North American generators come in either 120/240V split phase or strictly 120V output configurations . A 120V renewable energy system with a prewired 120V generator will simplify installation as a 240V generator will with 240V systems.

As all the system's neutral and ground points are tied together in one location by requirement, the ground-to-neutral connection in the generator's wiring must be replaced.

Energy Meters

An electrical energy meter functions to record the flow of electrons into and out of the battery (current imported or exported). A shunt will convert this flow of current into a measurable signal for the meter, recording the amount of energy generated and consumed. This shunt is often mounted in the breaker chassis and wired in series to the negative terminal of the battery.

It's worth adding a shunt and prewired energy meter to a prewired system. These devices are capable of recording the amount of energy generated and consumed as well as determining the state of battery charge to prevent damaging over-discharging.

Check the individual energy meter's documentation for the best connection for your system. If the small-gauge signal wire cable (which is normally a #22 to #28 AWG) exits through the breaker chassis, add an anti-rubbing bushing to prevent damage.

Prewired panels should have a manufacturer-installed shunt as large wire gauges with tight chassis conditions generally make installation very difficult.