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I recently learned that the emergency disconnect at the meter must have a sign announcing the type and location of any other power sources. For a grid tie system this would be typically be the inverter disconnects usually mounted on the panel array structure. Not sure what's required if you...

Thx. just what I needed.

Presently designing a 15KW DIY grid tie system. There will be two 80' long panel arrays. I need a resource that will help me determine the spacing between the two rows so that the more southerly one does not shade the 2nd array. It's not a simple a geometry problem as you might think. thx in...

I have been investigating/designing a DIY grid tie system for several months. I am a retired elec engineer and have had multiple discussions with the EE at my utility and also with my favorite electrician re code requirements. The utility requires UL and CE listing for the devices but no...

Grid tie solar so no power if the utility is down. RV has a 7500 watt gen and very large gas tank (100 gal) which is always full waiting for the next road trip so power would be available for even an extended outage. Cost to install was just over $1000 for the outside isolation breaker, 4 pole...

You need to determine your elec loads in kilowatts and then multiply by how many hours of operation you need in 24 hours. Then you size the solar array and the battery bank to provide the required energy. The battery bank must be derated based on the maximum percent discharge you can impose on...

In the design phase for a system. I will need some disconnects and they always have ratings for AC. Does NEC require any different ratings for DC? I'm thinking specifically of the disconnects for the DC feeds from the panel strings. thx to anyone taking the time to offer advice. mark in MN

I am in the design stage for a ground mounted grid tie solar system. I've seen that RSD's are required for roof mount solar but have been unable to determine if they are required for a ground mount system. Doesn't seem like they would be needed if the inverters were mounted on the PV structure...

I am in the design stage for a ground mounted grid tie solar system. I've seen that RSD's are required for roof mount solar but have been unable to determine if they are required for a ground mount system. Doesn't seem like they would be needed if the inverters were mounted on the PV...

What is the projected life of a conventional solar panel? Assuming it is kept clean does it's output decrease over time? Is there a graph of output vs. age? thx to anyone taking the time to share info or links. mark in MN

thx for reply. I am new to this and unfamilair with "Voc" and "Vmp". The specified 525 volts is the sum of of 11 panels in series outputting their open ckt volts under optimum conditions. Feel free to correct me if I am approaching this wrong. thx for voltage drop calculator. mark in MN

Ground mount grid tie system design questions. Panel string (310w. X 11) will max out at approx 525v DC and approx 13 amps. Big box store THHN 14ga. wire rated at 600v. per string would be adequate if I did my numbers right. Tentative design is 4 strings DC fed approx 90' conduit to...

Central MN. 60mph typical max for winds. (never seen it higher than that in 20 years.) I am presently researching option for the supporting structure design for a ground mounted fixed array of 50 panels. Options are wood or steel. Wondering what arrangements are used to secure the panel...

solarpaneltilt.com a great resource. thx.

ground mount. Looking at pics many of the designs have support members running under and parallel to each side frame of the panels. Other merely have support elements running at right angles to the panel frames which makes for a far simpler structure. support elements paralleling the panel...

panels are 73" tall mounted at 45 degrees with bottom 1' above grade oriented straight south. zip is 56310 what is min space between rows to prevent shading even in winter with sun low in the sky? thx to anyone better at the geometry than me. mark in MN

I figure someone else has already had this idea so I thought I'd solicit input here. For reasons unrelated to a back up power system I am considering replacing my diesel UTV with an electric one. As I researched the elec utv it occurred to me that the battery bank in the utv represents a...

Application is stationary. I expect batt voltage at 24. Estimating 1000 - 1200w. solar total. At this point it's all open to change. Feedback has already been helpful.

thx for replies. Controllers I've been looking at are Renogy mppt 60a. for $320 vs. $700 for a similar (same features) 100a. unit so (2) 60's are less than one 100a. The double system will be somewhat more wiring but to me that's worth it to have a redundant system.

Rookie here. In the planning stages. Initial estimates indicate I'll need a charge controller rated for 100+ amps. Looking for a reason NOT to go instead with a split system and 2 smaller (60amp) controllers with independent but identical battery banks. cheaper and has redundancy. I can't...