August 31, 20179 yr So, I am slowly getting closer to installing my 3kva Axpert and want to soon install more panels. I see a lot of combiner box wiring diagrams show an earth/ground wire that links to the panel negative. Is this correct, or necessary? I was going to ground the frame and panels with an earth spike and have no earth going via my combiner.
September 1, 20179 yr 12 hours ago, dax021 said: I see a lot of combiner box wiring diagrams show an earth/ground wire that links to the panel negative. Is this correct, or necessary? Only if specified by the panel manufacturer. My Yinglis need their frame earthed but not the negative. 12 hours ago, dax021 said: I was going to ground the frame and panels with an earth spike and have no earth going via my combiner. The feed from the panels should be tied to a Lightning protection unit for PV which should be earthed. Citel make one.
September 1, 20179 yr Author Hi Chris, thanks for the reply. I wasn't going to bother about lightning protection either. As far as I'm aware, nothing stops a lightning strike anyway, it goes through one's protection long before the device even realises it's been struck. Here in Plett we have very little lightning and my pole will only be about 3m high. I am on a tight budget and still need decent batteries first. I'm open to the voice of reason though. While I have your attention, is it possible, or even necessary to upgrade the firmware on the 48V 3Kva plus Axpert as you guys have done to your 5Kva models? This would be to address charging and other issues as discussed on this forum.
September 1, 20179 yr The firmware that many of us are using is that which @Coulomb has made available. The firmware on the 3kVA is different. I am afraid there is no 3kVA "Coulomb equivalent". You could look at the Czech site http://www.ostrovni-elektrarny.cz/index.php?page=podpora You are correct in that there is no real protection against a direct strike. I would still take precautions against an inductive surge due to a near strike. I understand a tight budget but when things ease up get one - it is cheap insurance.
September 2, 20179 yr Author Thanks Chris, your advice is noted. I don't think the 3Kva even has a serial port, so I guess no upgrades.
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