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Topic starter
February 14, 2026 11:12 pm
I have an 18Kpv inverter that passes the full 200A when grid is up. Batteries supplement/offset grid usage. All good there.
When grid is down my batteries power a "critical loads" panel. For short down times this is great, keeps the lights on 🙂
However, I am looking at getting Generac for when the grid is down for longer periods and I can power more hungry circuits like heating.
Looking at the manual it states that the inverter will pass 90A to loads from the generator but I can't figure out if the generator power is passed through to the main panel (like when grid is up) or if it just goes to the critical loads panel (like the batteries). If it's just the critical loads panel then a generator does not really solve my problem. Any insight to how generator connections work would be appreciated.
Thanks!
February 18, 2026 8:38 pm
@rpeatfield
From the way you described it, it sounds like the generator would only power the backup loads.
Topic starter
February 19, 2026 12:59 am
Thanks that's what I suspected.
I have 4 x 100Ah LifeP04 but that's not enough to power everything (hence the critical load panel) so now I am thinking of just moving everything to a "smart panel" and software control what's critical. Does anyone have any experience with smart panels and can recommend a good one?
