Grid-tied solar

[TnAndy]

One of the reasons I'm leaning to enphase micro inverters is because they are scalable... in that you can add to the system without having to size a large inverter.

Yep. Just try to have in mind what you plan to expand to eventually.

You can put 17-M215's on a single circuit....so if you planed to start, say, with 5 or 8/etc panels, but were pretty certain you were gonna expand before too long, I'd go ahead and buy the cable for the other 12 "drops" (as they call them), and just plug in the covers they make on the unused portions of the cable for now. That way, when you do expand, it really IS plug and play. And you won't have multiple cables ( and capping the far ends) to deal with. Just a suggestion.....

 

[aczlan]

My guess ( and it's purely a guess ) is grid tied inverters could be 'fooled' by something like you suggest.

Again, you would need a battery bank as a buffer, because if you loaded up on use, and a cloud goes over, you're gonna have a brown out, and maybe kill some equipment....then you get into charge controllers to maintain batteries, and such....so it's not a simple connect A to B kinda thing. If you want off grid capacity, you ought to get it the right way from the start, not try backing into it later....IMHO.....

My own system is a combination of 5kw of grid tie only inverters (Enphase micro inverters), and 6kw of Outback, battery based inverters. My thinking is SHOULD the grid go down for a long time, I could simply connect the output of the Enphase inverters to the off grid output side of my Outback inverters (which puts out cleaner power than the power company), and the Enphase inverters would probably recognize that as "grid" power...and fire up. I haven't done it, and I don't know if it will work, but in theory, it ought to. I wouldn't bother unless the grid looked like it was gonna be down for a LONG time, and I had 5kw of solar panels/inverters sitting there doing nothing anyway.....yeah, I'd be tempted to give it a shot.

My thought with a inverter generator is that it would be running loads within its capacity (ie: lights, circ pumps for HW heat, fridge at times, etc) but that the panels would let the generator "loaf along" vs running full out and as long as the total load was within the generators output rating, it should be fine.


Aaron Z

 

[TnAndy]

One way to find out.........

 

[Redneck in training]

Yep. Just try to have in mind what you plan to expand to eventually.

You can put 17-M215's on a single circuit....so if you planed to start, say, with 5 or 8/etc panels, but were pretty certain you were gonna expand before too long, I'd go ahead and buy the cable for the other 12 "drops" (as they call them), and just plug in the covers they make on the unused portions of the cable for now. That way, when you do expand, it really IS plug and play. And you won't have multiple cables ( and capping the far ends) to deal with. Just a suggestion.....

There is a limit on number of microinverters you can put on single cable. But I agree with buying cable with maximum number of connectors. To be safe you might need a sink with voltage regulator that will sink exces power to keep the voltage below the inverter trip level.

 

[buickanddeere]

I spoke with someone from the company and I do not believe there is any battery(s) involved.

It produces limited real time power from available sunlight and that is it.

The person I spoke with said the intent was to provide an option... such as a small refrigerator, electronics or even charge battery packs.

I'm intrigued because this is the only combination I have found off the shelf that promises grid tied power AND the possibility of limit daylight power with the grid down.

I'm hoping this is just the first step in that direction... otherwise, I like the enphase micro inverters...

I've talked to a number of solar people this year... everyone from the kiosks at Home Depot to licensed Solar electricians/installers... only one even knew of the Sunnyboy option...

Just goes to show you need to do your own research!

Ultra

The company is telling people what they want to hear in order to make some sales. A battery bank buffer is required or the system is just going to cycling and slamming relays.

 

[JPRambo]

I have been considering a solar array for my property in N. Georgia. I am not there but a few scattered weeks a year. I will need it for a well pump and power my camper. What needs to be done when I will not be using the power? I know it will need batteries to power the camper at night. But, is there a system that can be turned off when not needed for a couple, few months a ta time?

 

[buickanddeere]

Why turn it off? The batteries last longer if floated at the proper voltage.

 

[dave1949]

I have been considering a solar array for my property in N. Georgia. I am not there but a few scattered weeks a year. I will need it for a well pump and power my camper. What needs to be done when I will not be using the power? I know it will need batteries to power the camper at night. But, is there a system that can be turned off when not needed for a couple, few months a ta time?

I don't see that as a good use situation of solar power--mainly because you are not there enough to make it worth while. Theft would be a concern too.

I would recommend a good gas generator sized to your well pump draw. There are variable voltage and/or soft-start well pumps that could be run from a fairly small, quiet running and easy to transport generator that you could also use elsewhere.

 

[JPRambo]

The reason I am thinking of solar for this is:
I do not have power on the property.(I need to get easements from neighbors and $4000 to install.)
I also need to have a well drilled (another $4000 - $4500) and I thought since there is no power available, I would go with a solar set up for the well and the camper when we are there. I have a 12' x 16' shed where I would mount the solar on the roof and store the batteries.

 

[TnAndy]

I don't see that as a good use situation of solar power--mainly because you are not there enough to make it worth while. Theft would be a concern too.

I would recommend a good gas generator sized to your well pump draw. There are variable voltage and/or soft-start well pumps that could be run from a fairly small, quiet running and easy to transport generator that you could also use elsewhere.

I'm a solar fanatic, but in this instance, I'd have to agree with Dave. A decent generator could be bought for under 2k, and to set up a solar power system to equal it would run you 2-4 times that. (or more) If you planned to be there more like several months out of a year, it would make more sense....otherwise, go with the generator.

As far as having to 'turn it off', you don't. An off grid system takes care of the battery bank first, and if there is no other use for the power, it simply doesn't generate.