DIY Solar Combiner Box

[Fosse]

 

[Bluemalibu]

Very nice !

What are the two gauges of wire?

 

[Fosse]

Very nice !

What are the two gauges of wire?

WindyNation 8 AWG 5 feet Solar Panel Extention Cable cut into 2 with new ends added on 2 of the pieces to correct polarity. Connected to 2 OEM 10 gauge series connected solar panels on one side and spare cables (right side) for 2 more in the futute.

WindyNation 6 gauge Power-Flex welding/battery cable is a premium grade, PURE copper cable 25 feet Red 25 feet black

 

[PHoganDive]

FYI, Combining more than 2 panels or strings of panels in parrallel can be dangerous if each panel or string is not individually fused. If any panel or string develops an issue, it can be back-fed by the combined current of all the other strings, which may well be above it's ability to handle it, creating a fire hazard. If you check any commercially available combiner box, it will be that way for safety reasons.

 

[Fosse]

So in this scenario we would be required to have fuses on the output of each series string to protect for a fault if this ever were to occur in the system.

 

[gnubie]

I don't know the regulations in your area so this may not be possible, but water will get into everything. It'll wick and flow along joins in boxes etc. Maybe consider putting a weep hole in the downslope corners of the box to let any water that might get in escape before it fills up the box to the level of the exit conduit.

 

[John Frum]

The fancy solution is a goretex vent.

 

[Woggs1]

Has anyone used this?:

Dinkle Assembly Kit DK10N Red/Black 10 Gang with Jumpers DIN Rail Terminal Blocks, 6-20 AWG, 60 Amp, 600 Volt: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Dinkle Assembly Kit DK10N Red/Black 10 Gang with Jumpers DIN Rail Terminal Blocks, 6-20 AWG, 60 Amp, 600 Volt: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[Bluemalibu]

Wow... that is certainly much cheaper than the miniature circuit breakers that I chose to utilize.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07351F2J1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[gnubie]

Cheaper but the MCB will also serve as a disconnect switch so don't forget that aspect of it

 

[Supervstech]

View attachment 3945
View attachment 3946

View attachment 3948

Very pretty, and simple.

are your panels code compliant? Will they disconnect below 30v when open circuit at the main panel?

 

[Fosse]

Very pretty, and simple.

are your panels code compliant? Will they disconnect below 30v when open circuit at the main panel?

Please explain?

 

[Supervstech]

Please explain?

Home attached solar needs to disconnect all voltage output within 12 inches of the panels below 30v when ground disconnect is opened.
I HATE this rule, but many states require it.

 

[Fosse]

Changes to Article 690 in NEC 2017

 

[Fosse]

Webinar | Rapid Shutdown Overview

 

[HomeTownHockeyFan]

Fosse,
Looks nice. You mind posting a link to that box?

Thanks...David

 

[Fosse]

Fosse,
Looks nice. You mind posting a link to that box?

Thanks...David

Waterproof Dustproof IP67 Junction Box

A Wider one would be even better because of less work on fitting the nuts on the cable glands. (or more MC4 pairs). The plastic nuts required staggering and slight grinding.

Cable Glands

 

[HomeTownHockeyFan]

THANKS!