That way will save on some PV wire, breaker/fusing. But if it were me, I’d take advantage of all three MPPTs. Stings of 8 panels.Now for your existing solar panels, in order to connect them to the Sol-Ark, you will be best served by connecting as follows:
Create 4 strings of 12 panels each in series. You size panels most likely have a Voc of 37 volts. 12 panels in series will result in about 444 volts, but only about 7-8 amps.
Take 2 of the strings and combine them in parallel using a combiner box. This will result in a Voc of about 444 volts and an Imp of about 16 amps.
This will use 24 panels. Install into the first MPPT input of the Sol-Ark
Repeat this again with the remaining 24 panels and install into the second MPPT input of the Sol-Ark.
The only way you can "take advantage" of an MPPT connection is if the panels are of different capacities between the MPPT connections or the array is facing in a different direction and or angle. Otherwise, there is nothing to be gained. Period, end of story.That way will save on some PV wire, breaker/fusing. But if it were me, I’d take advantage of all three MPPTs. Stings of 8 panels.
My thought was, if the 15K will take it, i could add more panels on a second awning later on, as i still have some of that steel tubing left over, possibly enough for an identical clone of the first one.That way will save on some PV wire, breaker/fusing. But if it were me, I’d take advantage of all three MPPTs. Stings of 8 panels.
Rather than "awning", lets agree to call this a covered car port or RV port, vehicle cover, etc. It is not an awning.
Multiple MPPT systems allow for better system monitoring and diagnostics. The independent tracking of each array permits more precise monitoring of individual panel performance, simplifying troubleshooting and maintenance.The only way you can "take advantage" of an MPPT connection is if the panels are of different capacities between the MPPT connections or the array is facing in a different direction and or angle. Otherwise, there is nothing to be gained. Period, end of story.
Everything was made from the same 4x4 inch square steel tubing, no other materials were used, posts, cross beams, it is all the same 4x4 steel.And it may not be able to hold up in windy conditions. How far into the ground do the posts penetrate? What is the spacing between front to back row of posts and between posts in the same front or back row?
If you do not want to have a interconnect agreement than after the Main disconnect panel you will need to install a transfer switch. A 200a MTS is not hard to setup. You would wire one side from the grid and the other side from your AIO. By having this MTS you could show isolation to your Elec Co. From the TS would be your panel that feeds the 3 sub panels.The point is i don't want to sign their stupid net metering BS, when you do the price per KW jumps up to like $2.50, their headquarters got burned to the ground years back, with the slimy crap they pull, i am not surprised it happened. They are welcome to do a safety inspection, but if they try to force me to sign that crap the Sherrifs Dept will be escorting them off the property, i have enough land to build 5 more identical arrays without hindering my plans for horse activities, etc... If they want to start a problem, ill just build more, and then order them to remove the meter entirely.
That was a guess as to the # of string because we really don’t know your panels Manufacture or model#.@glandpuck @Ampster @Nobodybusiness
I just ordered more unistrut to extend the existing track on the side of the shop, 6 x 4 ft lengths, i have other uses for it if i have some left over, and if someone wants to recommend the exact items from Amazon or elsewhere, I plan to order the combiner boxes, and the cabling to get the panels connected to them today, I can at least do that much to make some progress.
Lets build me a shopping list of the accessory hardware so i can get this moving. I looked quickly on amazon and all i see is 4 and 6 string combiner boxes... I dont see any 2 strings.
@wheelman55 i called them, they said they will get back to me.
Well that was a good guess.all panels are identical, and yes i know the vinyl is cracking on them, here in arizona we are a very dry climate thankfully, but i also plan to go through and put sealer on them, they are used panels, i paid 20 bucks a piece, the faces have no spider webing, no de-lamination, no air pockets or bubbling like ive seen on others its just the vinyl backing.
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Are you not going to use all 48 panels?i was kinda hoping to keep the DC side simple, and plug and play as possible, is there a downfall to using the 4 string combiner box that has the shutoff and all that inside it, and just capping off two of its inputs, using it as a 2 - 1 essentially, and giving each of the sets of 24 panels its own combiner box?
IF not, what amp circuit breakers should i make sure it has?