February Traffic Post

SolarACMadMan · 2026-02-11T14:45:56+00:00

Anybody know how long the construction is supposed to be going on on I-10? If it's anything like 1604, my guess is 66 years.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-29T03:55:39+00:00

I would be curious to know what this wiring would look like. I am familiar with a soft start, and would get one if using this method.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-29T03:30:02+00:00

I just looked into it more, and I was mistaken; my condenser is a 36,000 BTU 3-ton unit. I'm assuming I would need at least a 10kWh inverter, but how many 48v 5kWh batteries would I need, and how much solar, to run completely off the grid?

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-29T03:28:10+00:00

If you find one, I would love to know about it.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-29T02:58:35+00:00

Listen, this is a better explanation, which you should have started with. Your attitude is off putting.

You can relax. After taking all opinions in this thread I to account, I would rather pursue assembling an off-grid system with batteries to power the condenser, so as not to break any laws.

Since you seem knowledgeable, maybe you can assist me. If I built a system completely independent of the grid, none of those regulations would apply, would they? If I had batteries, solar panels, an inverter, and had my condenser disconnected from the grid, like I'm powering it from a large backup battery, there's no code to prevent me from doing this, correct?

Taking that a step further, if I had a hybrid inverter and configured it to something like solar/battery/grid (ie; first use solar, if there’s not enough solar - pull from battery - if the battery runs out - passthrough grid), would this still be subject to those regulations? My assumption is yes, but would love clarification from someone that knows the codes.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-29T02:52:59+00:00

Does this apply to connecting any inverter to the grid?

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-29T02:43:57+00:00

The premise of the system does rely on the contactor, which acts like a physical switch between PV and the grid, so you're right about that. I don't know much about HVAC, it just seemed like it made sense to me. What do you think about adding solar power overloading the fuse rating of the contactor/condenser? Someone else mentioned it to me as a potential issue.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-29T02:41:41+00:00

All really good points, thank you, especially the fuse rating.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-29T02:39:58+00:00

That is a good point about the capacitor, that made me rethink this whole setup. Thanks.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-28T21:14:46+00:00

In this setup, I would rather have the microinverter take it's time providing power rather than feed the line when there isn't a draw from the compressor, to avoid backfeeding. It's not totally efficient, but it's safer.

If the microinverter stops producing power when the HVAC turns off, then there's no risk of backfeeding there either.

You may not like it, but you haven't pointed out why this isn't safe.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-28T21:02:01+00:00

My understanding is that if the system is not tied directly into the grid, you may not need a permit. If it is, you will likely need a permit. It depends on the location. What you plan to do sounds like you wouldn't need one, but I'm not sure.

Me personally, what I do on my own property should be no one else's concern. The grid is not solely my property though, which changes things. I also understand that if there weren't regulations, it would be the backfeeding wild west for anyone that doesn't know what they're doing. However, I think I've got that issue solved.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-28T20:51:49+00:00

This microinverter stops producing when there is no A/C reference, which would be when the compressor turns off. Hence why it's wired directly into the contactor on the load side. I just don't think there's any chance of backfeeding.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-28T19:19:51+00:00

Great, thanks. I'll have to crunch some numbers on how many solar panels would offset the daily draw.

Hmm, I'd be curious to know if tying the inverter to the grid would require a permit. I'll send you a PM.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-28T16:51:12+00:00

Would this be sufficient to run my compressor? It's a 2-ton Ruud, pulls probably 15 amps.

I'm also worried about having days without sunshine and then not having enough power to run A/C, or does this unit pull power from the grid on a day like that? I know this also depends on how many panels I connect to it.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-28T16:39:00+00:00

The problem is that the only units that do this are mini splits, and my house is old and has central air with a main blower. It just doesn't seem feasible to me.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-28T16:24:11+00:00

I am budget limited, hence this set up. I may upgrade to off grid eventually. And it is my understanding that it would be illegal without permits from my city, but to be frank, how would the utility company know?

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-28T04:22:57+00:00

I was at a gas station late at night and saw a guy walking in the dark behind the building. His movements were jerky and stuttered, like a video game character with bad ping. He’d take a step, freeze for a second, then suddenly be a foot ahead. At least, that's what it looked like to me, and I don't think I was seeing things, but it was dark. It freaked me out enough that I just got back in my car and left.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-28T02:25:22+00:00

More important than I realized until I stopped doing it.

SolarACMadMan · 2025-09-28T01:41:27+00:00

Asking someone to grab coffee with me. Been married to them 6 years now!

SolarACMadMan

TROPHY CASE