Gen / Aux
Connecting Generator to Inverter: Grid Port vs. Gen/Aux Port
I currently keep my grid connection turned off, only using it on rainy days when my solar panels can't keep up with power demands. I want to connect my generator to the inverter to charge the battery on cloudy days. My installer has connected the generator to the grid port. Both the utility power (Eskom) and the generator are connected to a switchover box, allowing me to turn everything off, or select either the generator or Eskom as the power source.
On the first attempt, this setup isn't working - the inverter doesn't accept power from the generator. While my installer is investigating the issue, I have a few questions:
Can the generator be wired to the Gen/Aux port instead of the grid port? I understand that the Gen port is more forgiving with regard to fluctuating generator output.
If I make this change, will my non-essential setup still work as it does now?
Is it possible to wire both the grid connection and the generator to the Aux/Gen port? I understand that only one power source can be active at a time, but I'm wondering if both can be connected to this port.
Any insights or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Correct. The Gen port is more tolerant to generator fluctuations than the Grid port. It is also or friendly to the generator when the generator comes on line and it will supply the load first and then the battery whereas the Grid port will need to supply both at the same time which can cause the generator frequency (and voltage) to drop outside the thresholds.