Posted January 17, 20223 yr Hi Guys, Im purchasing 3 more panels to add into my exisiting 5kw setup to max it out at just under 6.4kw and would like to add these into the strings myself, Id just like to find out is there anything I need to take into account to not damage myself or the inverter? I assume I need to turn off the PV input on the inverter and then I can make changes to the strings such as unplugging and plugging in the new panels and that should do it? Does the inverter need to be turned off when I turn the PV switch back on at the inverter or should it not matter? Also any recomendations on where to buy the mounting brackets and rails in JHB for a tiled roof? Thanks Marco
January 18, 20223 yr What inverter do you have installed and is string 1 only in use currently? Will the new panels be one 2nd string only or are you splitting the strings 50/50 with old and new panels (if they same models) ? Afaik on Sunsynk you turn on PV isolator first one startup and turn off PV Isolator last on shutdown. On other brands don't know. There was a discussion about this topic here somewhere. Sunsynk lcd UI starts up if PV is connected even if inverter is off. It just doesn't supply power to any loads. Best is to always switch Off and then connect new cabling and follow inverter startup procedure.
January 19, 20223 yr Author 9 hours ago, JoeSlow said: What inverter do you have installed and is string 1 only in use currently? Will the new panels be one 2nd string only or are you splitting the strings 50/50 with old and new panels (if they same models) ? Afaik on Sunsynk you turn on PV isolator first one startup and turn off PV Isolator last on shutdown. On other brands don't know. There was a discussion about this topic here somewhere. Sunsynk lcd UI starts up if PV is connected even if inverter is off. It just doesn't supply power to any loads. Best is to always switch Off and then connect new cabling and follow inverter startup procedure. Thanks for the reply, I have a Sunsynk 5kw inverter and have 2 strings, one has 5 panels and the other 6, I'm going to make them even at 7 panels each. I have JA 455w panels and have bought the same to add in. Cool I will shut it down before I start making changes. Any suggestions on where to buy the mounting hardware from? I have the attached currently and looking for the same but don't seem to find the rails anywhere online Edited January 19, 20223 yr by MakoShark
January 19, 20223 yr Author Just now, JoeSlow said: Unfortunately I'm in Bfn so not sure about the places up there. No hassles, thanks anyways
January 31, 20223 yr Author If I need to get the panel cabling from one panel to the other but with the panels mounted in portrait one on top of the other do the built in cables reach? Picture below to explain the orientation: Edited January 31, 20223 yr by MakoShark
January 31, 20223 yr On 2022/01/19 at 7:46 AM, MakoShark said: Any suggestions on where to buy the mounting hardware from? I have the attached currently and looking for the same but don't seem to find the rails anywhere online I have seen those rails and brackets at AC/DC, Longmeadow branch. 29 minutes ago, MakoShark said: If I need to get the panel cabling from one panel to the other but with the panels mounted in portrait one on top of the other do the built in cables reach? I have recently mounted panels in a similar manner with a gap between panels of about 300mm and the cables did reach. Where the cables did not reach I have cut off the plugs and used crimping ferrules with heatshrink over the joint, insulated tools is required for that and one should not short circuit +,- or earth otherwise you might get a shock.
January 31, 20223 yr It would be much better to extend them with an extension with MC4 connectors. Unless you are using glue-lined heatshrink, that joint will not stay waterproof.
January 31, 20223 yr Author On 2022/01/31 at 2:29 PM, Gerrie said: I have seen those rails and brackets at AC/DC, Longmeadow branch. I have recently mounted panels in a similar manner with a gap between panels of about 300mm and the cables did reach. Where the cables did not reach I have cut off the plugs and used crimping ferrules with heatshrink over the joint, insulated tools is required for that and one should not short circuit +,- or earth otherwise you might get a shock. Ok cool, thats good to know they reached, im planning on only having a max of around 10cm gap between them so I think I should be all good 🙂 Edited February 18, 20223 yr by MakoShark
January 31, 20223 yr 1 hour ago, P1000 said: It would be much better to extend them with an extension with MC4 connectors. Unless you are using glue-lined heatshrink, that joint will not stay waterproof. make up extra cable length with mc4 connectors, they're cheap and much safer. I think around R45 for 2 or 4 at your local chinese store. only plug in the extra cable once its complete and checked, dc can very dangerous. also wear insulated gloves as an extra precaution, just in case. a youtube video demonstrating -> youtube link - ac vs dc - 220v Edited January 31, 20223 yr by Nitrious
February 16, 20223 yr Author Hi Guys, I just want to confirm, im going to be adding extra panels to both of my strings this weekend, as well as moving some around and want to make sure I do this safely, is it safe to disconnect \ plug in solar panels with the PV isolator switch turned off on the inverter? Sunsynk 5kw inverter, so if I turn the PV isolation switch on the bottom of the inverter to the off possition does that mean I can safely work on them? Even if the sun is shining? This is all it says in the manual: PV Module Wiring 1) Switch the Grid Supply Main Switch (AC) OFF. 2) Switch the DC isolator OFF. 3) Assemble PV input connector to the inverter. NOTICE When sunlight falls on the solar panel, it will generate a voltage. A high voltage generated by panels in series configuration may cause danger to life. Therefore, before connecting the DC-Input line, the solar panel’s surface should be shielded from the sun’s rays by some opaque material and the DC switch should be off. This will prevent a high voltage flowing to the inverter thereby causing risk to persons conducting installation or maintenance. Edited February 16, 20223 yr by MakoShark
February 16, 20223 yr 6 hours ago, MakoShark said: Hi Guys, I just want to confirm, im going to be adding extra panels to both of my strings this weekend, as well as moving some around and want to make sure I do this safely, is it safe to disconnect \ plug in solar panels with the PV isolator switch turned off on the inverter? Sunsynk 5kw inverter, so if I turn the PV isolation switch on the bottom of the inverter to the off possition does that mean I can safely work on them? Even if the sun is shining? This is all it says in the manual: PV Module Wiring 1) Switch the Grid Supply Main Switch (AC) OFF. 2) Switch the DC isolator OFF. 3) Assemble PV input connector to the inverter. NOTICE When sunlight falls on the solar panel, it will generate a voltage. A high voltage generated by panels in series configuration may cause danger to life. Therefore, before connecting the DC-Input line, the solar panel’s surface should be shielded from the sun’s rays by some opaque material and the DC switch should be off. This will prevent a high voltage flowing to the inverter thereby causing risk to persons conducting installation or maintenance. Much saver to cover the panels as suggested. Big towels also work fine. When disconnecting and connecting make it a brisk move to prevent arcs. Current should be absent with isolator off on the inverter but voltage still present
February 17, 20223 yr Author 9 hours ago, Scorp007 said: Much saver to cover the panels as suggested. Big towels also work fine. When disconnecting and connecting make it a brisk move to prevent arcs. Current should be absent with isolator off on the inverter but voltage still present Thanks for the input on this, I will have to try find enough towels \ blanksts for this because I have 14 panels, well I will have once I add the extra 3
February 17, 20223 yr 11 hours ago, Scorp007 said: Much saver to cover the panels as suggested. Big towels also work fine. When disconnecting and connecting make it a brisk move to prevent arcs. Current should be absent with isolator off on the inverter but voltage still present If the circuit is open, there will not be any arcs.
February 17, 20223 yr Author 8 minutes ago, P1000 said: If the circuit is open, there will not be any arcs. Is the circuit open if the PV isolator switch is off on the inverter?
February 17, 20223 yr 9 minutes ago, MakoShark said: Is the circuit open if the PV isolator switch is off on the inverter? Yes
February 17, 20223 yr Author 56 minutes ago, P1000 said: Yes Good news! Sounds like I should be able to just turn that off then and work safely without having to cover the panels
February 22, 20223 yr Author Sorted this out on Saturday morning with no issues, thanks for all the input on this, I now have 14 x 455w panels 😀
May 22, 20231 yr On 2022/01/17 at 10:23 AM, MakoShark said: I assume I need to turn off the PV input on the inverter and then I can make changes to the strings such as unplugging and plugging in the new panels and that should do it? My system only had a fuse on the positive solar input. I opened the fuse but while moving panels around, the one MC4 connector on the negative line pulled out and blew up my 5kW Sunsynk. Alas.
May 22, 20231 yr 25 minutes ago, frivan said: My system only had a fuse on the positive solar input. I opened the fuse but while moving panels around, the one MC4 connector on the negative line pulled out and blew up my 5kW Sunsynk. Alas. Oh dear, sorry to hear that! If the panels are under load then things can happen if you just disconnect them. It's best to cover up the panels, or at least one in each series string first. Then you can isolate the panels and in theory your charge controller should be fine. Unless something else happened? Edited May 22, 20231 yr by TonyB
May 22, 20231 yr 5 hours ago, TonyB said: Oh dear, sorry to hear that! If the panels are under load then things can happen if you just disconnect them. It's best to cover up the panels, or at least one in each series string first. Then you can isolate the panels and in theory your charge controller should be fine. Unless something else happened? The panels aren't earthed but I have a Harvey tile roof. I suppose this created a nice earth for the negative line from the inverter.
May 22, 20231 yr 5 hours ago, frivan said: The panels aren't earthed but I have a Harvey tile roof. I suppose this created a nice earth for the negative line from the inverter. MC4 connectors are actually enclosed. I find it strange that the inside could touch another conductor. Touching the tiles on the roof should not cause a short. Sorry to hear. Edited May 22, 20231 yr by Scorp007
May 22, 20231 yr 4 hours ago, Scorp007 said: MC4 connectors are actually enclosed. If only the MC4s disconnected, then all would have been fine. The PV cable pulled out of the crimp in the male MC4.
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