Midnite Solar DIY E-Panel Owner's Manual

The Midnite Solar DIY E-Panel is a customizable, UL-listed enclosure system designed for building safe and code-compliant solar combiner boxes, AC/DC distribution panels, and system disconnects. It features a rugged NEMA 3R-rated enclosure, pre-punched knockouts, a removable backplate for easy component mounting, and is compatible with Midnite Solar and other major brand breakers, combiners, and monitoring devices. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, wiring, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: NEMA 3R steel enclosure, Removable mounting backplate, Pre-punched conduit knockouts, Grounding bus bar, DIN rail mounting, Compatible breaker slots, Weatherproof gasketed door.

Safety Warnings & Precautions

Working with electrical panels involves high voltage and current. Always follow safety protocols.

1. DISCONNECT ALL POWER SOURCES before installation or servicing.
2. Verify system voltage with a multimeter before touching any terminals.
3. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): insulated gloves, safety glasses.
4. Installation must comply with all local and national electrical codes (NEC).
5. Ensure all connections are tight and properly torqued to prevent arcing.
6. Only qualified electricians or trained personnel should perform installation.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in severe injury, death, or property damage from electric shock, arc flash, or fire.

First-Time Setup & Unpacking

Unpack the E-Panel and inspect all components.

1. Inspect: Check for shipping damage. Ensure enclosure, backplate, hardware bag, and documentation are present.
2. Plan Layout: Decide on component placement (combiners, breakers, shunt, controllers) on the backplate before mounting.
3. Mount Backplate Components: Install DIN rail, grounding bus bar, and major components according to your wiring diagram.
4. Secure Enclosure: Mount the empty enclosure to the wall in its permanent location.
5. Final Assembly: Slide the pre-wired backplate into the enclosure and secure it.

CAUTION! The enclosure is heavy. Use two people for handling and mounting to prevent injury.

Specifications

• Enclosure Size: Multiple sizes available (e.g., 14"x14"x6", 20"x16"x6").
• Rating: NEMA 3R (Suitable for outdoor installation).
• Max Voltage: 150VDC / 240VAC (Component dependent).
• Max Current: Defined by installed breakers and wire gauges.
• Wire Entry: Pre-punched knockouts for ½", ¾", and 1" conduit.
• Mounting: Keyhole slots on back for wall mounting.
• Finish: Textured powder coat (typically gray).
• Operating Temp: -40°C to +60°C (-40°F to +140°F).
• Standards: UL Listed enclosure. Final assembly must be inspected for code compliance.

Controls and Panel Layout

Layout is user-defined. Common configurations include:

Top Section: PV Combiners (Midnite Solar Combiner Boxes, DC breakers).
Middle Section: Charge Controller, System Monitor/Shunt.
Bottom Section: AC Breakers (for inverter output/input), AC Disconnect, Load Centers.
Side/Rail: DIN rail for additional breakers, relays, or terminal blocks.

Labeling: Clearly label all breakers, wires, and components per NEC requirements.

Connecting Devices & Wiring

Follow a pre-drawn wiring diagram specific to your system (e.g., Off-Grid, Grid-Tie with Battery Backup).

1. DC Wiring: Use correct polarity (+/–). Use red for positive, black for negative, green or bare for ground. Keep PV+ and Battery+ runs separate where possible.
2. AC Wiring: Follow standard color code: Black (Hot), White (Neutral), Green (Ground).
3. Grounding: Bond all equipment grounds to the internal grounding bus bar. Bond the bus bar to the system ground rod via the designated ground lug.
4. Conduit: Use liquid-tight conduit for outdoor runs. Secure cables with clamps inside the panel.

Tip: Leave service loops for wires. Use ferrules on stranded wire ends for clean breaker connections.

System Configuration Examples

Basic configurations for common solar applications:

1. Simple PV Combiner Box: Multiple PV strings → String fuses/breakers → Main DC Disconnect.
2. Off-Grid System Panel: PV Combiners → Charge Controller → Battery Bus Bar (with main breaker) → Inverter.
3. AC/DC Distribution Panel: Integrates PV combiners, battery breakers, inverter AC output breakers, and critical load sub-panel feeds in one enclosure.
4. Generator/Grid Input: Includes AC bypass switch, generator input breaker, and transfer relay.

WARNING! Always size wires, breakers, and fuses based on the maximum current of your specific components. Refer to component manuals.

Breaker & Component Installation

Installing breakers and major components on the DIN rail and backplate.

1. DIN Rail: Snap the 35mm DIN rail onto the pre-drilled standoffs on the backplate.
2. Breakers: Most breakers snap directly onto the DIN rail. Ensure they are fully seated.
3. Midnite Solar Combiners: Mount using provided screws to the backplate.
4. Shunt/Battery Monitor: Mount near the main negative cable path.
5. Charge Controller: Allow space for heat dissipation. Follow its specific mounting instructions.
6. Torque Specifications: Adhere to manufacturer torque specs for all lug connections (e.g., 25 in-lbs for battery lugs).

Maintenance & Inspection

Regular inspection ensures long-term safety and performance.

• Monthly: Visually inspect for signs of corrosion, overheating (discoloration), or loose wires.
• Annually (or per NEC): Torque-check all critical connections. Inspect breaker operation.
• General: Keep the enclosure door closed and latched. Ensure vents are not blocked.

CAUTION! Always disconnect power before performing any inspection or maintenance inside the panel.

Regulatory & Compliance Information

The DIY E-Panel is a UL Listed enclosure. The final assembled panel must be inspected and approved by a local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments. It is the installer's responsibility to ensure the final installation meets all applicable codes. Midnite Solar components used inside (e.g., MNEDC breakers) are UL Recognized. For technical support and detailed wiring diagrams, visit www.midnitesolar.com or contact support.

Troubleshooting

Reset: For electronic components, power cycle the entire system by disconnecting AC and DC sources.

Service & Support: Midnite Solar Technical Support: (360) 435-0686 | www.midnitesolar.com