nice set up. grounding is a code requirement for the National Electric Code. My array is on metal frame and all that well grounded to 2- 8 ft UL ground rods. and I needed Electrical inspection. for my home owners insurance. best to check all codes and see what you need. before you do any work. this can very town to town. with that RFI noise ,I found that adding ferrite snap cores to cables really helps with noise. I got a bunch all over my array and on my MPPT controller and inverter leads all wires in and out except the ground lead to ground rod. also I have PV disconnect at the array . and labeled . which was code for me.
Hello I am a radio operator. I too can vouch for those ferrite snap cores. I even have them on power leads to my radios in my ham shack. All the best from north Texas.
This is very relevant for me. Thank you for all you do to make us smarter ! I think the same way. Do your homework...learn..improve as you go. No better way to do things. Keep up the good work !
Nice playlist. We live in Texas and are considering a diy solar system for emergency backup. I am also an Amateur Radio Operator and concerned with RFI/EMI from the solar setup. I would love to hear from you on what has generated the most RF noise (ground floor). My experience has been DC-DC converters but anything that wiggles the wires can be a cause. Thanks for all your videos.
Couldn't hurt to have something like that for sure. Higher up than the array is paramount but density is what will ensure it doesn't arc & bleed over to the nearby panels. A hollow pipe might arc whereas a massive steel I-Beam will handle & contain it better.
One thing you didn't mention is that you should not be mixing panels of different specs. Solar panels are just circuit components with different specs of resistance and capacitance effecting voltage and current output of the circuit, or string in this case.
Do you think the government in the future will find a way to get tax money from individuals owning solar panels. I think people who own electric cars will have to pay fees to the government because fuel taxes supposedly pay for roads and bridges.
nice set up. grounding is a code requirement for the National Electric Code. My array is on metal frame and all that well grounded to 2- 8 ft UL ground rods. and I needed Electrical inspection. for my home owners insurance. best to check all codes and see what you need. before you do any work. this can very town to town. with that RFI noise ,I found that adding ferrite snap cores to cables really helps with noise. I got a bunch all over my array and on my MPPT controller and inverter leads all wires in and out except the ground lead to ground rod. also I have PV disconnect at the array . and labeled . which was code for me.
Thanks for the tips!
Hello I am a radio operator. I too can vouch for those ferrite snap cores. I even have them on power leads to my radios in my ham shack. All the best from north Texas.
Very interesting. I have a Battery (for emergency CB Radio in Basement) and want to install solar for charging. I'll stay tuned!
me too.
Just remember that some batteries are best if they are not stored in your home. Lithium fires are no joke and are very hard to put out
Thanks for that tip! I Bought a garden tractor battery from Lowes.@@FarpointFarms
good to know. now i will build a shed.
Very useful info indeed. Thank you for all you do !
Thank you Eric. I appreciate this video very much as a reference for me to have for future solar projects.
Glad it was helpful! It's my hope that as the years go by, many will find these videos and gain knowledge from them.
This is very relevant for me.
Thank you for all you do to make us smarter !
I think the same way.
Do your homework...learn..improve as you go. No better way to do things.
Keep up the good work !
Great minds think alike-- learning along the way is the best thing.
Nice playlist. We live in Texas and are considering a diy solar system for emergency backup. I am also an Amateur Radio Operator and concerned with RFI/EMI from the solar setup. I would love to hear from you on what has generated the most RF noise (ground floor). My experience has been DC-DC converters but anything that wiggles the wires can be a cause. Thanks for all your videos.
My setup raised the noise floor one DB in the daytime. But had no effect at night. In my opinion, worth it to have power after Hurricane Helene!
Excellent, helpfull series!!
Thank you for your support-
very interesting what is your actual declination ? here in western nova scotia is 44 deg.
You would need to find a local Hamfest or local meetup to get info on taking the test.
I am very interested in the new BI face solar panels. Suppose to set them up east west. Have you heard of these?
I had not until you mentioned it- They look real promising especially for those who might not have a great sun view.
What if you mounted a lightening rod a few feet above the solar panel array and grounded it separately? I think that would keep lightening away.
Even close lightening strikes will destroy
If it hits the lighting rod and bypasses the panels, they should be alright
Couldn't hurt to have something like that for sure. Higher up than the array is paramount but density is what will ensure it doesn't arc & bleed over to the nearby panels. A hollow pipe might arc whereas a massive steel I-Beam will handle & contain it better.
I suppose it might hit the rod and travel right to ground without wiping out the panels, but some of it literally comes down to luck.
One thing you didn't mention is that you should not be mixing panels of different specs. Solar panels are just circuit components with different specs of resistance and capacitance effecting voltage and current output of the circuit, or string in this case.
Great point
I think you can find the real _North_ using an analog clock/watch.
It's been so long since I had to do those types of calculations. Welcome to the Army circa 1993.
Do you think the government in the future will find a way to get tax money from individuals owning solar panels. I think people who own electric cars will have to pay fees to the government because fuel taxes supposedly pay for roads and bridges.
I am not sure on that one, but knowing the government, they will find more ways of getting extra money out of us
Absolutely!