Sol-Ark 12k Off Grid Solar Inverter installation

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Here are some more details for the sol-ark 12k stacked solution. Part 3 of 3. You can get all the details from our 3 part series on the stacked 12k.
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[@TKO67]

Eli is the man !!!! Youngest Solark installer on the planet !!!

[@Doctorbasss]

The problem is: The more i watch your lasts videos about sol Ark inverter, the more i wanna spend that fortune on one, but the other problem is: i only can have 1500Watts of PV !!! so the return on investment would take a century!!! Great Video btw and very clean install !! I have found a great book to trigger my sleep: trhe Canadian National Electric Code !!

[@JasonCarmichael]

Absolutely gorgeous. SolarArk 12k x 2 = 😍

[@cornpop7805]

Your installation is extreamly straight and orderly! I'm psychotic about that too. In the 80s, I was on a job for a Japanese customer, who made me hold machining tolerances on parallel, level, and plumb, literally +/- 0.010". Our company installed and ripped out conduits for weeks, as he would fail everything that was out of spec, even by 0.001". I was young and very OCD and nerdy, so I eventually figured out how to meet his spec. I was technically a helper, but I had journeymen acting as my helpers on that job. By the way, it was all rigid conduit. I don't still hold myself to that tolerance, but I can't tolerate anything that's visibility inaccurate. My name is Richard, but they called me Rigid. When I see seriously excellent craftsmanship, especially when it's electrical (like yours), it makes my heart race - as if I were talking to the hottest super model alive (not aroused, just exhilarated). But, when I see poor craftsmanship, it causes me physical discomfort. You are an engineer by trade, but at heart you're an artist! Bravo!

[@magicalphones]

This is why I own a Japanese car (Toyota) and why they last longer. Higher standards than the Americans have.

[@cornpop7805]

@@magicalphones I've now worked for two major Japanese companies and both had very high standards. I've also done robot programming work at both american and Japanese automakers and there is a difference. Japenese engineers tend to be very exacting with their weld positions and such, but they only do exactly what's needed. The American engineers tend to over build a little without requiring insane tolerances. In my experience, both methods worked well. The problem arrises when american car companies try to imitate Japanese companies and include elements in their designs which require overly exacting standards. Somewhere along the line, things might go south. We americans are less like robots than the Japanese, which has plusses and minuses. Genrally speaking, we Americans require some fudge factor built in, then we do just fine. On the other hand, I've done projects at Boeing and those Americans are ultra precision. It seems that we apply exacting standards where they are needed.

[@magicalphones]

@@cornpop7805 I'll say this owning and working in an automotive shop while owning both American and Japanese cars. Hands down bar far I see fewer major repairs on a Toyota under 200k then I see on an American car or any other for that matter. Had a Tacoma at 412k lost a bearing in the rear. Fixed the rear did a leak down test on the motor for the hell of it. Still in spec, original motor and trans in that truck. I bought a 2011 Camry brand brand new. 4cyl 6sp manual. Hole shot it burning first, chirping 2&3 for 58k mi. Clutch did not mind a bit. Then I took it UpTo a 120 dumped it in 4th gear dropped the clutch and destroyed the bearings on the input shaft and the synchro mesh. Besides the bearing noise and the fact I had to rev match it, it still drove perfect. Bright it to the dealer just barely under warranty and they put a new input shaft, 4th gear and synchro mesh in it. They didn't replace the clutch lol. The car had almost a 100k on it when I did the breaks. That's how much and how hard it got down shifted everyday. I continued to beat the hell out of it till their was no clutch left at 117k. I have no clue how an OEM clutch took that much abuse. I put a new clutch in it what a pain in the ass that car was to do and my oldest is still driving it and it's at almost 300k. It's had Two wheel bearings replaced (front) besides tires, breaks, and struts. Not even a loose tierod end or ball joint. 2012 Camry had only recalls done to it besides tires and breaks. It's at 175k 2014 Tacoma sits alot I did have to add a leaf to the rear leafs I wasn't happy about that. But going across the scales at the scrap yard hauling out the garages scrap I had regularly 1200-1500 lbs in the back. This is the lightest duty Tacoma they made, no access cab, no tow package nothing. Not even power locks or cruise control.... The Chevy made it to 250k it took 2 motors, 2 transmissions, 2 rear ends, 2 transfer cases, countless other parts. It was a Tahoe. The Ford focus made it to a 120k and a valve cut loose in the motor... But it had almost as much in repairs and maintenance by then as it cost. The S10 did ok by 150k every suspension or steering part has been replaced atleast once if not more. Power booster went at about 110k but at 150k the oil pump quit and I scrapped it. But I did have a ford Taurus back in the day that had almost 200k on it and I hadn't done any of the repairs. No oil changes in over 70k bearing all grinding, suspension on the ground. Steering loose AF... I did put break lines in it to make it limp. At a 185k and nothing into it i sold it for 100$. Running and going still. Dodge way to much junk, Old Jag XJS awful, C series Benz never again electrical nightmare, bmw self destructed at 110k. Brand new beetle, 3 replacements later I sold it back to them at 29k of miles. The Honda is cheap to repair and decent quality, but it ain't a Toyota. I've had some lemon Toyotas also. Got a Avalon I refuse to fix, not expensive I just ain't pulling that motor out and apart. That's my way to long to much time on a Saturday doing nothing thoughts. Drive a Toyota unless ur rich enough to buy a new one every 5 years or 95k of miles or spend stupid money on repairs.

[@cornpop7805]

@@magicalphones Toyota copied Ford's quality system and improved in in every way. The japanese have a saying "the nail that sticks up will be hammered down". Them and their companies demand conformity. The have procedures for everything; drinking tea, sex, even suicid. When I visited Japan, the homeless people had an official bedtime. They all had the same exact setup too (bed-roll, blanket, shoes, slippers, backpacks, etc). When they left their sleeping area (under a walking bridge), all their things were neatly folded and placed in particular order, each one like the next. It was military perfection in that little homeless camp (4 or 5 guys). We are cowboy spirits and that's both good and bad. Apparently, conformity rules in manufacturing something with a lot of critical parts. However, we still make the best commercial aircraft (the French would disagree). Our areospace wins because every single thing that's done is inspected multiple times. There is 100% traceability back to who made what, when it was made, and who inspected it - each time. If something fails, heads roll. Outside of extream measures like used in the areospace industry, we Americans don't really do conformity all that well. I worked for a machine tool company, who made machines that make machines, the tolerances of which are psycho tight. But, let's say there are 10 guys that sometimes assemble the same sub-component, which REQUIRES an exact procedure; there will be 10 different ways it's being done and each guy is brimming with pride that he does it his own way. That's cowboy.

[@magicalphones]

@@cornpop7805 lol I can't afford an airplane :p I gotta keep it on the ground. I always thought the Japanese were a bit weird with all that. Didn't realize it even extended to the homeless. That's crazy. Learn something new everyday.

[@TriElectric]

Great, I will do solar very soon thanks to you guys.

[@FilAmGabe]

Great video, love to see more Sol-Ark videos. Thanks

[@durangarc]

That system is a monster! Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@whatthefunction9140]

That's some serious equipment.

[@EastyUK]

It would be really great if you can show us the new remote functionality of the 12k. I ordered the new wifi dongle for the 8K to get this functionality, Not had chance to install it yet. I'm sure for your business it's will be a huge saver regarding supporting customers to get that remote access and check/change settings.

[@justfly2525]

Hey Brian... How do you like your 8k? I'm about to buy a 12k.

[@EastyUK]

@@justfly2525 It's been a great product, I've been using it for several months completely off grid with a small 10hwh Lifep04 pack. It works well in the configuration to distribute loads with the smart loads setup. I hope this this new powerview app gets developed further, It is better than the old app though still needs work. I May use the 8K for my workshop in the future and add a couple of 12s for the home we are building.

[@jcbaconator]

Also, someone's clearly already tapped that 4/0 and moved the tap. That insulation has been comprise, peep the grease in the trough

[@Ted_E_Bear]

Great customer service from you !!

[@offplanetevent]

And this is why you make the BIG BUCKS.

[@gregorythomas333]

Just curious...why you can't just put all 4 CT's in the external trough where they will fit better?

[@engineer775]

I could if they fit. They wouldn't in this setup and that was my fault.

[@Agxd42]

Very exciting times.

[@BillCoSmith]

What kind of lighting protection is used beside fuses? Also are they using a lighting rod protection system? What do you think about lighting rod protection systems? Are they worth it?

[@bennettanderson5932]

Could you have used one set of CTs and tapped into the wire to run second wire to second inverter?

[@benssolarandbattery]

Nice work! I'm doing a parallel 12k next week, good to know about the cat5!

[@jacobscott2001]

I installed a 12k stack 3 months ago. Off grid system. For some reason they will not except generator power to charge the batteries. Let me know if it works for you. I hear this is a problem when you stack SolArk. I've had multiple off grid contractors check my wiring. But it seems its a solark problem.

[@benssolarandbattery]

@@jacobscott2001 is it not calling for the generator, or not accepting it as a source?

[@jacobscott2001]

@@benssolarandbattery once the generator is turned on it has a 30 second delay. Wants the delay is over the generator ramps up and the inverters shut down and give a gfci fault code. Then runs the power directly to the house but won't charge the battery.

[@benssolarandbattery]

@@jacobscott2001 does your transfer switch break the neutral wire along with L1 and L2? That could be where the GFCI fault is coming from. Neutral and ground should stay bonded in the main panel.

[@jacobscott2001]

@@benssolarandbattery on the generator i have a 50Amp plug. The plug gets wired to a sub panel with two 30 amp breakers. One 30 amp for each inverter. The sub panel for the generator has the neutral and grounds seperated with a neutral and ground jump wire to the main panel where they are bonded. Going back to the generator its a DuraMax dual fuel 12000eh. The manufacturer says its a floating neutral however I tested continuity and it is bonded. So I found the jump wire that bonds them and removed it. So I have tried with floating and bonded generator. Also i have a grounding rod on the generator i hae tried to use it without it but got same response.

[@gosolxsolar]

Question about the combiner for the backed up loads. Why run the two sol arks into a combiner first? Can't you land 2 separate breakers feeding the loads panel on the loads panel itself? So, you eliminate the combiner, mount a 100 amp main lug panel, pop a 40A breaker on the bus for each of the 2 sol arcs, and then add all your load breakers. Also, don't the specs say the sol arc puts out 37A in a grid outage, not 33?

[@clintg3435]

I'm looking in manual and it says 37.5 amp continuous off grid, but I'm certain I read somewhere else it's only 33 amp....

[@mikejf4377]

Love the video, 4 ot wire is from Solarak to batteries? Sorry for spelling. Please turn down your music at the end. Thanks ahead.

[@geofferyromany4634]

looked at all three videos and now I have a better understanding. One question, near the meter there is a panel next to the Main distribution disconnect panel what is the name and purpose of this panel?

[@justfly2525]

The way I understand it the 12k manual says it's max dc output is 185A. The manual also says the MPPT's can hold up to a 16.5kw solar array. 185a x 50v = 9.25kw that is able to be pushed into the batteries at any one point in time. So if the array is making 16.5kw then the first 9.25kw is stored in the batteries but the rest of the 16.5kw is wasted. Do I understand that correctly??? Could someone with experience with a SolArk comment?

[@niktak1114]

The extra is used for the loads and/or sent back to the home/grid

[@JonOffgrid]

nice work thanks for sharing

[@bostjantrancar9605]

Excellent. 👍😎🖖

[@acornhillfarms6977]

Scott, can you point me to where we can find the power distribution blocks for stacking a couple of 12k Sol-Arks. I like your blocks for mounting in the can. I have not been able to find them? Thanks, Mike

[@engineer775]

Factorymation

[@serverrackbatteryusa]

You can add 5kwh Jakiper battery for this project

[@engineer775]

Well send me three of those batteries for testing and KZbin videos.

[@deanconstantine4866]

Ok you are supper smart.

[@model6100f]

Do you have current links for ebugout and the aquabrick discussed in earlier videos?

[@keithconrad4892]

Can I run microinverters same time as generator say batteries depleted during sunrise generator kick on while solar on can I configure sol-ark to have generator off when microinverters on? Also can I not sell back to grid using microinverters?

[@offgridwanabe]

A lot of setup time for 775 hope you are close by when the owner needs you.

[@jonzuber7193]

How much wall space is needed for in order to fit all of that equipment on the wall?

[@geofferyromany4634]

I have 2 questions about grid connection and connecting to the sub panel. If I have 2 meters in my home one for up and the other for down, how does that connect to the sol-ark 12? I see only one breaker ( correct me where I am wrong). Second please confirm that you must connect the sub panel from the main panel before you connect it to the sol-arc 12? Thanks

[@evangarber8495]

I do nit understand why the ct’s,are not in the main panel measuring incoming/outgoing power. How is the power routed so you can use them where they have been located? Do the Two shutoff boxes connect directly to grid power bypassing the main panel?I have an issue with my main power box as it is an old zinko and the power to,the bus comes through abreaker which has two aluminum bus bars (not cable) coming out of the bottom into the breaker bars .

[@mikeriverajr4447]

still curios why have a critical loads panel on a 200a 24000watt ac inverter?

[@roqm1248]

Hello i have a noob question will the sol-ark accept 120v l-n (not out of phase)? Some other inverters will take two 120v inputs that are not out of phase and just run 120v single phase out put....can sol-arks do this as well or just run 120v single phase?

[@mildredbaez463]

How many batteries should I us for a 12 k Sol Ark recommended. Also for the 8k

[@michaelhardy2803]

EMP electric Shield circuit breaker proof

[@BRHood]

Just a question about have you ever built your own boxes to put your switches and stuff in because of the tightness of the CTS, and the other question is that cable tray looks a whole lot like your brain on crack I'm glad you could keep it straight excellent job

[@jcbaconator]

The meterings incorrect with the tap upstream of the consumption cts but whatever

[@jesse1441]

1:30 you had the incoming line terminated on the bottom of the disconnect. 😟

[@JeffClearwater]

Perhaps you misspoke but I don't believe you can mix strings of 8 and strings of 9 on the same MPPT - you can have strings of 8 on MPPT #1 and strings of 9 on MPPT #2 for instance but any paralleled strings need to be the same voltage on the same MPPT - or did I hear you wrong?

[@bennettanderson5932]

I had the same thought. Did you get a clarifying answer?

[@gosolxsolar]

In pretty sure you can since he is using TIGO optimizers. The optimizers regulate the voltage.

[@rolandleyco573]

What are CTs?

[@unionse7en]

Installers using wireways/gutters with PV source wires (input to inverter) in the same wireway as all other wires, with no partitions... 690.31(b) ​ I guess if the PV wires are fused (NEC def of "Power Limited", it's "OK".... ) ?

[@engineer775]

690.31(B) 2023. Check out the exception.

[@geofferyromany4634]

please ignore the last question. as I realize that I made a mistake. newbie mistakes

[@nawiribrahim]

Hi, what is the number 775 about?

[@SgtSnipey]

How many of the 12k's can you stack?

[@FilAmGabe]

3

[@EastyUK]

Check the solark channel for a new video on stacking. They show 8 slaves at one point and a master. The only limitations I could see is the grid feedback is slightly reduced per unit.

[@SgtSnipey]

@@EastyUK Wow 8 stacked that's pretty nuts that's 96kW

[@engineer775]

9 nine!

[@EastyUK]

@@SgtSnipey 8 Slaves, Plus a master. :)

[@RefinerSimilitude]

2:06 Freedom Firecrackers

[@shawnhayes4949]

What are you referring too?

[@dutchcourage7312]

Hello Engineer775, i know it's been a long while by now, but if you are still in contact with Maine Prepper, is it possible to get a small update on how he is doing? (also in relation to the current situation). I entered the prepping community due to his channel, it was actually his channel that made me realize i am actually prepping-inclined, and thus he's got a special place in my mind/heart. And while he likely doesn't know me, not to sure i interacted a lot at the time i joined his channel. But if you are still in contact with him and contact him due to this request, do tell him i'm very thankful he did his channel and especially the way he did it (rational and intellectually collected), i miss him and his thoughts on prepping here on youtube (though i do understand his situation doesn't let him). And wish him well from me, i hope he got to finish his home and gym and that they turned out to be all he had imagined them to be ... tnx for your understanding and efforts if you are able ...

[@brianhundley833]

Any luck finding a 200A ATS that works with Sol-Ark without a generator for whole home backup. Been searching for months and cannot find one that does not need the generator to supply power to ATS.

[@threepingsthree]

I'm working on this same situation. I've got the generac 200A automatic transfer switch. Not hooked up yet, but I was hoping it would work. Let me know if you've learned anything on your project

[@T4kuan]

Hey, I'm trying to figure out an issue I'm having with my Sol-Ark 12k inverter. It emits a 15 kHz whine at all times when it's running. It's present in your video, especially as we get to the board at around 7:28. People tend to lose this hearing range as we age, but I unfortunately can still hear it, which is awful. I can't be anywhere near it and it's also making most of my electronics inside make the same noise (e.g. a 'smart inverter' LG microwave.) Do you know if this is the case with all Sol-Ark inverters?

[@chrisrichardson8908]

I'm a little ignorant what is a ct and its purpose

[@tohbw5963]

CT is short for Current Transformer, it is basically a coil that slips over a AC "wire," current through the "wire" induces a small amount of juice in the coil which becomes a sensor output that is used to measure current going through the "wire." Google more info.

[@jacquelineheaton8463]

well a ct sensors you put on your main power lines which means it will senses incoming power from your meter and match it to cancel out the load. In effect will zero out your electric bill!!! Which lets you get away with not having a net meter agreement with your electric company . Do you know of any other inverter that has ct sensors?????

[@richeagleton5285]

Cone install me one in aruzind

[@alvinchung9361]

I APPRECIATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON THE SYSTEM, BUT THE LINE-SIDE TAP, NEEDS MORE ATTENTION. THE SPACE IN THOSE ENCLOSURES ARE LIMITED AND REALLY TIGHT! ALSO, THERE ARE SEVERAL VIOLATIONS SUCH AS; (1) CONDUCTORS ENTERING INTO THE WIREWAY MUST BE SECURED, (2) TERMINAL DISTRIBUTION BLOCK NEEDS TO HAVE A PROTECTIVE COVER, (3) THE WIREWAY MUST BE LISTED FOR ALLOWING THE DISTRIBUTION BLOCK TERMINATION & (4) ANY CONDUCTORS OVER #6 GAUGE MUST HAVE SOME KIND OF BUSHING PROTECTION ON THE RACEWAY TERMINAL ADAPTOR CONNECTORS ENTERING INTO THE ENCLOSURE, JUNCTION BOX OR WIREWAY.

[@jgren4048]

ALVIN, YOU ARE CORRRECT ABOUT THESE BEING VIOLATIONS WHERE YOU ARE!! BUT YOU MIGHT NOT REALIZE THAT SHOUTING ABOUT IT DOESNT HELP CONVINCE, it just make you look like a conceited pompous jerk. If you know so much then whey didn’t you mention some other apparent violations as well. Please post your vids for us to pick through and comment on. Thank you. Btw did you just get out of training school?

[@alvinchung9361]

Ren, your mind is in a bubble, no one is shouting, I type in caps so I can see better. get out of the box and stop playing internet politics. More importantly, I don't need you policing the world, if that were the case, we're doomed!

[@horeica]

Could this be more complicated?

[@justfly2525]

Lol... This is a simple system. You should look up the systems with separate charge controllers and inverters.

[@ursodermatt8809]

cutting back the insulation cut be done a bit more professional. i really hate seeing bare wire visible

[@engineer775]

10/4 I am not an electrician but I'm learning and appreciate the feedback

[@flyfishnm100]

Yeah, this is not diy. I see multiple code violations.

[@richeagleton5285]

I n es a solar

[@danielschmidt2186]

Sweeet

[@AsdfAsdf-asdf]

I love ya man but really? This can only be a DIY project for a electrical engineer!