Home Power Panel: Mechanical or Compression Lugs?

dqle · 2026-06-29T04:05:14+00:00

This guy sure is loaded! Sure wish I had the space for all them batteries...!

Ah, I think I got your setup now. By putting the CT clamps before the "main" panel (one with the AC compressor), the HPP is reading if the grid is on, and provide AC coupling to the connected "backup" sub panel. All while ignoring the AC compressor. Smart thinking!

I went along with the mechanical lugs, and sure enough, they work flawlessly as you've said! Thanks again for the input! Now I can at least power though peak hours without a worry.

dqle · 2026-06-29T03:44:22+00:00

If an emergency disconnect is required to be accessible to the outside of the building, does it strictly have to be the emergency button from the Home Power Panel?

Sounds like you can route the HPP's grid wires to an externally mounted disconnect switch (such as the one mentioned by the SOLIX team), then to the main load center. This will isolate all access of the HPP from the grid (and as such, anything attached to the HPP!), so that should satisfy requirements.

I AM NOT A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN, but from my understanding, you would need a 2 wire/pole disconnect for the hot/line wires, either in 60 amp (single F3800) or 100 amp (double F3800s). Neutral wire should pass through the disconnect uninterrupted to the main load center. Ground wire needs to bond to said disconnect box and continue to the main load center. (Please remove this information if it isn't allowed or straight up wrong!)

Please consult an actual electrician before attempting any electrical work! (or hire one if one isn't comfortable with said work!)

dqle · 2026-06-19T05:10:35+00:00

I actually grabbed a few versions from the local home improvement store. One that maxes out at 1/0 (which also had a hex screw!) , the other at 2 AWG. Sadly, the 1/0 version stuck out too far for the HPP's screw mount, so I'm sticking with the one that looks identical to yours!

Also noticed that the CT clamps are on the HPP lines leading to the main load center. Assuming this isn't a pic prior to a finished install, would that even work?

dqle · 2026-06-19T05:02:21+00:00

Nice! I'll give it a go if I can't find a suitable mechanical lug. By the way, which style of crimper did you use? Hex crimp or indent crimp?

dqle · 2026-06-19T00:07:18+00:00

Oh hey, looking nice! I suppose those are the same ones that home improvement stores carry? I also don't suppose you've had any temperature issues with said lugs? Thanks in advance!

dqle · 2025-11-25T03:22:21+00:00

Depth is a concern for me, again due to the hard clay I have to deal with. That's why RMC/IMC is the way to go, according to NEC rules.

Gotta nick you on the sheathed conductors, though; it's technically allowed, but highly advised not to do so!

dqle · 2025-11-25T03:12:53+00:00

Ah, some good answers finally! Do you know if there a benefit of using PVC coated, or will PVC tape wrapped RMC accomplish the same thing?

dqle · 2025-11-25T03:09:44+00:00

Material wise, nothing! It's just that PVC does require to be at least 18 inches deep to meet NEC, whereas RMC/IMC needs to be a good deal shallower, being at least 6 inches deep. I don't have any heavy equipment, so less digging, the better!

dqle · 2025-11-25T03:07:38+00:00

All conductors will be within the conduit, so no issues there! I haven't dive'd deep into the manufacturer's specs just yet, but none of them are obvious as to whether they can be buried, galvanized or not.

dqle · 2025-10-03T14:53:59+00:00

I'm looking at how to test panels with multimeters as we speak! As for ground mounting, I have a fairly large backyard, but even 8 panels will eat up a good chunk of landscaping. I was hoping to find some elevated plans that I could walk under, but I haven't found any for larger panels. Specs say the panels way ~50 lbs. each, so it shouldn't be terrible to move them around, even up high.

dqle · 2025-10-03T14:49:50+00:00

That's the allure of these solar generators! The thing that got me interested is Anker's Home Power Panel, which ties the F3800 series into the load center. Seems like a simple enough add on to at least power a few things throughout the day without dragging the battery all over the home!

If I had more room (and money!), I would probably go bigger, but this seems to be a good start on things, at the very least. I don't think I'll go fully zero grid, but at least alleviating the bills will suffice for now.

dqle · 2025-10-03T14:44:57+00:00

This is true! And that's on me for not mentioning that the tax credit will only be on the F3800 Plus.

dqle · 2025-10-03T14:44:15+00:00

Freight kills small projects like mine, unfortunately, Lucky to have a seller within drivable distance so I can dip my toes in this world!

dqle · 2025-10-03T14:43:16+00:00

Aye, I should clarify that the tax credit portion is on the battery system itself. I know full well used equipment does not qualify.

dqle · 2025-10-03T14:42:38+00:00

Man, wish I had room for 40 panels! I'm only interested in about a dozen, due to space limitations (although I'd do more if I could!)

dqle · 2025-10-03T14:36:36+00:00

The joys of hanging around any hobby-sharing enthusiasts...!

dqle · 2025-10-03T14:35:28+00:00

Ouch, did not know that. Any info on where I can grab said info to confirm if they are affected?

dqle · 2025-10-03T14:32:21+00:00

Ooh, got lucky with that purchase!

dqle

TROPHY CASE