Search results

Hi everyone, I'm trying to find a way to automate my system to use battery power during high utility cost hours. My system off grid system is comprised of 4 Growatt SPF5000ES inverters tied to grid for backup, 3 are tied to PV arays totalling 15k watts combined, with 2 full racks (60kw) of...

I have that setting you are referring to set to SBU, I will look around for a 200 amp transfer switch. Thanks a bunch

That is exactly what I'm thinking and how I currently have tried to configure it using the two transfer switches. The only problem using these seams to be that they are 2 separate panels feeding 2 inverters each. As soon as you transfer one the inverters alarm and then the other. Then you have...

I like this idea and currently the growatts are handling all the I like this idea however the growatts only have one AC input which is currently tied to the grid. I think the configuration you are talking about would requier a large transfer switch that could auto transfer if AC was lost. In...

But I'll take a stab at understanding your description. ALL EQUIPMENT IS IN ONE BUILDING 300 FT FROM HOUSE Your grid service is located at a pole. And the generator is near the pole. CORRECT You also have a transfer switch that chooses between sending either the SOLAR or generator to the house...

Hi timeselectric, I'm sorry I dont have a good drawing but I did quick sketch and unloaded it here. You are correct, I have the grid tied to all 4 inverters via 4-50 amp breakers within two manual transfer boxes (see picture). All system neutrals including the generator are permanently...

I need some design help. I'm wanting to add 37.5 KW Generator to Mt system. Some place here I once saw a diagram of what the configuration would be for what im proposing but can't find it now. If anyone knows of it please provide me a location. Currently I have 4 spf5000es, 3 solar arrays 2...

I just went to calculate with the coefficient -.29 came out to be VOC of 435v on our coldest day. Under spec of 450 but not to your recommendation. I would think that the factory built in some head room in that spec. Under load vmp of 41v x 8 = 328v so very close to that sweet spot you...

What do you calculate my max VOC would be on those 8 seriesed Aptos 440 watt panels at 10 degrees ferenhight?

Yes it is 8 AWG so no worries there. I think the 6s2p config is a safe way to go with the new 12 panels. That way I don't have to retire any. I will monitor the 8s panels on cold mornings to see what they are at, no load. Had it not been a full year I would consider changing but will check...

What exactly are you saying is the fix for that?

I don't know why you say this, you did not say anything to back that up. I have been running 3 paralleled for a year now running my entire home, deep well pumps, heat pumps, freezers, no change in lifestyle with virtually no issues, I could not be happier.

Hi guys, I appreciate all your help. Incase you missed this. I have been running the 16 Aptos panels split in to 2 series arays, 8 each, feeding 1 growatt each for year now. The 3 growatts have been preforming well useng grid as backup SBU. The 12 new panels are my expansion along with 7 EG4...

So after all this discussion how would you configure the 12 new panels?

Yes, I made a mistake in origonal distance, it is 150ft. They are #8. Thanks for your help.

Or would 5 series x2 then paralleled be better that would retire 4.

Yes I think so, correct me if I'm wrong. I will wire 2 groups of 6 panels in series and then conect the 2 groups of 6 together in parallel. 49.35V x6 =296.10 VOC 10.96 Amp Over all 296.10 VOC 21.92 Amp I have 8 gage wire, should be okay. I will leave my existing 8 series aray x 2 as is. That...

Now I'm beginning to understand, thanks for helping. So with the 12 newly added panels I could only use 8 series. Or 6 series 6 parallel and that would be written 6s1p x2. If I did that what size cable? Would that work?

Lol so 8s 1 p = 8 I was thinking 8 would be series plus 1 parallel. Wire is 8 gage 150ft that should handle that with a little less than 2% loss. If I did that I would only retire 1 panel. Your thoughts?

Okay then 8s1p retire one. How does that sound?

With all that said what would be the problem with a calculated VOC of 447.1V? That's 9 panels in series. Inverter spec is 450V.

Agreed

I agree that I want to keep voltage up for less loss.

Okay, I will agree with that. If we use the rated panel VOC x series panels that should be a max number...correct? I also have heard that you have a 25% over spec limit but I don't want to try that.

If I did that I would be over in amp max of 22, it would be around 30 and u usable above 22, max watts are 6000.

I have been running 16 and now adding 12 for a total of 28

Why do you say 8 or 9 are to many? I have been running 2 - 8 panel arrays with no problems. I have never seen it close to the calculated VOC of 399.2V.

Is 9 panels @449VOC to close to 450V inverter max.

What would be the reason I could not do that?

9s The 430V number is spf5000es inverter max mppt voltage. I'm assuming you use panel VMP spec to see if you are in range. The 9 panels VMP equal 369V well under the 430V spec. VOC equal 449.10 V still under 450V max VOC spec. Should be okay don't you think?

Okay I think I have this worked out. My statement of PV voltage goes up with temp was incorrect, it goes down. Knowing that helps with configuration. VOC is no load VMP is loaded which is when mppt will be maximizing, 9s vmp is well bellow the 430V max mppt spec. So I have 28 panels total. 3x9s...

After more research and checking inverter distance from aray, correction it is only 130 ft. #8wire. Also looking at inverter specifications it says mppt range is 130v to 430v. I'm not familiar with this limitation and assume you want to stay under that 430v. What happens if over that limit for...

I'm hoping to not retire any, I should have stated 9s1p for the solarever aray producing 441.05V that would use all the panels. Or I could not parallel any, run 3x9 and retire one or 9s1p 9s 9s. I was thinking if it is true that the sweet spot for the inverters is around 330V 18 A that a 8s1p...

I'm trying to decide what would be the best PV configuration for my 3 spf5000es inverters. I currently have 16 Aptos 440W VOC 49.9V Imp 10.47A configured 8/s in to 2 of 3 spf5000es inverters with 6 lifepo4 battery's. I'm adding 12 solarever 445 Watt VOC 49.05 V Imp 10.89A. I'm needing a...