Classic/Elite/Acure - Generator Connections

When installing a generator, we advise using a generator with twice the rated output of the inverter power to allow for batteries to be charged in conjunction with powering the loads.

The generator can be connected to either the inverter GEN connection or the inverter GRID connection depending on the application.

(Connection layout is model dependent, please refer to your inverter manual for the specific connection layout)

In most cases it is advised to use the GEN connection unless the GEN connection is being used for another function (auxiliary output/string inverter input) or if your generator has built in earth leakage detection, there is a separate article explaining the reasoning for this Using a Generator with an RCD. Please note that if using the GRID connection of the inverter ‘Gen connect to grid’ must be enabled, or you must use a CT on the live tail of the generator input with export disabled to prevent the inverter sending power back into the generator.

For systems using both the grid and a generator it should be noted that the inverter cannot accept both grid and generator power simultaneously, if grid power is detected by the inverter on the GRID connections the generator relay will open, and generator power will not be accepted.

In parallel systems the generator must be common to all paralleled inverters.

For three-phase systems a three-phase generator should be used. A single-phase of a three-phase generator can be used to power a single-phase inverter however in this set-up the output power of the generator will be 1/3 of the rated output power.

For the Generator Auto-Start

It is possible to use a generator with an auto-start on your inverter. To connect the auto-start you must use the connection pins on your inverter labelled G-S or G-Start. Please note on some single-phase low voltage inverters the signal may instead operate on G-V or G-Valve.

(Connection layout is model dependent, please refer to your inverter manual for the specific connection layout)

To configure the generator auto-start and check if the G-Start trigger is working you can set the trigger settings per the following article: Generator Settings (with Auto-Start). When the signal is triggered, you should be able to measure for continuity between the G-Start pins.