The Battery Thread (Solar / Inverter)

[semaphore]

@semaphore in addition to this how are your arrays split|?

Evenly into both MPPT's if that's your question?

 

[ADrunkTeddyBear]

I can't remember the connection layout in each string, will have to ask him on Monday again, but each string is 12 panels. Apart from the breaker issue the guy's work is top-notch and has done entire hotels with up to 200 kW, so I'm not concerned about his wiring.

12 panels on a string? Wont that exceed the MPPT Voltage? @RonSwanson

Edit: Attaching image panel spec sheet



Cutting it a bit close there?

 

[semaphore]

12 panels on a string? Wont that exceed the MPPT Voltage? @RonSwanson

Edit: Attaching image panel spec sheet

View attachment 1196762

Cutting it a bit close there?

No idea what panel spec sheet that is, but it's a similar configuration Steve suggested as well. So I'll go on the professional's judgement, I'm not remotely clued up enough about the stuff to advise.

 

[wingnut771]

12 panels on a string? Wont that exceed the MPPT Voltage? @RonSwanson

Edit: Attaching image panel spec sheet

View attachment 1196762

Cutting it a bit close there?

Maybe they're 2 strings of 6 on one mppt, that's why the breaker tripped. One string wouldn't have enough amps to trip 16amp breaker as 455W panel is only pushing 11A.

 

[semaphore]

Maybe they're 2 strings of 6 on one mppt, that's why the breaker tripped. One string wouldn't have enough amps to trip 16amp breaker as 455W panel is only pushing 11A.

My PV1 disagree's

 

[wingnut771]

My PV1 disagree's

View attachment 1196798

The voltage agree's with my statement. Current is relative to the conditions. If it was 12 x 41V = 492V. So you have 2 parallel strings on each MPPT.

 

[semaphore]

The voltage agree's with my statement. Current is relative to the conditions. If it was 12 x 41V = 492V. So you have 2 parallel strings on each MPPT.

Yeah, I remember something about them doing series and parallel arrangments, I'll be honest I wasn't really paying attention.

 

[DuracellBunny]

My PV1 disagree's

View attachment 1196798

Looks like a double up on strings there, Voltage not matching 12 panel for 1 string. So as the day progresses and some nice sunny sun must be exceeding the amps and tripping

Edit - Perhaps get them to come back, the Inverter you have would be an 18A controller so if its tripping on 16A then it can surely go higher than the 18A, Dont think this is good for the MPPT controller

Correct myself to the Above, Sunsynks new firmware allows to 22A

 

[Snyper564]

Yeah, I remember something about them doing series and parallel arrangments, I'll be honest I wasn't really paying attention.

I dont blame you - I wasnt either. I dont have the knowledge so I pay ppl that do

 

[semaphore]

Looks like a double up on strings there, Voltage not matching 12 panel for 1 string. So as the day progresses and some nice sunny sun must be exceeding the amps and tripping

Well, yes that's already been established they incorrectly installed a 16A breaker.

 

[semaphore]

I dont blame you - I wasnt either. I dont have the knowledge so I pay ppl that do

Precisely, they're the experts, not me.

 

[semaphore]

Edit - Perhaps get them to come back, the Inverter you have would be an 18A controller so if its tripping on 16A then it can surely go higher than the 18A, Dont think this is good for the MPPT controller

The inverter I have is 22A (8kw).

@AchmatK Correct me if I'm wrong but the inverter auto clips excessive amps?

 

[DuracellBunny]

The inverter I have is 22A (8kw).

@AchmatK Correct me if I'm wrong but the inverter auto clips excessive amps?

Corrected myself above, sorry about that, The firmware upgrade moved it from 18 to 22a

 

[RonSwanson]

The inverter I have is 22A (8kw).

@AchmatK Correct me if I'm wrong but the inverter auto clips excessive amps?

Newer versions of it, yes. If you give me your serial # I can ask...
If you give me the model # of your panels I can also check it out for you.

 

[semaphore]

Newer versions of it, yes. If you give me your serial # I can ask...
If you give me the model # of your panels I can also check it out for you.

lr4-72hph-455m

PM'd inverter details

 

[RonSwanson]

lr4-72hph-455m

PM'd inverter details

OK so the 8K which you have has an MPPT capable of 22A.
Your panels are probably (I am guessing here) in two paralleled strings, 6 in series, 2 in parallel that means 297V and 21.84A max. So all cool as far as the MPPT is concerned

 

[semaphore]

OK so the 8K which you have has an MPPT capable of 22A.
Your panels are probably (I am guessing here) in two paralleled strings, 6 in series, 2 in parallel that means 297V and 21.84A max. So all cool as far as the MPPT is concerned

Cool, if they had to overshoot they'd just be clipped due to the model I have?

 

[RonSwanson]

Cool, if they had to overshoot they'd just be clipped due to the model I have?

The amps yes, it's easy to reduce that, volts are another story. You could probably put another 4-5 panels per MPPT before you even get close to 450V.

 

[maxxis]

5kw vs 8kw for me was peace of mind using without thinking. 5kw you need to manage loads carefully

This is exactly where my mind is right now.

1 battery and 8kw and add second battery later

Or second battery now with 5kw and manage it. We are only two people in the house.

 

[Snyper564]

This is exactly where my mind is right now.

1 battery and 8kw and add second battery later

Or second battery now with 5kw and manage it. We are only two people in the house.

I can tell you go with the 8kw and 1 battery now. Then save for the second battery.

My wife doesnt think twice and we have no split load everything is on it.

We had a braai on Sunday and the kettle, oven and induction stove was on no issue.

8Kw provides a bit of future proofing and remember your battery can only charge as fast as you can put power though it - so the 8kw will charge your battery quicker to full capacity