7761 That’s why two breakers in parallel (what Signature Solar reportedly recommend) is prohibited by the NEC. The whole point of circuit breakers is to cut off the circuit in the event of a fault. Parallel breakers means that if one trips the circuit is still energized. Very dangerous and strictly prohibited.

[@trilexfix]

I really wish you made a video with just 1 auto transformer cause you made it a little confusing but I think I got the gyst of it

[@bearytailfarm]

Is your off grid disconnect switch a 3 pole switch? You must disconnect the neutral from the grid as well if you have a ground bond at the inverters. Otherwise you have a paralell ground path.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I know. It is a 3 pole.

[@Bripromo]

Hi, Please take your electrical tester Go from Ground terminal on the Transformer to the Neutral Busbar on your Sub-Panel check for voltage ⚡️ reading .04 voltages. I got a similar setup I am getting a reading from my Transformer Ground terminal to Ground Busbar on my Sub-Panel. 04 voltages.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

There is always stray voltage in a system.

[@GoldenWrenchAndShed]

Did you happen to look into a Victron energy autotransformer? Has multiple safety features built in to include a breaker, cooling fan and it uses a toroidal transformer which is known for being more efficient. Just curious if you looked into it.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I actually didn't look into the Victron. I wanted to keep everything in the Growatt family and Sig Solar is within driving distance for me to pick up equipment.

[@GoldenWrenchAndShed]

Yea I didn’t want to wait(on back order)it was a bit more pricey, but was able to get one the same week I ordered it. Learned a lot from your videos and putting my system together now using a Growatt and 370w panels from Signature Solar.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

@@GoldenWrenchAndShed Awesome! Glad you are getting your system going. Very exciting.

[@BecomingOffgrid]

It's also UL Listed, which is super important for insurability

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Absolutely

[@josephhcondo7281]

I got my Growatt transformer connected to 2 Growatt 5000watt inverters and if I hook up a 120 60Hz heater and it lasts about 30 min before it kicks the breaker on transformer

[@JayDee25895]

yup

[@jimTal001]

I was very close to starting-up my new Signature Solar purchased system (using the SolarEdge Transformer) despite all the online debate about safety. Just last week Signature Solar assured me that there are no Safety issues using the SolarEdge Transformer if I follow their wiring diagram. However, seeing your new video makes me want to replace the SolarEdge Transformer with the Growatt one. Where can I purchase the Growatt Transformer? Signature Solar is not selling any Transformers now which is Kind of suspicious? BTW: The SolarEdge Transformer was just recently discontinued by the manufacturer.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

They are out of stock on the transformer. Their web content curator cannot keep up with the changes in stock on their website. They are still selling is as far as I know.

[@mylesoffgrid]

yup out of stock and the way you have it wired is safe. I will be doing a 240V loads panel. and a 120V loads panel. all off grid.

[@mcarling6495]

@@mylesoffgrid Make sure the breaker protecting your autotransformer and 120V loads will never have 240V loads on it. In other words, the inverter(s) and 240V panel need to be upstream of your autotransformer and the 120V load panel needs to be downstream of your autotransformer. The circuit breaker protecting your autotransformer and 120V loads panel should be in the 240V panel. Do NOT put a breaker between the autotransformer and the 120V panel; doing so would leave you with a dangerous floating neutral is the circuit breaker were to ever be tripped or switched off. The only breaker protecting the autotransformer should be the breaker in the 240V panel which feeds the autotransformer and the 120V panel. The correct size breaker is 125% of the rated load of the autotransformer, rounded up to the next size breaker. If that’s not big enough for all your 120V loads, then you need a bigger autotransformer. Growatt make an 11400VA autotransformer. For the 5000VA autotransformer, (5000VA * 125%) / 240V = 26.04A. If there would be a standard 26.04A breaker, that would be the correct size. Because there is not, round up to a 30A breaker. So, in summary, inverter(s) feed the 240V loads panel (each through an appropriate breaker), a breaker in the 240V panel feeds the autotransformer and 120V panel. That will be safe, comply with NEC, and prevent floating neutral. Never, ever put a breaker between the autotransformer and 120V loads.

[@martinhrabe9888]

Have you installed your mini-splits yet. We're building in central Colorado and completely off-grid. We will be all electric except the stove top. Oven will be electric. Just wondering how your minizsplits are running, especially in the heat mode. Thanks, Martin

[@CountryLivingExperience]

We have not installed them yet. I will let you know when we get them in.

[@tunas66]

Aren't you supposed to run the power out of es5000 to transformer then to main power panel?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I checked 5 times with the solar company. This is how they instructed.

[@Marker-er3ro]

If L1 and L2 are jumpered inside the auto transformer, then feeding the panel they derive from, then how is it any different from your other transformer? Sorry, from a circuit perspective I don’t see how they’re different.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Not sure, sorry. Talk to Signature Solar or Growatt.

[@eddietee6305]

Good point. It's not different. Overly simplistic.

[@gottagogood2588]

Have you ever had a problem with your batteries draining fast? We just put ours on a couple months ago and we have 6 of those batteries hooked up and use the whole 80% overnight with nothing but 2 fridges on and the tv for a couple hours

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I have not had that problem at all. Are you sure there is not some load you didn't account for that is running in the background? 6 batteries should keep 2 fridges going for a week. Try going over the settings in the inverters again to see if you missed anything.

[@AlexTorres-qv3hv]

Had to get rid of my transformerless inverter as it kept my led lights flickering the whole night, besides all data that I've found indicates that transformer based inverters lasts longer...

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Mine work fine with quality bulbs.

[@jimTal001]

Can you provide me the sub panel model used in the video. Did you have to purchase components separately or did it come complete? Thanks.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

The sub is just a 125 Amp Homelite box from Home Depot. All of the solar components I purchased from Signature Solar....www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=countrylivingexperience I purchased all of the components at the same time from them. I purchased the wire, conduit, etc. from Home Depot or Lowes.

[@sgtspaulding9461]

I’m hoping this is the transformer that has been on back order with signature solar. The invoice says “Release date May 6th” so that’s curious. The wires that you ran from your sub panel to the transformer are 8 gauge, is that correct? I’m going to be running 4 8gauge wires from my solar array to my house, would those be similar wires or a different style? The reason I ask is because I’d like to bury the conduit but I’m unsure what size to go with.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Correct, they are 8ga THHN. The 8ga PV wires you are running from your array are different.

[@sgtspaulding9461]

@@CountryLivingExperience Ok thanks. Different as in thicker I’m assuming? Those didn’t look very thick.

[@danielwilliambr]

I live in Brazil, here where I am my SPF3500ES acts as an intermediary between the power grid and the house, leaving it to manage when it is on the inverter or grid. As here it is 220v two-phase and the inverter is 220v single-phase it was not the problem, but to make the 127v I used an autotransformer from 220v to 127v. His problem is that I don't think he does 127v/neutral but 65v/65v. I want to use a transformer like this one from Growatt, which creates the neutral in the center of the coils, but I can't find that model here.

[@mcarling6495]

Brazil has three phase 220Y127V not split phase. Using a Growatt autotransformer like this with 220V input would give 110V output which might be lower than what you want. In practice, nearly all the appliances one would plug into 127V are global appliances that are engineered to work with all voltages from 100V in Japan up to 127V in Brazil, so unlikely to be a show stopper.

[@paul.phillips]

I never would have thought it would be ok to feed the same panel with the inverters and the transformer. I guess it makes sense as long as line 1 and line 2 aren't mixed up as they'd be out of phase with each other. So 240v loads can pull from either the inverters or the transformer (via the inverters), and 120v loads would always go through the transformer. Interesting. Would there be no output on your 120v loads if the breaker to the transformer shut off? Seems like they'd have a hot and no neutral/return path.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Yes, the key important part is keeping lines 1 & 2 the same throughout the system. Correct, there would be no output to the 120v loads if the breaker trips. That is what I understand about it.

[@michaelhouston1817]

Actually that’s not right. If the breaker to the transformer trips the inverter will still put down 240 volts to your 120 lines. What you have to do is follow the instructions on the transformer which says “input / Inverter”. So you must connect the output of the inverter to the input of the transformer then the output of the transformer to the panel. If the breaker from the transformer trips all the power stops and panel is dead and 120 appliances saved.

[@michaelhouston1817]

Only issue is with 2 inverters I used two transformers as well. Problem solved.

[@offgridwithpojectham]

@@CountryLivingExperience I question this. I don't doubt that signature solar told you this but my question would be: What mechanism keeps the 120v loads tied to your panel from being energized by the inverters. There isn't any communication that the breaker has tripped, no shunt trip, no CAN or RS485 indicators, etc. Your panel is fed by the inverters and if you loose your neutral because the breaker trips on your autotransformer, the inverters are still powering the loads. If you are not looping the inverter through the autotransfomer and the breaker trips, how is it keeping 120v loads from drawing power from the inverters? In your case, you have the backup of the SolarEdge autotransformer as well so the likelihood of both breakers for your autotransformers is extremely unlikely. Not everyone has a backup though. I understand the thought process of running the input and output through the panel in your setup because you have two inverters supplying power to the panel. By running through the panel, you are creating the neutral for both inverters. This keeps you from having to buying a Growatt Autotransformer for each inverter but I do not see how this gives you protection if the breaker trips. Again, the breaker tripping is unlikely, but it is possible. It seems to me the same problem exists in this setup as the original problem with the SolarEdge. I think Growatt has made a huge step forward by creating the loop through in their transfomer and it fixes the original problem of the breaker trip issue but installing it as Signature Solar has directed you to isn't taking advantage of Growatt's safety feature in it's design. I could be wrong. Let me know what you think.

[@SanRuis7430]

@@offgridwithpojectham read what ​ @Michael Houston say, thats the solution.

[@user-vo9dv4ps1c]

حبيب القلب فديتك فدي😍❤

[@thumbless66]

I have been trying to get two of these and they aren't even available for pre-order. I'm almost ready to start my system.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Oh wow! I didn't know they were out. Popular items.

[@GoldenWrenchAndShed]

I was in the same boat, Victron energy makes a 32amp one and a 100amp version of autotransformer that might be worth looking into.

[@fisherus]

I'm curious as to how much power loss your system has between your array and the AC power breaker box? Obviously it's taking power to run the Growatt hybrid inverters and the auto transformer. Do you know?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I am sure there is some power loss but I have not calculated or monitored it. Everything is running with no problem so I am not too worried about it.

[@danielglang6312]

The only time there is a power loss (current flowing) through the autotransformer is when there is a different load on each 120 volt leg of the 240 volt input.

[@mcarling6495]

@@danielglang6312 There are also power losses through the autotransformer due to eddy currents, hysteresis, and other minor effects (eddy currents plus hysteresis account for about 99% of no load losses). It’s easy to measure the no load losses: hook up a 240V source, no loads, and leave the neutral unconnected, then use a clamp type ammeter to measure the current flowing through the autotransformer.

[@mnj5089]

What if anything would be different if you had 3 of these same inverters as far as wiring the transformers? Would we run two of them to one transformer and the third to the second transformer? My electrician is stumped. Also wondering if you have solved the automatic transfer issue? Is there a way for the grind power to come back on and charge the batteries then cut back off when charged automatically? We are still a bit confused trying to communicate between Ethan, myself and my electrician. He thinks Ethan is telling him this isn't possible.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Hello. Nothing would be different with a third inverter. You just land that inverter on a separate 40A breaker in the same panel. My system is off-grid and used like a generator. We do not have the need for an automatic transfer switch. I don't have one in my system. I only charge my batteries from solar or from a 48v battery charger hooked up to a small 1000w generator (if needed). You may need to talk to Richard who is their electrical engineer (I think).

[@mnj5089]

@@CountryLivingExperience thank you!!

[@VictorRodriguez-vt1gy]

Great video

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you

[@jimTal001]

Where do you purchase your wiring for the project (8 gauge THHN)?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Lowes or/and Home Depot

[@jimTal001]

@@CountryLivingExperience I went by my local Lowes and picked some wire up. One thing I'm still confused about is the grounding my system. If I understood you correctly, you grounded your inverters separately from everything else? I'm totally off grid and my prior understanding was that everything: panels, inverter(s), panels, transformer, etc.. should be grounded together. Thanks for your help!

[@CountryLivingExperience]

@@jimTal001 Grounding is confusing and I was taking the advice of the solar company. If you are totally off-grid, I would ground everything together.

[@pawneeoffgrid2614]

I am confused now. I had planned to wire my Growatt transformer just like you did in this video. The instructions that come with the Transformer show the inverter going into the transformer then into the AC panel. I have two 5000es inverters so would I need to two transformers in order to wire it the way the instructions show? Everything was clear to me until I read the instructions that came with the Transformer.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

I confirmed with Sig Solar that this was correct before I did it. I don’t remember the instruction manual guidance and it has been a while since I connected it. I’ll look into it and get back to you.

[@pawneeoffgrid2614]

@@CountryLivingExperience Thanks

[@ktmrider7592]

I am REALLY new to this solar/ alt energy world but wouldn’t buying the Growatt 12k split phase inverter do the same thing as your 2 5k inverters and transformer and probably save money to boot ?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

That product did not exist when I purchased the equipment in this video.

[@cowboymcq6711]

It would do the same accept you cannot add more units the the 12kw units were the 5KW units you can add up to 6 to get the power you need

[@stubbshomestead1316]

So why go this route instead of a single split phase inverter?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

The ability to stack them at the price point in which they come.

[@thomastaylor8657]

Don't forget solar panels are free from some solar companies if you get used, cracked, or junk ones

[@joelhacker8767]

those are hard to find, and normally you have to "know someone" as the companies I've worked with don't appreciate would be customers acquiring their old panels at no cost. If you have a different experience, I'd sure love to hear who and how you made it happen!

[@arcticreaper1]

I got the old solar city (now Tesla) roof units they told me I can't run off grid I need to have street power to power the micro inverters of the panels ... How can I get around that need with a set up like yours

[@CountryLivingExperience]

What they told you is strange and does not sound correct. It depends on how you wire it. I have no idea how your system is set up. You would have to deconstruct everything and build it back into an off-grid system.

[@arcticreaper1]

@@CountryLivingExperience so long story short panels are on roof come down to their monitor inverter and they have inverters I guess under each panel then it feeds back into my main panel I would assume that keeps it from back feeding to the grid of power is out to save any linemen . But I went from no electric bill to 200$ some how it's really irritating

[@CountryLivingExperience]

@@arcticreaper1 Yes, micro inverters are underneath each panel. You need to have a different solar company come out and examine/inspect it. You should not have a power bill increase.

[@carlheller6648]

Have seen a difference in your electric bill doing solar, is it worth the money to invest in?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Absolutely! Out payoff on the system will be 3.9 years at current rates. It was worth it for me in many ways. Here is another video we did about that...kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKHRpKWVfMh6qa8.

[@thediydad2977]

Can you post a pic of the side with the model number, I order one and I'm pretty sure they sent me the wrong oneb

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Where did you order it from? It should say SPF5000 ES. However, if you did not get it from Signature Solar, it is not configured for the North American grid. They are the only ones who have worked with Growatt to internally modify the inverter (to my knowledge).

[@thediydad2977]

Yeah it says AT 5000ES, but I order The ATS 5000T US, One you show totally different box too, I have a email sent out to them so hopefully they fix it

[@chrislewis9345]

Just curious but why hasn't anyone just turned it off?aka Just pull the white wire off and see what happens?obviously protect your stuff but why not just see what exactly would happen if the autotransformer failed...

[@nb117]

I wonder if the title of this video can be used in court when there are issues. Appears to have the backing of Signature Solar.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

What's the problem?

[@eddietee6305]

Looking closely at your setup I have to say it's very unusual. Why have to auto-transformers? Why have the "primary and "secondary" feeding from the same panel? It's a risqué setup. I would never do an installation like that. Both transformers might not have the same coil resistance/reactance. That can cause imbalance. I would definitely have a main panel that the Growatt outputs go into (240v) and then 1 sub panel with 120v distribution - L1-N-L2. Strictly.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thousands have this setup with no issue. This is how the solar company recommends the setup. This was hashed out in many solar forums. You do what you think is necessary for your home.

[@amshaq007CR7]

Can this take grid 240v ?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

The European versions should be able to.

[@edmiller7761]

I don't see the benefit of two runs feeding your new transformer. what am i missing? Other then redundancy.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Not sure 100%. Going with the advice of the Sig Solar. They have worked on this for a while with Growatt.

[@markrudnicki9756]

@@CountryLivingExperience The loads are jumpered together between input and output in the Sig Solar box, so there is both redundancy in the breakers, AND you have introduced a source of error since now 2 breakers need to be turned off to isolate the transformer, rather than the 1 strictly necessary.

[@mcarling6495]

The parallel connection only reduces safety and violates the NEC.

[@Rev22-21]

I don't mean to sound or seem critical in all this but I am little perplexed. I see where you corrected yourself when you said "separate lines" and printed "separate conductors" on the screen (good catch). For me, beyond trying to isolate and protect those transformers I don't know why they bother to return those two lines similar to your first auto transformer's topology, seems a little redundant respectfully submitting; and too......they're limiting the entire 120 volt "neutral " system to 25 amps per leg (i.e. 3000 watts per line). In other words, no matter the size of breaker one uses to feed a 120volt run or runs, the system's topology will not allow more than a combined 25 amps on that designated line. But...maybe they believe that's enough. I also note the following: On both of the newer 'auto transformer' the input and outputs are the same lines (per lines). As such I wonder why they didn't just label them "L1" and "L2" (for lines 1 & 2 respectfully) as they did on the left side "output" connectors? Again, respectfully submitting: If they were trying to monitor and save those transformers in the event of something catastrophic, they could use an isolated amp probe or temp robe and shunt to trip a breaker..........but as I often say.....I didn't design it, but if I did I'd...... Enjoyed the exercise......

[@CountryLivingExperience]

No worries. Glad to talk about it and always glad to take advice as I am not an expert in any of this. I am simply showing how I was instructed to connect this equipment per the solar company. I have some knowledge on the subject but defer to them on the specifics.

[@Rev22-21]

@@CountryLivingExperience : Thanks for the open forum. I noted I am a retired HVAVR tech. earlier in another video of yours, but I too majoried in Electronic Instrumentation and minored in Electrical Distribution. But enough of that........ In my humble opinion each of these Solar type companies are trying to distinguish themselves as such and have their own ways of doing things. Though I do not always agree with them, I respect them for the most part and their accomplishments. As technology advances so does innovation. Notwithstanding, there are times I scratch my head wondering what some are trying to accomplish and if they're relying on VOO DOO more so than reason..... Just sayin with a wink and nod. Best regards.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Cool. I have no reason to distrust them. I talk with them all the time on the phone. They are a reputable place.

[@mcarling6495]

In theory, what is limited to about 3000 watts is the difference between the sum of the loads connected to the breakers on the left side of the panel and the sum of the loads connected to the breakers on the right side of the panel. However, transformers can briefly (minutes) operate at currents two or three times their rated capacity. In practice, the way it’s wired in the video total load on either side will trip the breakers. You never, ever want those breakers to be open with the system in operation. In my opinion, the risks of having a breaker between the autotransformer and the panel are significantly greater than the risks of not having a breaker there. If one wants the safest possible approach, use an isolation transformer rather than an autotransformer.

[@wadebrewer7212]

So....here's a hot "why would you do that...." "just buy the right inverter..." "no you shouldn't do that...." question...... The solar edge can use a single leg and neutral to produce 240v. I'm assuming this transformer given it is an auto transformer can do the same thing? The why? I built a solar generator with 4kw worth of lifepo4 and a midnight solar 3024. It is only 120v and the mini split I need to power with it when not in an emergency situation (might as well use its ability to generate electricity!) Is 240v. I want something a bit more proper than a Chinese 120v to 230v transformer.

[@wadebrewer7212]

Oh....and the mini split draws 1300 watts at full tilt heating on high. Don't worry...not going to burn my house down.

[@CountryLivingExperience]

The Growatt Auto Transformer is a quality piece of equipment that does more than the SolarEdge for the reasons I mentioned in the video.

[@mcarling6495]

@@CountryLivingExperience I won’t comment on the quality, but the two autotransformers do exactly the same thing. Neither does anything that the other doesn’t. The Growatt has a second pair of terminals (jumpered together, so not adding any new features).

[@josephhcondo7281]

Is that normal

[@CountryLivingExperience]

That is not normal. It should not do that at all. Do you have other loads running?

[@josephhcondo7281]

no i only had the heater on... wanted to see how long it would last..@@CountryLivingExperience

[@josephhcondo7281]

id like to show you the hook up to see if its right@@CountryLivingExperience

[@CountryLivingExperience]

@@josephhcondo7281 If it is overloading, it should trip the breaker almost immediately and not after 30 min. Could you have a well pump that is kicking on or some other load that you are not aware of? That is my only explanation.

[@Sanwizard1]

I dont get it. All homes have 240V coming in as L1 and L2 plus N, no? Ok, just finished the vid. Maybe just dont buy a 240V single phase inverter?

[@CountryLivingExperience]

There are many different types of systems for many different applications. This is only one configuration and it is a less expensive option for many people. Even the expensive Victron brand offers a single phase 240v inverter with a separate balance transformer.