MidNite Solar DIY E-Panel User manual

MNE125DIY-120S Manual
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DIY E-Panel Owner’s Manual

MNE125DIY-120S Manual
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Table of Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 3
Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................ 4
Safety Precautions ................................................................................................................ 5
Battery Safety ....................................................................................................................... 5
How to KILL Your Batteries ................................................................................................... 6
How an Inverter / Charger Works .......................................................................................... 7
Wiring Requirements ............................................................................................................ 8
DC Wiring & Over-Current Protection......................................................................................... 8
AC Wiring & Over-Current Protection....................................................................................... 10
Grounding Requirements .................................................................................................... 11
Installation.......................................................................................................................... 13
Location Considerations............................................................................................................ 13
Knockout Prep Info.................................................................................................................... 15
Mounting Procedures................................................................................................................ 15
Wiring the DIY Inverter & DIY E-Panel ................................................................................. 17
Ground Wiring........................................................................................................................... 17
AC Kit ......................................................................................................................................... 19
Batt Kit....................................................................................................................................... 21
PV Kit ......................................................................................................................................... 22
SPD Wiring................................................................................................................................. 22
External Wiring.......................................................................................................................... 23
Energizing the DIY Inverter & DIY E-Panel ............................................................................ 24
Technical Drawings ............................................................................................................. 27
Warranty ............................................................................................................................ 32
This entire manual is printed without color but is available for download—with many of the
diagrams available in color—on our website at midnitesolar.com.

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INTRODUCTION
The DIY E-Panel enclosure from MidNite Solar provides AC and DC over-current protection and
disconnects required for an NEC compliant, renewable energy system. The MNE125DIY-120S
E-Panel is specifically designed to accommodate the DIY MN5048DIY inverter.
This manual does not provide brand specific information about photovoltaic panels, batteries,
et cetera. Contact the manufacturer of other components in the system for relevant technical
data.
The DIY E-Panel includes the following:
•AC input disconnect and an inverter bypass switch.
oThe AC disconnect removes the incoming AC power to the inverter input.
oThe inverter bypass switch easily re-routes the incoming AC power around
the inverter and directly to the AC loads in the system, without rewiring or
losing power to the AC loads.
•DC breaker to disconnect the battery bank from the inverter as required by the
National Electric Code (NEC).
oActs as an over-current protection (OCP) device
to protect against extremely high currents that
a battery can produce, if any short circuits
occur.
•Powder-coated steel chassis with knockouts to
accommodate multiple lightening surge arrestors (SPD)
and conduit wiring.
•AC Neutral, AC IN/OUT busbars; DC+/DC-, PV+/PV-,
and Ground busbars.
•DIN rail space for up to five AC branch circuit breakers.
•Mates together with the DIY Inverter.
•PV input disconnect and OCP device.
NOTE: Check page 27 for items included
in the DIY E-Panel. Contact MidNite Tech
Support if any items are missing.
360.403.7207

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MIDNITE SOLAR MNE125DIY-
120S DIY E-PANEL THAT SHALL BE FOLLOWED DURING INSTALLATION AND OPERATION.
If you do not fully understand any of the concepts, terminology, or hazards outlined in these
instructions, please refer installation to a qualified dealer, electrician, or installer. These
instructions are not meant to be a complete explanation of a renewable energy system. Before
using the DIY E-Panel, read all instructions and cautionary markings. The installation
instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. Do not perform any installation other than
that specified in this manual unless you are qualified to do so. Incorrect installation may result
in a risk of electric shock, fire, or other safety hazard.
Safety Symbols
The following safety symbols have been placed throughout this manual to indicate dangerous
and important safety instructions.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
•Live power may be present at more than one point since an inverter utilizes both DC
(batteries) and AC (utility or generator) power. To reduce risk of electric shock, ensure all
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING!
CAUTION indicates conditions or practices that could result in damage to
the unit or other equipment.
CAUTION!
INFO: Indicates information that emphasizes or supplements important
points of the main text.

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DC and AC wiring is disconnected prior to installing or performing maintenance on the
inverter. Turning off the inverter will NOT reduce this risk; the inverter must be totally
disconnected from all sources.
•Over-current protection for the AC & DC wiring is not provided as an integral part of the DIY
inverter. Over-current protection of the AC & DC wiring must be provided as part of the
system installation.
•The AC output neutral conductor and the DC negative conductors are not connected (bonded)
to the inverter chassis. Both the input and output conductors are isolated from the enclosure
and each other.
•System grounding is the responsibility of the system installer and must comply with local and
national electrical codes and standards.
•This product is designed for indoor/compartment installation. It must not be exposed to rain,
snow, moisture, or liquids of any type.
•Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions
included in the listing or labeling.
•All electrical work must be performed in accordance with local and national electrical codes.
•Use Class 1 wiring methods for field wiring connections to terminals of a Class 2 circuit.
•Use insulated tools to reduce the chance of electrical shock or accidental short circuits.
•Torque all wiring and cable connections to the required torque values.
•Use only copper wires with a minimum temperature rating of 90°C.
•Always verify proper wiring prior to starting the inverter.
•Battery cables should be no less than #2 AWG.
•The inverter must be properly mounted.
BATTERY SAFETY
•Wear eye protection and avoid touching your eyes and face when working with batteries to
keep any fluid/corrosion on the battery from contact with eyes and skin. Have plenty of fresh
water and soap nearby and thoroughly wash in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or
eyes. In the event of exposure to the eyes, flood them for at least 15 minutes with running
water and seek immediate medical attention. Baking soda neutralizes lead acid battery
electrolyte and vinegar neutralizes spilled NiCad and NiFe battery electrolyte; depending on
your battery type, keep a supply on hand near the batteries.
•Read and follow the battery manufacturer’s safety precautions before installing the inverter
and batteries. Always verify proper polarity and voltage before connecting the batteries
to the inverter. Once the batteries are connected to the inverter, ensure the maintenance
and charging requirements (i.e., charge voltage and charge rate) provided by the battery

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manufacturer are followed to extend the life of the batteries and to prevent damage to the
batteries while charging.
•The battery bank should be installed in a clean, dry, ventilated environment that is protected
from high and low temperatures. If installed in a vehicle/boat, the batteries must be mounted
upright (if using liquid batteries) and securely fastened. The location must be fully accessible
and protected from exposure to heat producing devices, and away from any fuel tanks.
•Batteries can produce explosive gasses, so install batteries in a well-ventilated area. For
compartment or enclosure installations, always vent batteries from the highest point to the
outside. Design the battery enclosure to prevent accumulation and concentration of
hydrogen gas in pockets at the top of the compartment.
•Remove all jewelry such as rings, watches, bracelets, etc., when installing or performing
maintenance on the batteries and inverter. A battery can produce a short-circuit current high
enough to weld metal jewelry, causing severe burns.
•Use insulated tools and be very careful when working around batteries, they can produce
extremely high currents if short-circuited (e.g., dropping a metal tool across the battery
terminal), which could cause a fire or explosion.
•To prevent a spark at the battery and to reduce the chance of explosion, always connect the
cables to the batteries first. Then connect the cables to the inverter.
•Never use old or untested batteries. Check each battery’s label for age, type, and date code
to ensure all batteries are identical.
•Batteries are sensitive to changes in temperature. Install batteries in a stable environment.
•Provide at least one inch of air space between batteries to provide optimum cooling.
•Never smoke or allow a spark near batteries.
•Never charge a frozen battery.
HOW TO KILL YOUR BATTERIES
Batteries are delicate and require proper attention, especially when off-grid. Think of your
batteries and solar equipment as a small nuclear power plant, hydro dam, or natural gas-fired
power plant. Just like any of those, your system needs DAILY attention to ensure it is performing
correctly and safely. We recommend the use of an independent battery monitor/alarm if you
have an expensive battery bank. Below is a list of some of the most common ways we have seen
people kill their battery bank.
•Using more than three parallel strings and not using common bus bars. With lead-acid
batteries, when you use more than three strings, it is very hard to properly charge the
middle strings. The only safe way to do this is to wire each string with equal length cables to
a common bus bar. Connect inverter cables to the farthest points on the busbars.

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•Not watching to verify the Absorb or EQ times are set properly and that the equipment
actually charges for that period of time. Some equipment will have settings like “End Amps”
that can terminate Absorb early and, if set up wrong, can damage a battery.
•Not using ALL EQUAL LENGTH interconnect cables on each string. It is important that ALL
strings be wired EXACTLY the same. Any variance in resistance on one string versus another
will cause an imbalance and the batteries will suffer a shortened lifespan.
•Trusting a State of Charge (SOC) meter, which can lose calibration over time and give you
false readings. You need to verify specific gravity and or verify the charge voltage is being
met. Never fully rely on the SOC %; it is just a good, quick reference.
•Routinely using more than 50% of the capacity of the lead acid battery. Using more than half
the battery capacity drastically shortens the batteries life; occasionally is fine, but daily will
kill lead acid batteries in months.
•Not leaving ample space between cells for cooling. We recommend at least one inch
between the cells for cooling. Ask the battery manufacturer what they recommend.
•Not having enough charge current to properly charge the size of the battery you have.
Consult the battery manufacturer for the minimum charge current.
•Using tap water or other liquids instead of distilled water in a flooded battery. The minerals
in the tap water will destroy a battery.
•Not verifying the temperature compensation neutral point (typically 25°C) and the milli volts
per degree C per cell (typically -5mV).
•Not verifying you are charging to the voltage supplied by the battery manufacturer.
•Not fully charging your lead acid batteries at least once a week.
•Failing to keep all connections clean.
HOW AN INVERTER/CHARGER WORKS
Inverter Mode
When an inverter is properly connected to batteries and turned on, the direct current (DC) from
the batteries is transformed into a pure sine wave alternating current (AC). This AC is similar to
the voltage provided by your utility and is used to power electrical appliances (AC loads)
connected to the inverter’s output.
Verify correct polarity with a multimeter BEFORE connecting the battery cables to the DIY E-Panel.
WARNING!

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Standby (Charger) Mode
When an external source of AC power (utility or generator) is connected and qualified on the
inverter’s AC input, the inverter then operates in Standby mode. The inverter operates as a
battery charger to convert the incoming AC power into DC power to recharge the batteries; at
the same time, the inverter automatically closes an internal AC transfer relay to pass the
incoming AC power directly to the inverter’s output to continue powering the connected AC
loads.
WIRING REQUIREMENTS
•The NEC (National Electric Code, ANSI/NFPA 70) for the United States and the CEC
(Canadian Electrical Code) for Canada provide standards for safely wiring residential and
commercial installations. The NEC/CEC lists the requirements for wire size, over-current
protection, and installation methods.
•Do not mix AC and DC wiring in the same panel unless specifically approved/designed for
both AC and DC wiring. Where DC wiring must cross AC or vice-versa, try to make the
wires at the crossing point perpendicular (90 degrees) to one another.
•AC and DC wires to and from the inverter must be protected as required by code. This can
be done by using jacketed wires or by feeding the wires through conduit or a conduit box.
•Always check for existing electrical, plumbing, or other areas of potential damage prior to
making cuts in structural surfaces or walls.
•The inverter requires a reliable negative and ground return path directly to the battery.
•Both AC and DC over-current protection must be provided as part of the installation.
•Use only copper wires with a minimum temperature rating of 90°C.
•The equipment ground is marked with this symbol:
DC Wiring
•Minimize the number of connections between the DIY inverter and the battery bank.
Exceptions are the DC breaker —required at the battery to protect the DC wiring—in the
In most electrical systems, the neutral-to-ground bond is located in the main utility service
entrance panel. Remove any bond downstream from the inverter to prevent multiple bonds.
If there is an inverter sub-panel—separate from a main electrical panel—it should have a
removable wire that allows the neutral bus to be unbonded from the ground busbar.
WARNING!

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positive line, and a DC shunt—to allow battery charge state monitoring—in the negative
line. Additional connections will contribute to voltage drops, and these extra connection
points may loosen during use.
•DC cables should be tied together with wire ties or electrical tape approximately every 6”.
This helps improve the surge capability and reduces the effects of inductance, which
improves the inverter waveform and reduces wear of the inverter’s filter capacitors.
•All wiring to the battery terminals should be checked monthly for proper torque/tightness.
If you don’t have a torque wrench, ensure all DC terminals are tight and cannot move.
•The DC cables/wires must be color coded with colored tape or heat shrink tubing: RED for
positive (+); WHITE for negative (-) if solidly grounded or BLACK if using a GFP breaker; and
GREEN for DC ground.
•Use the correct DC cable and corresponding circuit breaker to achieve maximum efficiency
from the system and reduce fire hazards associated with overheating.
•The DC cables must be fine strand, super flexible, such as Cobra cable (or equivalent) and be
approved for residential wiring per the NEC (THW for example).
•Do not use the inverter’s chassis in place of the battery negative connection for grounding.
The inverter requires a reliable return path directly to the battery.
•The DC busbars in the DIY E-Panel have dual sizes. The smaller nine holes accept #6 to #14
AWG wire and the larger two holes accept up to #1/0 AWG.
•A readily accessible battery disconnect is required and must be located within sight of the
battery system (NEC 480.7). The DIY E-Panel provides this.
•The 125ADC Inverter Battery breaker and Batt- busbar have studs that require cables with
5/16” terminal lugs.
•Ensure cables have a smooth bend radius and do not become kinked.
•Ensure both DC cables pass through the same knockout and conduit to allow the inductive
currents to cancel.
•Limit cable length to 6’ or less from DIY E-Panel to battery bank.
•The nominal battery bank voltage MUST be 48V!
DC Over-Current Protection
•The NEC requires both over-current protection (UL489 standards) and a disconnect switch.
If a circuit breaker is used as the over-current protection device, it can also be used as the
required DC disconnect.
•The DC over-current protection device must be installed on the positive DC cable and it
must be correctly sized according to the size of DC cables being used.

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AC Wiring
•When wiring the AC input and output circuits, we recommend a full system Inverter Bypass
Switch, which provides a convenient means to isolate the inverter for battery maintenance
and to continuously power AC loads without any re-wiring.
•The wire sizes recommended in this manual are based on the ampacities given in Table
310.17 (in free air) of the NEC, ANSI/NFPA 70, for 75ºC (167ºF) copper wire based on an
ambient temperature of 30ºC (86ºF).
•Always use properly rated circuit breakers. If using an electrical sub-panel, circuit breakers
can be moved from the main electrical panel to the sub-panel only if the breakers are also
listed to be installed in the sub-panel.
•The AC wiring must be protected from short circuits and overloads by an over-current
protection device (UL1077 standards) and have a means to disconnect the AC circuits.
•AC busbars (for neutral and hot) in the DIY E-Panel have dual sizes. The smaller nine holes
accept #6 to #14 AWG wire and the larger two holes accept up to #1/0 AWG.
•An AC generator wired into the DIY inverter must have an emergency shutdown device
located outside the dwelling at a readily accessible location (NEC 445.18).
•DO NOT connect the inverter’s output to an external AC power source. This could cause
severe damage to the inverter and is not covered under warranty.
•AC loads powered by the inverter will need to be installed into an electrical sub-panel with
branch breakers to power the AC loads.
•The AC IN and OUT neutrals are common and may be wired to a common neutral bus.
•Use #6 AWG, 600V wire for the AC IN and AC OUT wires.
AC Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI)
UL standards require the use of GFCI outlets or breakers on the AC output of an inverter.
•AC wiring must be no smaller than #6 AWG gauge copper wire.
•The inverter’s internal AC transfer relay is rated at 63A. The pass-through current
cannot exceed 63A or damage to the relay will occur.
CAUTION!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! Use only ground-fault circuit interrupters--receptacle(s) or circuit
breaker(s)--compatible with your inverter/charger.
WARNING!

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AC Over-Current Protection
•Over-current protection for power-feeder conductors from the inverter shall be within
seven inches of the output connections or may be within 40 inches of the output
connections if the unprotected insulated conductors are contained throughout their entire
distance in a sheath or enclosure such as a conduit/junction box or enclosed panel.
•The full AC continuous pass-thru capacity of the DIY inverter/charger is limited to 60A. AC
IN to the inverter requires a 60A continuous duty rated breaker, which corresponds to a
minimum cable size of #6 AWG. AC OUT requires a 60A breaker.
•The AC over-current protection device must be a circuit breaker or a fuse/disconnect and be
properly sized and branch circuit rated for the wire it is protecting and the appliances being
powered.
Arc Fault - The NEC requires any PV system DC circuit operating at 80VDC or greater must be
protected by an arc fault (AF) circuit interrupter.
Ground Fault - Since 2008 the NEC requires a DC Ground Fault (GF) Protection device on all
PV systems to indicate when a GF condition exists.
GROUNDING REQUIREMENTS
•Proper grounding is critically important for several reasons:
oEnsures voltages present throughout the system are all at the same ground
reference point.
oAdheres to National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.
oSafety –ensures all metal components are touch-safe.
oAllows stray current a return path to its source.
•The DIY inverter has two separate electrical systems –AC and DC; therefore, each electrical
system is required to be connected to a permanent, common, ground or earth reference.
•There are two types of grounding:
•The DIY inverter may be used in a negative grounded installation. For a grounded
system, bond Battery Negative to Ground.
•The DIY inverter is NOT intended for use with life support equipment or other
medical equipment or devices.
CAUTION!

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oEquipment Grounding –Grounding for exposed metal parts, like the inverter
chassis, solar panel frames, etc.
oSystem Grounding –The bonding of a current-carrying wire to earth ground, such as
a Neutral-to-Ground bond (AC), or Batt- bonded to ground (DC).
•The NEC assigns specific names to the various parts of a grounding system:
oGrounded Conductor (GC) –A current-carrying wire (AC Neutral or DC
Negative) that is connected or “bonded” to ground.
oEquipment Grounding Conductor (EGC) –A wire or cable that does not carry
current and connects exposed equipment metal to earth ground (Grounding
Electrode).
oGrounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) –A wire or cable that does not carry
current and connects the Grounding Electrode (GE; ground rod) to the Grounded
Conductor (GC) and the Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC).
oGrounding Electrode (GE) –ground rod.
oSystem Bonding Jumper (SBJ) –The connection between the Grounded
Conductor (GC) and the Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC).
•These different ground wires are sized: 1) Based on how the overall system is wired
together; 2) The number of ground electrodes (ground rods); and 3) The size of the largest
current-carrying wire (both AC and DC factor in).
DIY Inverter & E-Panel Grounding
•The easiest grounding installation with the DIY inverter and DIY E-Panel is shown below in
Figure 1. The reason it is easiest is that the entire system is bonded together at the same
ground busbar inside the DIY E-Panel AND there is only one ground rod.
•MidNite has selected the correct wire gauge
inside the DIY E-Panel for all the different
ground connections mentioned above. But the
exception is the Grounding Electrode Conductor
(GEC). If you wire your new DIY E-Panel
using either configuration as shown below
in Figures 1 & 2, then use #6 AWG wire.
Simple as that!
oIf you deviate from this
recommended ground wire method,
you must consult the NEC to determine
the correct GEC wire gauge.
Configuration #1 - Using the DIY E-Panel as the AC service panel (Figure 1).
DIY Inverter
&
DIY E-Panel
#6 AWG
GEC –AC/DC
Figure 1

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•All the required ground wires are contained within the DIY E-Panel.
•The DIY E-Panel serves as the only AC service panel for the off-grid application.
•The DIY E-Panel has DIN rail space for 5 AC branch circuit breakers.
•Bond DIY E-Panel Ground busbar to ground rod with #6 AWG wire for GEC-AC/DC.
Configuration #2 - Using a separate AC sub-panel (Figure 2).
•Using an existing AC sub-panel. The
DIY E-Panel AC OUT feeds this
existing AC sub-panel.
•Bond the AC sub-panel to the
Ground busbar in the DIY E-Panel
with #8 AWG ground wire. This
connection is called the Grounding
Electrode Conductor (GEC) for the
AC side of the system (GEC-AC).
•Bond DIY E-Panel Ground busbar to
ground rod with #6 AWG wire for
GEC-DC.
INSTALLATION
Before installing, read the entire installation section to determine how you are going to install
the DIY inverter and DIY E-Panel. The more thoroughly you plan in the beginning, the better
your overall system needs will be met.
Location Considerations
•Locate the DIY E-Panel as close to the batteries as possible. Long DC wires tend to lose
efficiency and reduce the overall performance of an inverter. Do not mount where it will be
exposed to gases produced by the batteries. Gases are corrosive and will damage the
inverter; also, if these gases are not ventilated and if allowed to collect, they could ignite
and cause an explosion.
•The NEC requires 30” clear on the wall. The DIY E-Panel may be located anywhere within
this 30”. The NEC also requires 36” free and clear of obstructions in front of the charge
controller. The 36” clear area in front of all electrical panels is to provide a space to fall
back into in case of electrical shock.
DIY Inverter
&
DIY E-Panel
AC Sub-panel
#8 AWG
GEC - AC
#6 AWG
GEC - DC
Figure 2

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•The area must be free from any risk of condensation, water, or any other liquid that can
enter or fall on the inverter. The DIY inverter and DIY E-Panel is indoor rated and should not
be placed outside unless precautions are made to keep rain and moisture off the system.
•Ensure the DIY inverter is accessible after it is mounted. The inverter is programmed and
data points monitored via an LCD screen and pushbuttons on the front panel. You will need
to access the inverter’s front panel during and after installation.
•Keep any flammable/combustible material (e.g., paper, cloth, plastic, etc.) that may be
ignited by heat, sparks, or flames at a minimum distance of 2’away from the inverter.
•Do not mount this inverter in a zero-clearance compartment, nor cover or obstruct the
ventilation openings—overheating may result. Fresh air intake is required!
•The DIY inverter and DIY E-panel combined weighs 25 pounds. The mounting surface and
hardware must be capable of supporting at least twice the weight.
•The DIY inverter and DIY E-Panel should not be installed in an area that allows dust, fumes,
insects, or rodents to enter or block the ventilation openings.
•The DIY inverter and DIY E-Panel should be protected from direct sun exposure or
equipment that produces extreme heat.
•Plan any conduit runs now. Typical wiring and routing examples:
oAC IN from grid or generator or transfer switch
oAC OUT to service or sub-panel
oDC cables to battery bank
•Mounted vertically on a flat, non-combustible surface.
Installations should be performed by a licensed or certified electrician. It is the installer’s
responsibility to determine which safety codes apply and to ensure that all applicable
installation requirements are followed.
The DIY E-Panel is designed for indoor installation or installation inside a weatherproof
enclosure. It must not be exposed to rain and should be installed out of direct sunlight.
CAUTION!
The DIY inverter is not ignition-protected. Do not install in any area that contains extremely
flammable liquids like gasoline or propane
.
WARNING!

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Knockout Prep Info
See technical drawing on page 28 for the location and dimensions of the knockouts on the DIY
E-Panel. Think about all the different wiring required and remove the appropriate knockouts
before mounting the DIY E-Panel.
Determine the knockout uses for:
•Wiring from the DIY E-Panel to an AC electrical panel;
•Wire runs from grid and/or a generator to the DIY E-Panel;
•Battery cable wiring from the battery bank to the DIY E-Panel;
•Attaching lightning arrestors (SPD).
Remove designated knockouts now using a flat bladed screwdriver and a hammer. Hold the E-
Panel firmly on a workbench, leave area at bottom for the knockout to move.
Mounting Procedures:
•Wire up the DIY E-Panel BEFORE mounting to the wall! Wiring instructions on page 18.
•With your DIY E-panel completely wired and your mounting location selected, secure and
level the DIY E-Panel to the mounting surface using appropriate mounting hardware.
•Now align the DIY inverter above the DIY E-panel, watch for the wires coming out of the top
of the E-panel. Mate the two units together. Secure the DIY inverter to the wall with
appropriate hardware.
oThe inverter has two mounting holes located on the flange at the top of the
inverter and a third hole in the bottom area of the inverter.
•You can mate together the DIY E-Panel to the DIY inverter if you want, to make one
complete assembly. Do this prior to installation. The inverter and E-panel do not have pre-
drilled holes to accomplish this. Mate the units together, drill holes, and lock together with
bolts and nuts.
The E-Panel metal is thin. Take care not to deform metal surrounding the knockouts!
It is easier to wire the E-Panel while it is lying horizontal on a table. Do as much as possible
before mounting the E-Panel on the wall.

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Figure 3 shows the DIY E-Panel as wired. Take a moment to review this system diagram. Notice
the different circuit breakers, busbars, inverter terminal blocks, and the flow of the wiring.
Figure 3

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WIRING THE DIY INVERTER & E-PANEL
The DIY E-Panel has 3 parts kits inside, labeled AC KIT, DC KIT, and PV KIT. It is easiest to wire
the E-Panel kit-by-kit. Reference Figure 5 on next page. Notice how the E-Panel is divided into
3 sections based on the 3 parts kits.
Reference wire drawings on pages 27-31.These drawings show the individual wires in each
parts kit, and the wiring designations. Wiring the E-Panel is easy when the wires are installed
number by number. To explain the wire designation system, look at the BAT wire example
below …
“BAT 01-2R”indicates …
“BAT” = Battery breaker wire
“01” = Wire #1
“2R” = #2 AWG red
Ground Wiring (Figure 4)
#1 / #3 - Connect green ground wire “AC-01-8G” between DIY
Inverter ground terminal and Ground busbar.
#2 / #3 - Connect green ground wire “AC-10-8G” between Neutral
busbar and Ground busbar. ONLY make one Neutral-to-
Ground bond in the entire system!
Torque all set screws.
#3
#1
#2
Figure 4
The DIY Inverter offers two Ground terminals, only one
needs to be bonded to the Ground busbar. The ground
screw on bottom of DIY inverter is common to the AC
ground and does not need to be bonded.

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Figure 5

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AC KIT
Install AC Breakers (Figure 6)
Locate the AC breakers and wires in the AC KIT and install as follows:
#1 –AC Bypass breaker, 60A.Flick out yellow lock-tab. Install it upside down. The breaker
mounts on the DIN rail from the top, then the bottom. Since this breaker is upside-down,
attach the “bottom” of breaker to the DIN rail, then the “top.” Leave yellow lock-tab out
(unlocked) for now.
#2 –AC OUT breaker, 60A. Install it right-side up. Attach the Z-clip
between the two AC breakers. Leave lock-tab out for now.
#3 –AC IN breaker, 60A. Install it right-side up. Leave yellow lock-
tab out for now.
Align AC Breakers (Figure 7)
Align the E-Panel front cover to the chassis, seeing if the installed AC
breakers are positioned correctly on the DIN rail relative to the
openings. Move the breakers as required. Push-in the yellow lock-
tabs on all 3 AC breakers.
#3
#1
#2
Figure 6
Ensure all sources of DC power (i.e., batteries, solar, wind, or hydro) and
AC power (utility or AC generator) are de-energized (i.e., breakers opened, fuses removed)
before proceeding—to prevent accidental shock.
WARNING!
Figure 7

MNE125DIY-120S Manual
20| P a g e 10-545 - 1 R E V : A
AC Wiring (Figure 8)
#1 / #6 - Connect black wire “AC-02-6B”at top of AC IN
breaker to DIY Inverter AC IN.
#1 / #5 - Connect white wire “AC-03-6W” to DIY
Inverter AC IN Neutral terminal and to Neutral
busbar.
#2 / #7 - Connect black wire “AC-04-6B” at top of right-
side AC OUT breaker to DIY Inverter AC OUT.
#5 / #7 - Connect white wire “AC-05-6W” to DIY Inverter
AC OUT Neutral terminal and to Neutral busbar.
#2 / #4 - Connect black wire “AC-06-6B”at AC IN busbar
to top of left-side AC Bypass breaker.
#2 / #3 - Connect black wire “AC-07-6B”at AC OUT
busbar to bottom left-side AC Bypass breaker.
#2 / #3 - Connect black wire “AC-08-6B” at AC OUT
busbar to bottom right-side AC OUT breaker.
#4 / #6 - Connect black wire “AC-09-6B” at AC IN busbar to
bottom of AC IN breaker.
Torque all setscrews (breakers and busbars).
DO NOT connect to AC source at this time.
#4
#6
#1
#2
#3
#7
#5
Figure 8
Route AC wiring
through the center
opening of the DIN rail.
TORQUE SPECS
DIY E-Panel DIY Inverter
Battery Breaker Studs - 220 in-lbs AC Terminal –10.6 in-lbs
Batt—Busbar Stud –220 in-lbs PV Terminal –7.1 in-lbs
AC/PV Breakers –20 in-lbs Battery Studs –80 in-lbs
- Small screws, #8 AWG, 25 in-lbs
- Small screws, #6 AWG, 35 in-lbs
Busbars - Large screws, #8 AWG, 40 in-lbs
- Large screws, #4-6 AWG, 45 in-lbs
- Large screws, #3-1/0 AWG, 50 in-lbs