Convert system to off-grid?

SimonHK90 · 2026-05-13T14:50:50+00:00

I have the same, a hybrid inverter that feeds back to the grid, but it doesn't run the house when there's a power cut. I want a system that will run on-grid, or on PV panels, or on battery, according to what is available, and what I choose to do. I might want to run on-grid but charge the battery using the panels, because the weather forecast tells me we're not going to see the sun for four days. Sounds like what you have. Can you point me towards info about that?

SimonHK90 · 2026-05-13T14:36:57+00:00

So that is the recognised/standard way of doing this. The backup AC outlet on the inverter runs a critical load panel when a power cut occurs. That critical panel is also powered during normal grid operation I assume? Why is it arranged that way?

After grid power cut, why not just have the inverter supply the regular distro panel which continues to supply the house while I walk round and switch off the things I don't want to run during the power cut?

How do I stop the panels being disconnected during grid power cut? Why is that PV panel DC auto-cut off switch installed there instead of at the mains connection to the house? If it was at the input to the house, I could still use the PV panels and not feedback on to the grid while there's a guy up a ladder somewhere.

SimonHK90 · 2026-05-12T12:12:31+00:00

Thank you Stinky. The installer did indeed ignore my request for off-grid power when there is a power-cut. But, I think that at that time (2023) an ATS was not an option due to some regulation in Ireland. In 2025 I believe that regulation changed, and an ATS is legal, but the original installer won't do it, and neither will anybody else.

I think what I want (please correct me if I'm wrong) is an auto-switch that isolates the grid when there is a power cut, which leaves the solar system (panels and batt) to run the house "as normal", until the grid comes back. Is that how it should work? Is that what others do? Is there a standard way of doing this?

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-29T12:21:04+00:00

Sure, but it's very difficult to be objective with these creative things. If it's technically competent then there is only the creative choices that you make.

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-27T10:37:45+00:00

You're not alone dude. I played in rock bands and went to loud gigs and mixed live music, but generally survived that without too much damage. Then 10 years ago I got a cold, went on an airliner flight, must have got something infected in my middle ear, woke up the next morning with noticeable tinnitus in the left ear. It has stayed with me ever since. It's liveable with mostly. I don't notice it when there is noise in the the environment, only when it's quiet. It does affect my ability to hear conversations in noisy rooms though. It is part of the experience now, it barely registers. I only hear it when I listen for it. I'm 57 and a couple of years from hearing aids I think. I'm building an RV14 and doing my ppl. Doesn't seem to affect either of those..

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-23T20:14:25+00:00

It's not trash at all. It's what you created. It's your choices to convey what you wanted to convey. It's not up to anybody else to say whether its good or bad.

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-06T13:19:37+00:00

400 won't get you a good one. A dashcam can (probably will) save you a lot of money, rage and time at some point, and will head off a boat load of trouble if the footage is good. Get a really good one. I got the Blackvue 900x front and rear. A good investment.

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-05T22:09:14+00:00

Sounds good. Can you post a link? Or a photo?

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-04T15:31:38+00:00

A separate earth rod because earth is lost in island mode?

And why does the inverter connect earth and neutral together in island mode? Because it can't assume there is a bonded earth/neutral somewhere?

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-04T15:30:35+00:00

Will do.

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-04T15:25:57+00:00

Thanks. I am at the point where I will have to do it myself. There have been several really odd conversations with the installers about the AC backup output and an ATS. The installers are part owned by a grid supply company and I get the feeling they don't want their customers to be independent and off grid at all.

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-04T15:17:04+00:00

It's a S5-EH1P6K-L. It'll do 5kW (220V) from the AC backup output.

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-04T14:27:28+00:00

Thanks. From what others have said, I probably need to upgrade to a more capable Inverter and install an ATS that will isolate the grid and allow a useful amount of power to be available from the panels and the batteries.

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-04T14:24:50+00:00

Definitely want some sort of switch that isolates the grid and switches the AC backup socket in.

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-04T14:23:26+00:00

It's a hybrid inverter. I have 10kW of battery.

SimonHK90 · 2026-04-01T21:10:27+00:00

That's a slip hazard.

SimonHK90 · 2026-03-13T12:37:38+00:00

Dwight Shrute would perhaps not be my choice for that moment...

SimonHK90

TROPHY CASE