No matter what inverter you use, you should consider the wattage capacity, AWG wire size, wire amp rating, and continuous watts. Amp rating tells you how much current the wire can safely handle, while continuous watts is the voltage loss from the battery to the inverter.
How to connect the inverter to a circuit breaker
Circuit breakers are necessary to prevent overloads among other uses. Without a circuit breaker, the wires between the batteries and the solar inverter are a potential fire hazard.
Another benefit of a circuit breaker is that it works well for solar-powered homes. Once installed, you can connect appliances and electronic devices to an electrical outlet and use them.
If you are installing a solar system for your home, make sure that the distance between the solar panels and batteries is correct. Once your solar system is ready, you can connect the inverter to the circuit breaker.
If you want step-by-step instructions, follow this:
Step 1.
Turn off the main power switch on the inverter and circuit breaker. This switch is located in the center of the panel, near the top.
Step 2.
Remove the screws on the front panel of the circuit breaker. Select the circuit you want to connect to the solar panel system. You will be connecting to the inverter. Remove the back of the panel with a screwdriver.
Step 3.
Connect the wires to the inverter output. Before you do this, you must make sure of two things. First, that the inverter is designed for use with a circuit breaker, and second, that the wires are the correct size.
Most inverters work well with a circuit breaker, so this should not be a problem. Check the inverter manual for the recommended wire size. This will depend on the ampacity and inverter voltage.
Step 4.
Once the wires are connected, you should test them. Take a voltmeter and place its probe on the bus bar. If there is voltage, check the circuit breaker as it may still be running.
If the breaker is disconnected but still has the rated voltage, contact an electrician because the power is coming from somewhere. However, if there is no voltage, proceed to step 5.
Step 5.
Strip a half-inch of insulation from the end of the inverter wire covering the end of the inverter wire going into the breaker. Look for a neutral ground in the breaker and connect the white wire. Connect the hot wire (black or red) to the circuit breaker of your choice.
Place the screws back into the breaker panel. Turn on the main power to the breaker. Turn on the inverter. Now you can test plugging into the outlet of your solar configuration circuit.
The instructions in this article assume that you have experience working with wires. If you do not, hire an electrician to do this for you. Inverters have many safety features and installation has been simplified, but the risks of handling electricity and wires are always present.
This applies not only to inverter installation, but also to connecting the inverter to the mains. As shown here, this requires the use of a circuit breaker. If you are unsure what to do, consult an electrician.
