Day #2 come and gone!
Day #1 was without incident, problem, or even a hiccup…for which I am grateful. Day #2…not so much…but not bad at all.
First off let me explain that I had the project broken down into phases.
Phase #1 – Preparation: Getting all my parts and equipment purchased, on-site, any pre-work completed on them, get generator ready, gasoline purchased, and tools either purchased or centralized.
Phase #2 – Deconstruction: Remove all the old system components, organize, confirm that they are still serviceable, and replace/repair as needed.
Phase #3 – AC Re-Do: Replace the AC main disconnect fuses with circuit breaker, combine/join AC main panel, AC main disconnect, transfer switch into a single unit, rewire the generator to transfer switch wiring for later addition of a 240vAC inlet, and hook-up temporary fix to run generator.
Phase #4 – Construction: Add Hardee Cement Board to walls.
Phase #5 – Build Out DC: Literally rebuild the entire DC side of the system, including all the new gear.
Phase #6 – Configure: Charge up the new battery to same voltage as the existing two batteries. Using Victron software to configure and fine-tune the system.
Phase #7 – PVs (solar panels): Add another string (245w X 3S) to Array #2 and #3 and replace 8 x 100w PVs on Array #1 with 6 x 245w PVs (3S2P).
Phase #8 – Take a freaking week off and do nothing but enjoy the new system!
Phases #1 – #4 are complete, phase #5 is well underway. I did hit a snag and had to rebuild and relocate the AC main panel, AC main disconnect, and the transfer switch. That added an extra 2 hours to the process…rebuilding what had already been done. But, I had to move it to clean-up the layout and give proper access to the transfer panel and ensure the right clearance around Inverter #1. Other than that, the 13-hour day #2 went well.
I gotta post this, eat some breakfast, and get back after it 🙂
At the beginning of Day #2 –
At the end of Day #2 –
