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  • Post in thread: Array Grounding - Just Double Checking before I go Live

    Ok, if that is what you are referring to, they are all in the same raceway channel, so that is not an issue. I just wasn't understanding the reason for taking that ground to the Inverter chassis instead of the common ground. I probably do need to bond the breaker panel ground to the larger...
  • Post in thread: Temp extreme applications

    Never thought about golf cart batteries....I'll add them to the research......good idea.
  • Post in thread: Temp extreme applications

    Anyone have a recommendation for a decent kit for my application? or a suggestion on brands? Still got to figure out the temp question Thanks
  • Post in thread: Array Grounding - Just Double Checking before I go Live

    Not sure I understand. I'm grounded at the panel, but the Growatt sits right next to it and there is a ground from the panel to the Growatt, so essentially, the array is grounded to the same rod as the breaker panel and Growatt. Or are you saying I need something else?
  • Post in thread: Panel Layout

    Guys, I think I got some bad advice here, and if so, this is going to be a big problem. I felt like an idiot for my plan to group two sets of panels in series, and based on what I was told above, I installed all 4 panels in series and am producing 176 VDC. That might sound great, but I went...
  • Post in thread: Temp extreme applications

    Thanks. I'm afraid this may be my only cost effective solution. As cold as it gets some days, I just dint know how well the heated batteries would work.
  • Post in thread: Temp extreme applications

    Good to know. I've looked at several.
  • Post in thread: Temp extreme applications

    Keeping them cooler should be easier than keeping them warm, given we are going to be on a pretty thick slab in the shade with plenty of ventilation in the summer. I'm not near as worried about the heat as I am damaging something by trying to charge cold. I appreciate the input.
  • Post in thread: Best place for min panel purchase.

    Installing a small DIY system for a storage building that I am having put up. Power consumption will be very minimal...mainly running lights when I am in the building and an internet relay / camera security system. I might plug in an air compressor now and again or something along those lines...
  • Post in thread: Panel Layout

    Wiring is under the panels, tied to the rails. . I would have to pull the panels to access it.
  • Post in thread: Best place for min panel purchase.

    Yep...I think with 6 panels I should have much more than enough capacity to keep everything charged. I will likely go weeks without ever turning on the lights, so the only real draw would be the security system.
  • Post in thread: Temp extreme applications

    New to the world of off grid solar, and still doing a bunch of research....watching all of the videos available, etc. I have a good deal of house and light industrial wiring experience, but this will be my first solar build. I live in Kansas, where the weather is decent for most of the year...
  • Post in thread: Panel Layout

    Nope, high pitch slick metal roof. It takes a boom to keep them from sliding off.
  • Post in thread: Hello from KC. I have a question and this forum seems active. ........ Copper versus Alu busbar???

    From the Lawrence area and grew up in western KS. If either of you are planning any panel purchases in the very near future, I would love to split a pallet. I'm looking for about 8 panels and hate to buy more than I need, but the minimums and shipping suck.\
  • Post in thread: Lots of Surplus Hardware and Connectors - KC Area

    I realize I am not in the solar installation hub of the world here, but I have a lot of install hardware I acquired in a trade. Bunches of aluminum "L" brackets, standoffs, mounts, rail splices, ground lugs and other odds and ends, along with a lot of stainless lag screws and assorted nuts and...
  • Post in thread: Panel Layout

    Want to make sure I understand this correctly, as I want to minimize the trips my old arse has to be on the slick metal roof...lol I'm doing an off-grid 30 X 50 storage building, using a Growatt 3000 48V inverter with 4 renogy 12V cells wired in series. No AC input. I have 4 VSUN455-144BMH...
  • Post in thread: Grounding and bonding.

    Agreed, I guess that was why I was thinking it was safer to bond in the panel where I was also going to ground, but given the proximity to each other, it really should not matter. Thanks for the input everyone.
  • Post in thread: Panel Layout

    Thanks...things happen. I shouldn't have second guessed myself. I'm working on a new inverter. Should be here next week.
  • Post in thread: Array Grounding - Just Double Checking before I go Live

    I realize this has been beat to death, and I believe I have it correct based on my reading, but just wanted to double check. Metal shop totally off grid, 3000W Growatt inverter, 48V system. Array is on the roof, and under the "same ground for everything" principal, I am just double checking...
  • Post in thread: Best place for min panel purchase.

    Figuring 1500 watts or so out of 6 or 8 panels should do it. I have a couple of places I am looking at...thanks for the recommendations.
  • Post in thread: Array Grounding - Just Double Checking before I go Live

    I know I am sounding dense, but still not understanding how that is different from what I have. I have one ground rod that both the interior electrical system and the rooftop array chassis are hooked to. Interior, the ground wire runs from the ground rod to the main panel and then runs from...
  • Post in thread: Array Grounding - Just Double Checking before I go Live

    Ok, that part i can understand to to the potential difference in ground, but I do have a pretty robust ground cable coming in from the array, and if I take it to the panel or panel conductor, I would need to increase the size of my panel ground to match as well? Correct? Or I guess I can just...
  • Post in thread: Grounding and bonding.

    I'm constructing a metal building to be used as a boat shed and storage. There will be no utility hookup, I am simply installing a small array and 48V system to power lights, small compressors, chargers, etc. I have a small 100A 6-position breaker panel I am using for distribution, and once...
  • Post in thread: Grounding and bonding.

    I guess that makes sense if the inverter is considered the source. Would I still earth ground at the panel? Or would I ground the inverter?
  • Post in thread: Panel Layout

    I appreciate the info, but with all due respect, I did do a lot of research, and the panels were not purchased, they were given to me in trade by an individual that bought several lots at an auction for a solar company that went out of business a couple of months ago in KCMO (he just wanted the...
  • Post in thread: Panel Layout

    Thanks, now that I understand what I was looking at, it makes sense.
  • Post in thread: Panel Layout

    There was nothing wrong with the original plan. I had it right from the beginning, but when I started asking for advice, I got into trouble. It's obvious this isn't going to work now that the panels are set, so I am looking at either a charge controller or a different inverter. Raising the...
  • Post in thread: Array Grounding - Just Double Checking before I go Live

    It is...there is a ground going to the inverter from the panel, and it has an internal bond to the chassis if I am reading things correctly. If I run another ground, I would end up with multiple grounds I would think.
  • Post in thread: Array Grounding - Just Double Checking before I go Live

    I can ground the chassis easy enough, but I didn't because of fear of multiple paths to ground. You are saying it won't matter?
  • Post in thread: Array Grounding - Just Double Checking before I go Live

    OK, I'll make it happen. Thanks
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