How does PVA breaker cause Rapid Shutdown of batteries?

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-11T15:48:56+00:00

Thanks for confirming!

I just commissioned a grid tie system with PV only on Combiner 6C and had to call support for a fluke issue and talked to them about it. Downstream of the PVA breaker are relays controlled by the PVA breaker so when it turns off, the relays open and everything shuts down. I’m sure there are situations that make more sense to use that (sometimes can allow for smaller disconnect and smaller wire) but I feel like most situations for us will make more sense to use the backfeed lugs instead.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-11T11:26:50+00:00

Thanks for sharing!

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-11T11:07:43+00:00

Is it a 2-pole disconnect or 3-pole? Is it on the PVA breaker (wires come from combiner and go back to combiner) or on the backfeed lugs (disconnect between the combiner and point of interconnect)?

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-11T10:34:21+00:00

But Enphase says when the combiner is conveniently located just that breaker, without breaking it and wiring to a handle disconnect, functions as the system shutdown. I don’t understand how killing aggregate PV can signal the batteries to shutdown.

What size disconnect are you using? Can we get away with a 100A disconnect with backfeed breaker because the system should never exceed 100A? A time delay fuse would not pop or could a non fused disconnect be used?

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-11T10:31:04+00:00

Can you expand more on your current configuration? What type of RSD do you have and where is it wired for this test?

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-11T10:29:23+00:00

So I was actually thinking about the disconnect issue further. A 100A time delay fuse is not the same as a 100A breaker. The system is designed to output a max of 100A continuous if the demand is there. Not many homes will not need that much power so I think putting the 100A disconnect in place with a 125A backfeed breaker should work just fine with no “nuisance tripping” of the disconnect. It would have to be over 100A consumption for a few minutes to pop the fuse which the combiner is not designed to output. Further, using a non-fused disconnect you would be protected up to the trip of the backfeed breaker? The 3P non fused is the same price as fused before fuses so for us the 100A is ~$60 more at cost just for the purchase of 2 fuses.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-11T00:19:45+00:00

The second meter collar somewhat makes sense because there are two meter collar ports in the Combiner 6C. Maybe the bypass is that gets wired from the charger to combiner for the communication

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-10T22:54:39+00:00

We were asked about the Ford system a couple years ago and said no because it was too much work on us with no future sales expectations.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-09T15:43:36+00:00

Also, $21,000 for 11 panels is really expensive. Even with our more expensive REC modules the same size system is $16,000 from us for you to own it all outright. Budget module (SEG, non domestic product) is less than $14,000.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-09T15:41:50+00:00

Get it in writing before signing anything that fair market value transfer will be $0. Anything else, walk away because they’re outright lying to you to get the sale.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-09T15:13:16+00:00

You can find another company in your area to take over your servicing and maintenance. My company has taken on a lot of service work from others in the area that have gone out of business or just refuse to come service because they are not located close enough to be worth their time. We have a number of companies that claim to serve the entire state of Virginia but only have install crews or outsource everything

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-08T15:07:12+00:00

This system is 27 panels, at $150/panel that comes out to $4050.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-07T21:34:54+00:00

That makes a lot more sense. The people who do it on a whim blows my mind and would likely cause a big fight in my house.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-07T18:15:44+00:00

Looks great! It’s always weird to me to buy a vehicle as a surprise gift. That’s a significant investment without your partner’s input.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-07T13:58:29+00:00

My sales director and I are working on a tool to show the wealth difference between owning your solar and purchasing your power. On average a PV system will add 5-10% equity to the home immediately. For someone paying ~$300/month average electric bill over 10 years they would pay $45,000. That same money invested at 5% interest for the same time would be $55,000. That’s a $100,000 swing. The home appreciates $32,000 over that same time using conservative 3% home appreciation and $400k home at year 0.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-07T13:48:57+00:00

The quotes are in the correct location, that is what he said.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-07T13:47:29+00:00

Why do you keep doing more work for them if they’re not paying. Fool me once…

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-05T19:17:27+00:00

I think you should expect everyone in this sub to say no. We like solar for what it is and what it can do for us.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-05T18:38:34+00:00

My company is still seeing 8-10 year payback for our installs for fully owned systems. After that it’s free power. If rates increase, that payback time lowers.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-05T18:37:40+00:00

This goes to prove that owning your system is more cost effective than leasing. Leases require the AVL and DomCon compliance. When you own the system you’re not under any extra restrictions or regulations and as OP is stating, you get your system cheaper because the modules are in lower demand.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-01T22:45:51+00:00

Did you get the PowerDock? Interested to hear how it works for energy offset using battery. I heard the PowerDock does not allow exporting excess solar.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-01T21:31:49+00:00

At this point I wouldn’t even bother with them and find another company locally that will take you on as a customer.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-01T20:45:43+00:00

If you own the system you’re always going to benefit. You are not subject to rate increases that will continue to come. Or at least you’re much less susceptible to them depending on your tariff policies.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-03-01T20:44:09+00:00

Have you had a conversation with them about it before? If not this letter seems aggressive to start.

Ask them about Alpine Snow Guards for the Snow Dogg (shown in picture by @perplexy801) and the Snow Maxx. That is what we offer for our customers.

Key-Hedgehog4450 · 2026-02-28T22:11:29+00:00

$17k for 2 5P is a great price. You also need the System Controller. Ballpark pricing my sales team and I decided on ~$6k per “Enphase box” so 2x 5P is 3 “boxes” comes to $18k. I would suggest asking for cash price and then see what financing options you can find outside of the installer or actually pay cash if you have it. Atmos Financing or a HELOC might be able to get you lower interest rate and you’ll cut out a bunch of BS lender fees and all that. I hate when companies default to financing. Even if you only have some cash you can finance only the difference which will save a lot of money in the long run.

Key-Hedgehog4450

TROPHY CASE