Generator inlet w / solar…

[Bearcats513]

So, I have a 5.4 kw peak solar system, and am hoping to install a 50amp inlet to plug my Lightning’s 30amp 240v into (with neutral pin removed). My question is whether there would be any issue allowing the solar to continue to operate while my Lightning is plugged in?

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[GarageMahal]

Probably (will have issues).... most solar systems require an attachment to the grid. The Lightning or any other generator does not meet that requirement as it cannot absorb solar generation in excess of what is being used at the moment.

 

[luebri]

I have a generator inlet and solar. I was told by Solar installer that I need to shut off the solar disconnect whenever running on Generator (external) power.

 

[3121]

The solar system needs to be off. Otherwise, it will try to synchronize phase with the trucks generator and backfeed power into it.

also, you would want to drop the ground pin and keep the neutral if you’re trying to bypass the bonded neutral on the truck side. Which I do not recommend doing and very dangerous.

If you’re installing a generator panel, then you should be able to land both neutral and ground as long as you have them terminating to separate buses at the panel.

 

[cdherman]

Basically every answer given thus far is useless. The OP has not given enough information about his system to answer the question. Does OP have grid tie? Batteries? Hybrid? We have no idea what a " 5.4 kw peak solar system" is.

OP -- try DIYSolarforum They will know far more that the average (not saying that we don't have any solar knowledge) Lightning owner will have, AND they will be willing to comment on the issues of removing the ground. Here that is treated as heresy and cannot really be discussed.

 

[Bearcats513]

Thank you for your honesty.
grid tied solar
No batteries
5.4 kw peak (18 x 300w panels - solar edge micro inverters)
Will also try the diysolar forum.

 

[Henry Ford]

OP -- try DIYSolarforum They will know far more that the average (not saying that we don't have any solar knowledge) Lightning owner will have, AND they will be willing to comment on the issues of removing the ground. Here that is treated as heresy and cannot really be discussed.

Not heresy, just against forum rules.

 

[Howard_Scott_Warshaw]

Personally I'd open the backed breaker and keep PV off. Not sure what would happen if the PV inverter tried to sync with the truck, but the cost and risk of that experiment is not worth it IMO.

Power is designed to flow OUT of the 30A outlet in the truck, not into it. The inverter in the truck would likely freak TF out and trip offline (best case)

 

[Runaway Tractor]

The solar system needs to be off. Otherwise, it will try to synchronize phase with the trucks generator and backfeed power into it.

also, you would want to drop the ground pin and keep the neutral if you’re trying to bypass the bonded neutral on the truck side.

Based on what the OP has described, this is the complete and correct answer assuming the OP is planning to use a generator inlet and backfeed interlock on the panel. Not a fancy ATS.

 

[v2h8484]

Grid-tied solar cannot work directly with conventional fossil or eletric fuel generators (e.g. Pro Power). Unless you can guarantee load consumption will be greater than solar power at all times, the Pro Power will shut off the moment it sees excess solar power backfeed. For better understanding, you can check out these videos:

 

[Formerly]

I have a generator inlet and solar. I was told by Solar installer that I need to shut off the solar disconnect whenever running on Generator (external) power.

Means your solar is probably grid tie

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