DIY-Home Solar with Interlock Kit Installed Part-3

This video gives a little more detail on my current solar renewable energy system which now has an Interlock installed. I've added 2 more batteries for a total of 7.9kW, and an Interlock Kit from www.interlock.com, also some additional safety features such as a cover for my aux outlet and a fire/smoke alarm which is not shown. The Interlock will allow me to power the entire house as opposed to only six circuits with the transfer switch. Using both the transfer switch and the Interlock gives me the flexibility to bring my office or other circuits off the grid during a normal day to day, and power the entire house during a major power outage. Works great, It's important to have an electrician doing the install. The link to the latest schematic is below:
http://dc254.4shared.com/download/M7petfJh/24Volt_Solar_Hybrid_StandAlone.jpeg

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[firehawk71]

Love your set up and video! I was wondering if I could just come off my 110v AC hard wire output terminal that is on my 3000 watt inverter and just wire it into the transfer switch where the gen would normally plug into. I only need the 6 circuits. I was wondering do you lose any voltage in this set up. Once it goes into the house panel your inverter power is running all through the house wiring. Does this not overload the inverter? I like you am concerned about safety. Thanks and great info!

[rhandsom]

@firehawk71 Thanks. The xfer switch is designed for 220/240v wiring, so my electrician split (2) 110v circuits, so it's 110v (outlet #1) for A.B,C and 110v (outlet #2) for D,E,F - (C,D together make 220v). I also use 2 outlets on the inverter to decrease Amp overload risk. With AC there is no voltage loss when powering my house wiring from the main panel via the inverter. Also, powering on "110v" based appliances, electronics, and lights "as needed" won't overload a 3000w inverter. Take Care.

[abenwinUT]

•This is not a comment on your video other than to say I have gotten a lot of info from them.

•I am a novice just starting out. I keep seeing that you should not completely discharge a battery. My inverter shuts off when battery gets to 10.7v. So how can you use more of the battery if the inverter shuts off at 10.7v? My inverter is 1200/2400 at 12v. Great info on your videos.

[rhandsom]

@abenwinUT Typically, Lead Acid batteries should not be completely drained past 80%. This is called Depth of Discharge (DoD), the 10.7v you mentioned is it's State of Charge (SoC). At that point the battery is considered dead. Inverters and most batteries have an internal shut off point where voltage will cease to flow, to save the battery. However, you can hook up some low voltage DC lighting or DC appliances (ie. RV Fans, radios, etc.) that will allow you drain the batteries further, b

[helloman1976]

Hey man, thanks a ton for the video. I'm working on going almost completely off the grid so this helps a ton. I don't use my main breaker box, I use a smaller separate box and my system is completely separated from the grid. The batteries that you picked up, the blue top Optimas, why did you use those? You should go with real solar batteries like the T105RE's which you can get for about $120ish each and they have a 7 year warranty and are for solar specifically. Check out my videos.

[rhandsom]

@helloman1976 Glad you liked the video. The T105RE's look like pretty good batteries. However, I went with AGM's because they are sealed and totally maintenance free. No gassing, spill, or temp issues and a decent lifespan. I have to store them in my utility room, so safety was an issue. I could have used a box and venting system, but it seemed AGM's would fit my needs better. According to the manufacturer, all Optimas have, on national average, a 6-7yr lifespan. I expect 7+yrs from mine.

[rhandsom]

@MrJohn196741 Thanks.

[MrJohn196741]

good video