Skip to main content
The Kent M1’s GEN port takes one of three exclusive roles: diesel generator input, AC-coupled third-party PV inverter, or smart-load output. You select the role on the LCD — and the selected location must match the physical wiring, or the system misbehaves. Decide the role before you pull cable, because the wiring and the settings have to agree.
For trained and authorised installers only.

​
Port limits

These limits apply to all three Kent M1 models regardless of the selected role:
ParameterValue
Max apparent power6600 VA
Max current30 A
Voltage220/230 V single-phase

​
Role 1 — Diesel generator

The GEN port accepts a single-phase diesel generator — the natural pairing for single-phase homes. Size the DG to fit within the port rating (≤ 6600 VA / 30 A). DO4 (16-way strip) is the DG start/stop dry contact — it closes (voltage-free) when the generator start signal is active. DI4 takes the ATS status feedback from the changeover switch. Configure the following LCD settings under the DG menu:
LCD settingDescription
DG enableTurn the DG function on
Connection portMust match the physical wiring (GEN port)
Max input powerCap for the connected DG — must be ≤ 6600 VA
Max DG charge currentLimits battery charging from the DG
DG rated powerThe nameplate power of the connected generator
Auto / ManualAuto: start at low-SOC threshold, stop at high-SOC threshold
Maximum single runtimePrevents continuous DG run — sets a time ceiling
Forced cooling timeRun-down period before final stop
Never allow the hybrid inverter to backfeed a running generator, and never combine a generator with a grid-tied inverter on the same system.

​
Role 2 — AC-couple (third-party PV inverter)

Use this role when an existing grid-tied PV inverter is being AC-coupled to the Kent M1 system.
  • The Kent M1 controls the coupled inverter using frequency-watt (Volt-Watt) control — it shifts frequency linearly toward the disconnect threshold and stops the coupled inverter at the configured stop frequency.
  • Configure the cut-off SOC (stop charging at this battery level) and the reconnect SOC (resume when battery drops to this level).
  • The access location is selectable as GEN port or BACKUP port — the LCD selection must match the physical wiring.
  • Metering for AC-coupled sites uses the 3-CT (single-phase supply) or 6-CT (three-phase supply) meter schemes — see CT & Meter.
Pending Kent validation — do not configure in the field. [KNB-VAL-10] AC-couple-on-BACKUP behaviour is under bench confirmation. Until published here, do not configure AC-coupling on the backup side. Where AC-coupling is required, use the GEN-port location only.

​
Role 3 — Smart load

Use this role to control a non-critical load — a geyser, pump, or similar — based on battery state of charge.
  • Always on when on grid: the smart load runs whenever grid is present.
  • Cut-off SOC: shed the smart load when battery SOC drops to this threshold.
  • Reconnect SOC: restore the smart load when battery recovers to this threshold.
Smart load is well-suited to a non-critical geyser or water pump that should run only when surplus energy is available, without drawing from the battery below a safe level.

​
Common mistakes

  • Role wired one way and selected another in the LCD — the source manual is explicit that the wrong access-location selection disturbs system operation.
  • DG sized to match the house load instead of the port ceiling — 30 A and 6600 VA is the absolute ceiling for the port.
  • Promising DG auto-start to a customer without wiring DO4 — the start signal requires the dry contact.

​
When to escalate

Escalate to Kent New Energy service only — through your registered Kent partner channel or the Kent service desk details on your work order. Do not contact any third-party or component-manufacturer support line for a Kent-branded system: tickets outside the Kent channel are not tracked, not covered, and can void warranty handling.