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  1. pvgirl

    Is such a thing as off grid internet possible?

    There is a bit of a difference between using open source software on someones on own hardware, and wanting free access to a massive global network infrastructure.
  2. pvgirl

    Is such a thing as off grid internet possible?

    the internet is pretty much the opposite of offgrid, sounds like you want a basically a way to connect to a massive global communications network, but not pay for any of the costs of building and maintaining the network that brings that access to you?
  3. pvgirl

    Metal roof panel mounting - Custom design questions

    A custom designed framing system would most likely need to have plans that have been reviewed and stamped by an engineer to make sure the roof can support support the framing and panels, and is strong enough to handle wind and snow loads. The code requirements for solar panel mounting is in the...
  4. pvgirl

    Please help with the cable size for multiple strings

    t90/twn75 wire seems to be close to what we in usa call thhn/thwn wire. Using that in 14awg in the conduit would work, you want green for the ground.
  5. pvgirl

    Please help with the cable size for multiple strings

    14 AWG wire can be used, and voltage drop will still be under 3%, I wouldn't combine the negatives together, and instead just run 5 wires + and - for 2 strings and a ground wire.
  6. pvgirl

    PV Overvoltage Protection 6000xp

    Circuit breakers are over current devices, so a 600v/20a breaker will trip above 20 amps of current, regardless of the voltage. The 600volt rating of the breaker is the maximum voltage the breaker can interrupt, but the breaker will not trip on voltage. Protection from over voltage should be...
  7. pvgirl

    E-Stop for EG4 6500ex-48

    Do you have a code reference for this requirement? Disconnect requirements very depending on code versions. A simple disconnect switch for the AC output of the inverter, that disconnects the supply of to the rest of the house, located outside may be enough to satisfy this requirement.
  8. pvgirl

    EG4 18KPV backfed (?) breaker

    If this system is going to be permitted or inspected, it would up to the inspector/AHJ if the software configuration of the inverter to disable export would be an acceptable enough control to not require the 120% rule to be enforced.
  9. pvgirl

    Sol-Ark 12K Battery Backup Solution Diagram

    One option would be to remove the grid input from panel A and do a supply/service side tap before one of the panels, and connect to the grid input thru a dedicated 60amp fused disconnect, or enclosed circuit breaker.
  10. pvgirl

    Best material to insulate batteries? Best R-value?

    Those vacuum insulated panels can not be cut, and must be protected from damage. The vacuum is provided by what is basically a sealed myler type bag, if cut, punctured or other wise damaged, the vacuum will be lost, and most of the insulating value would be lost.
  11. pvgirl

    Please help with the cable size for multiple strings

    12 AWG is fine for individual strings, if you want to combine the 2 strings at the array you would need to use 10 AWG instead. 7x12 AWG, or 2x12 AWG and 3x10AWG, or 5x10AWG, would all be acceptable options. Even with a ground rod at the array code still requires are ground wire to be run with...
  12. pvgirl

    PV Disconnect types

    Code requires that disconnects be operable without exposing the operator to live parts so a switch mounted inside a box would no be acceptable, without using an enclosure that provides a cover or dead front over any contacts. One option is to use a switch that extends the control to the outside...
  13. pvgirl

    Please help with the cable size for multiple strings

    Yeah 3 strings of 8 is going to be your best bet, 2 strings in parallel on one input and 1 string on the 2nd input. You can start with 2 strings of 7 on one input, and 1 string of 8 on the other.
  14. pvgirl

    Please help with the cable size for multiple strings

    The exact design will depend on which sol-ark 5k model you have, the 5K-1P-N 120volt or the 5K-2P-N 120/240volt. Also we need to consider the record cold temperature at your location, we need to make sure the open circuit voltage of the strings will not exceed to the inverter rating. You will...
  15. pvgirl

    IS PREDATOR 8750/7000 GENERATOR A SPLIT PHASE 240v OUTPUT?

    Yeah that 120/240 output is a split phase output.
  16. pvgirl

    Run from Microinverters to Backfeed Breaker, how do ya do it?

    You can just use any load center as the combiner for AC micro inverters.
  17. pvgirl

    Off grid but still receive a utility bill

    Most electric utilities have a base charge for being hoked up to the grid.
  18. pvgirl

    Run from Microinverters to Backfeed Breaker, how do ya do it?

    You can just run to the back feed breaker, you will need to consider the rating of your panel and main breaker to stay within the limits for how much solar you can connect per NEC 2020 705.12(B)(3) For rapid shutdown you will need to make sure there is a disconnect mounted outside to initiate...
  19. pvgirl

    My Stacked Sol-Ark12k Setup

    This is where UL 9540 and 9540A come in, these standards and testing show the safety of the the system in configurations that are outside the limits in the IRC. UL 9540A is the large scale fire testing referenced in that section, showing that the batteries have p[passed 9540A and are installed...
  20. pvgirl

    EG4 18kPV Q+A general thread

    Yes the other panel will consume excess solar to meet it's demands.
  21. pvgirl

    New forum function suggestion

    On of the pages that have a list of posts, at the top of the list on the right is a filter drop down, choosing unanswered posts will only show posts with zero replies.
  22. pvgirl

    Conduit for PV Wire

    In the conduit you can use any 10AWG wire, such as THHN in a green color. Outside of the conduit where connecting to the array and mounting 6 AWG wire is required for protection from damage.
  23. pvgirl

    3S7P 18650 Battery Packs

    A setup of only 3 batteries in series, will likely not be able to handle the voltages that a Lead acid based charger is putting out, and would be using to monitor and detect proper charging. Depending on how the batteries are wired in the UPS, there may be issues with the batteries getting out...
  24. pvgirl

    Conduit for PV Wire

    I would 2nd the recommendation to use THHN in the conduit if possible, it will be cheaper and doesn't have as thick insulation. You can transition to THHN at junction box at the array. Just be sure to verify the THHN wire you use has THWN rating as well so it can be used underground, most THHN...
  25. pvgirl

    Conduit for PV Wire

    Simple summing the diameters is not the correct way to determine what will fit in a circular area. Using a conduit fill calculator can figure out what you need. https://www.southwire.com/calculator-conduit If we do the math manually we need to work in area taken up by a cable, 0.28 inch...
  26. pvgirl

    Conduit for PV Wire

    With that current you won't have to worry about derating. If you want extra protection you can use electrical conduit and be code compliant. PVC electrical conduit is available, you can use schedule 40 PVC conduit underground but you will need to transition to schedule 80 PVC conduit before...
  27. pvgirl

    Conduit for PV Wire

    Plumbing pipe is not an approved wiring method per the NEC, and that would not be code compliant. With that many wires in one conduit or direct buried in a single trench the amp rating of the wire will be reduced 70%, if your wire is 90c rated 10awg would be derated to 28 amps. You will be...
  28. pvgirl

    Any inline 48v water heaters?

    This is basically a tanked water heater, unless there's some other form of energy storage that's efficient enough to make more cost effective then a tank of water. There's not really any way around the large amount of energy it takes to heat water.
  29. pvgirl

    Off grid 19kWp system

    UL9540 is required in IRC 2018 and later, but IRC 2015 predates UL9540 so it isn't required.
  30. pvgirl

    NEC 2017 - RSD and setbacks question

    On RSD I would check with the local inspector, or building department to see if they will require RSD on the barn, while the code technically requires RSD some places with not require it on non occupied buildings. Per Florida Building Code R324.6 exception 1 roof access setbacks are not...
  31. pvgirl

    Off grid 19kWp system

    Breakers will be sized to 125% of the continuous output current of the inverter. There should be only one neutral ground bond in the system, the location would normally be at the service disconnect for your grid connection. This is to insure there is a place for the power to go when the grid...
  32. pvgirl

    Santan solar deal

    Just an FYI, you can get brand new panels for not much more: https://inxeption.com/pdp/flash-sales/inxeptionmarketplace/default-ne-solar-nese-370-60mh-m6-containers-106-modules-?showTimer=true&st=products&
  33. pvgirl

    Very good quality butt connectors needed

    Here is one for just the 3M heat shrink connectors: https://www.digikey.com/short/t0zvh25b
  34. pvgirl

    Shore power circuit breaker

    That one is designed to be attached to a panel, with screws using the threaded holes on the front. You can use this blue sea panel: https://www.bluesea.com/products/8173/A-Series_Double_Blank_Mounting_Panel or fabricate your own.
  35. pvgirl

    Very good quality butt connectors needed

    Digikey https://www.digikey.com has them, and will sell you just one if you want, or other small quantities.
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