Solar generation in rain/cloudy conditions

TedLasso said:
With Sunsynk 8kva inverter , what is the theoretical PV max one can install across the two MPPTS?

On one MPPT, I have 8x 545w (first install) - all installed together
Second MPPT, 8x 600w, in 2 , 2, 4 config. One of the 2 panels seriously fscks up generation , as in winter, tree is still blocking them until 11am.

All on North facing and I have space for putting 8 more without being affected by trees. And the entire South facing roof, which could hold 20 panels itself not that I wanna put anything there.

Hoping with the extra PV, to put a heat pump for the pool

I know voltage is important, but also recall reading inverter can deal with super clipping
Click to expand...
If you have this space why have panels affected by trees until 11am in the first place?
 
biena said:
2 on one roof 2 on another and 4 on yet another roof, that is my understanding
Click to expand...

wingnut771 said:
No wonder it doesnt work until 11am.
Click to expand...
Typical Installer kak. Zero understanding of what a series panel connection means. Definitely wont work if thats the case. Whole string will be dragged down to the performance of the worst panel generation.
 
wingnut771 said:
If you have this space why have panels affected by trees until 11am in the first place?
Click to expand...
Because the part of roof was unusable , as I have solar heating panels for the pool x 9 of them!

Yup 2: 2: 4 means two panels, 2 panels and 4 panels all on the north facing roof - seperated.

Considering they were expensive to install at the time, didn't want to dump them. The 2nd PV array installed Last December is fantastic in Summer, but really bad in winter, The middle two of the panels are blocked by tree shade until 10.30 AM in winter. So the most powerful arrray is not being maximised.

Another option is to consider swap the 600w panels to the place where PV1 array and vice versa. Trying to see how to get everything done once.

I created this last week to check their performance. This is today, makes sense to swap the panels as a first step.
1787042478974.png

BTW, I also have a suspicion that some of the panels in PV2 are disconnected somehow... it's weird how for a while now, it doesn't generate as much power as expected even when no sunshade. As you can see, the peak is sharp ..

Definitely though, after the rains last week, PV gen on both bumped up!

EDIT: forgot load yesterday was low : we weren't at home.
 
Last edited:
denmendez65 said:
Typical Installer kak. Zero understanding of what a series panel connection means. Definitely wont work if thats the case. Whole string will be dragged down to the performance of the worst panel generation.
Click to expand...
Have to say the guys were good and professional. Even sorted out and re-did all the hubble wiring that the second installer did the bare minimum with when they installed the second battery a few years ago. They were installed in Summer, those panels generated like you can't believe. Now just caught in winter. I would be calling them again to redo / rejig depending on what I decide and what the boss allows at home :)
 
TedLasso said:
Because the part of roof was unusable , as I have solar heating panels for the pool x 9 of them!

Yup 2: 2: 4 means two panels, 2 panels and 4 panels all on the north facing roof - seperated.

Considering they were expensive to install at the time, didn't want to dump them. The 2nd PV array installed Last December is fantastic in Summer, but really bad in winter, The middle two of the panels are blocked by tree shade until 10.30 AM in winter. So the most powerful arrray is not being maximised.

Another option is to consider swap the 600w panels to the place where PV1 array and vice versa. Trying to see how to get everything done once.

I created this last week to check their performance. This is today, makes sense to swap the panels as a first step.
View attachment 1930488

BTW, I also have a suspicion that some of the panels in PV2 are disconnected somehow... it's weird how for a while now, it doesn't generate as much power as expected even when no sunshade. As you can see, the peak is sharp ..

Definitely though, after the rains last week, PV gen on both bumped up!

EDIT: forgot load yesterday was low : we weren't at home.
Click to expand...
If they all on the same roof, facing same angle then it doesnt really matter then. Thought it was like different angles etc on different facing roods. My bad.
 
TedLasso said:
Because the part of roof was unusable , as I have solar heating panels for the pool x 9 of them!

Yup 2: 2: 4 means two panels, 2 panels and 4 panels all on the north facing roof - seperated.

Considering they were expensive to install at the time, didn't want to dump them. The 2nd PV array installed Last December is fantastic in Summer, but really bad in winter, The middle two of the panels are blocked by tree shade until 10.30 AM in winter. So the most powerful arrray is not being maximised.

Another option is to consider swap the 600w panels to the place where PV1 array and vice versa. Trying to see how to get everything done once.

I created this last week to check their performance. This is today, makes sense to swap the panels as a first step.
View attachment 1930488

BTW, I also have a suspicion that some of the panels in PV2 are disconnected somehow... it's weird how for a while now, it doesn't generate as much power as expected even when no sunshade. As you can see, the peak is sharp ..

Definitely though, after the rains last week, PV gen on both bumped up!

EDIT: forgot load yesterday was low : we weren't at home.
Click to expand...
What are the array voltages?
 
TedLasso said:
Have to say the guys were good and professional. Even sorted out and re-did all the hubble wiring that the second installer did the bare minimum with when they installed the second battery a few years ago. They were installed in Summer, those panels generated like you can't believe. Now just caught in winter. I would be calling them again to redo / rejig depending on what I decide and what the boss allows at home :)
Click to expand...
What about installing an optimizer on the shaded panels?
www.geewiz.co.za

Solar Panel Optimiser - 600w (to improve solar generation on panels with partial shading)

To improve solar generation on panels with partial shading Maximum System Voltage: 1500Vdc Rated Input Power: 600Wp Range of Input Voltage: 7-60V Range of MPPT Volate: 7-60V Output Voltage Clamp: 42V Output Current: 17A Peak Efficiency: 99.5% Operating Temperature: -40°C~85°C Enclosure Type: IP68
www.geewiz.co.za www.geewiz.co.za
1787045084354.png
 
wingnut771 said:
What about installing an optimizer on the shaded panels?
www.geewiz.co.za

Solar Panel Optimiser - 600w (to improve solar generation on panels with partial shading)

To improve solar generation on panels with partial shading Maximum System Voltage: 1500Vdc Rated Input Power: 600Wp Range of Input Voltage: 7-60V Range of MPPT Volate: 7-60V Output Voltage Clamp: 42V Output Current: 17A Peak Efficiency: 99.5% Operating Temperature: -40°C~85°C Enclosure Type: IP68
www.geewiz.co.za www.geewiz.co.za
View attachment 1930501
Click to expand...
Is it necessary if the panels come with the diode blockers?
 
We're now steaming out of the curve towards long days again - around 45 minutes more sunlight than solstice and climbing fast. Quite a difference a week has made on the highveld at least. Feels like spring is finally near.
 
Seasons are changing for sure. Every day, my max draw from the panels increases.

1787060664805.png
 
Flanders said:
We're now steaming out of the curve towards long days again - around 45 minutes more sunlight than solstice and climbing fast. Quite a difference a week has made on the highveld at least. Feels like spring is finally near.
Click to expand...

W@P said:
Seasons are changing for sure. Every day, my max draw from the panels increases.

View attachment 1930584
Click to expand...
Yip, normal programming has resumed...

1787073751880.png

@wingnut771 , Boob on a shelf ?
 
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