AmpliPHI Sol-Ark Integration Guide

igure 14 – Grid Input Tab in Grid Setup menu

Homeowners who wish to include a grid connection, generator, and Smart Load functionality can install a

transfer switch allowing for either grid or generator to connect to the Sol-Ark’s Grid Input. This frees up the

Sol-Ark’s Generator Input to be used as an output for Smart Loads (see the following Smart Loads section for

more details).

n an AC Coupled system setup that includes a generator, using a transfer switch for a grid-or-generator

connection to the Sol-Ark’s Grid Input also frees up the Sol-Ark Generator Input for connection to the AC

Coupled solar PV array.

If the system includes both a generator and a grid connection, limiter sensors are required. While smaller

generators (less than 10 kW) can be wired to the Sol-Ark’s Generator Input, Sol-Ark recommends wiring larger

generators to a whole home transfer switch instead of using the inverter’s Generator Input.

5.6 – Smart Load

The Smart Load feature allows the homeowner to run higher power non-essential appliances (hot water,

dehumidifier, heat pump, irrigation pump, etc.) on solar when excess solar power is available. This setup

involves connecting these higher power non-essential loads to the Sol-Ark’s Generator Input. To partially

protect the batteries against over-discharge, set the Smart Load Off Batt and Smart Load ON Batt parameters

to the batteries’ acceptable SoC percentage range while in this mode. However, note that no programmable

parameter exists to regulate the batteries’ over-discharge from a current perspective.

For example, an off-grid system with home loads totaling a maximum instantaneous power draw of 8 kW might

include 5 AmpliPHI 3.8 batteries, with a maximum combined continuous power output of 9.6 kW

/ 9.168

. With both the Smart Load and Limited to Load modes enabled and the Smart Load ON Batt parameter

set to 100% SoC, the Sol-Ark will begin powering the Smart Loads (in addition to all the home loads) when the

batteries are at 100% SoC. If the Smart Load power draw exceeds 9.168 kW

, (38.2 Amps at 240VAC), the

batteries will then be operating beyond their maximum continuous power output capabilities. While the

batteries have a maximum surge discharge capability of 60 Amps DC per battery (15.36 kW

/ 14.669 kW

for the 5-battery bank), the batteries cannot surge at this power level for more than 10 minutes. A Smart Load

drawing more than 9.168 kW

for more than 10 minutes will very likely result in the batteries’ SoC level

reaching the Smart Load OFF Batt parameter, if it is set to 95%. However, feel free to reach out SimpliPhi

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