I am heading to Tennessee Friday night, and one of my goals is to install the Load Center. The Electronics for my solar are Schneider (thank you, Dave), so I planned to go with Square D for the load center just to keep it in the family.
Square D has at least 2 lines, Homeline and QO. The big box store selection seems to be migrating to the Homeline. There is also a Qwik-Grip option, which replaces the standard knockouts and clamps with slotted plastic guides for getting the wires out of the box.
I am hoping you have some suggestions to help me select a load center I will be happy with.
The solar panel has a breaker for the AC out to the load center, so I expect I really don't need a main cutoff in the load center, but am leaning to getting one with a main just to have a convenient way to disconnect the power when working on breakers, etc.
Again, any suggestions? Lessons learned? Help me spend my money wisely.
Thanks
I'm picking up the 100A Homeline with Qwik-Grip Plug on Neutral panel for my cabin.
This one: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-Homeline-100-Amp-20-Space-40-Circuit-Indoor-Main-Breaker-Qwik-Grip-Plug-On-Neutral-Load-Center-with-Cover-Value-Pack-HOM2040M100PQCVP/301278230 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-Homeline-100-Amp-20-Space-40-Circuit-Indoor-Main-Breaker-Qwik-Grip-Plug-On-Neutral-Load-Center-with-Cover-Value-Pack-HOM2040M100PQCVP/301278230)
We went with the 200A Homeline with Qwik-grip. Didn't need 200A (inverter output is 60A), but wanted more breaker slots than were available in smaller panels. The value-pack had breakers I needed, and made an attractive price. Wired from the inverter to the panel, and installed a couple of breakers to properly protect existing circuits. Panel installed easily and, with a little practice, I am warming up to the Qwik-grip.
Downside? That 200Amp main breaker is a little tough (for me) to switch on. It is a big'n.
Also hooked up a toilet and sink to the water and septic. Slowly becoming civilized. Did not manage any walls around the bathroom, though. Baby steps.
John