Power & internet · Opening
Turning On the Solar
How to read the solar battery level, when to run the generator, and how to restart the whole solar system in the generator shed if you arrive to no power. Usually Ray Falk sets the system up in the spring, but if he hasn't, or you're coming in winter, this is how.
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Good to know
- The battery gauge is in Mom and Dad's bathroom, next to the breaker panel.
- On a sunny day it should reach 100% by lunch or early afternoon. On a cloudy day you may get very little.
- Whoever is staying in that room keeps an eye on the gauge during the day.
Step by step
1 steps
Check the gauge; below 20–30%, run the generator
If the battery drops to 20–30%, flip the generator switch next to the gauge and run the generator for an hour or two to get it back up to at least 50%.
Arrived to no power? Restart the solar in the generator shed
- In winter, first get the shed to at least 32°F with its propane heater.
- Look at the HomeGrid battery pack. If its display and power button are dark, the system is off and needs a reset.
- 1. Gently lift off the gray top cover of the battery pack (cords are behind it) and set it slightly aside.
- 2. Pull off the white side panel.
- 3. Lift the clear cover over the on/off switch, turn the switch off, wait about 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Replace the side panel and top cover.
- 4. Press the main power button on the battery pack. You'll hear a clunk; give it a moment.
- 5. Flip both BATT-PV switches up.
- 6. Flip the red MAIN INVERTER SHUTOFF on the MagnaSine inverter up.
- 7. Push the INVERTER button on the Magnum control panel until the power light (and blue light) comes on. The system is up.
- Back in the house, if the batteries have any charge the lights will work. If not, start the generator and let it power the cabin and charge the batteries.
Tips
- Even if the inverter button isn't on, the cabin still gets power while the generator is running. That should rarely be needed.
The battery pack in the generator shed
This is the HomeGrid battery pack. A lit display means the system is on.
