Full solar PV & Battery storage install | Solax Inverter | GivEnergy AIO | Roof work included
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- Опубликовано: 28 дек 2023
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In this one we install :-
14 x @JinkoSolarCoLtd 435W panels
14 x Tigo optimisers
@VanderValkSolarSystems rail/hooks
@SolaxPowerGlobal Solax Inverter
@givenergy GivEnergy gateway and AIO
This gives the customer the power to run the property off grid with the potential for a continuous output of 12kW. We do have further content coming on this including a wind turbine!
If you are looking for a solar PV and battery storage system please do get in touch via www.powersonic.co
Super detailed video, not sure if your aware but Tigo TS4-S-O optimisers have 5 year warranty provided, but if you install their CCA Cloud connection kit using the Tap and CCA unit connected to the Internet then you get 25 years warranty plus ability to use the Rapid Shutdown feature to drop the voltage of all panels to safe low working voltage for maintenance or emergency purposes 👍🏽
Thanks, yes we have used the cloud connect kit a few times. It’s a great system.
Looks really good even without trunking
spot on with the DC isolators, every install we do has a DC isolator per string, whether that be for a 3.6kW inverter or a 40kW inverter. great job!
Cheers Cam. I agree mate
@@electrician247 The debate/argument regarding DC isolators is down to a few things...
Like you pointed out, many DC isolators are designed/recommended to be installed like you showed using 2 linked poles per cable (1 x 4p isolator per string). Numerous rotary isolator ratings are only achieved when using this method & using 1 x 4 pole for 2 strings could pose a potential rating risk on some isolators - rtfm & tbh just use 1 4p isolator for 1 string (linked).
IMO isolators are a different kettle of fish, their ratings & arc quenching, actual switching mechanism are second to none - BUT & it is a very very big BUT, they are "cross-wired", pole 1 to pole 2 goes diagonally not vertically straight down like conventional switches, so extreme attention to detail must be used when using high standard IMO's to avoid reversed polarity or dc short
The other issue is DC breakers - which are in effect isolators, well the 2p mcb's are sometimes referred to as dc 2p isolation switch/isolator - but these are very different to ROTARY ISOLATORS.
Also, these DC breakers (isolators) often need to be wired polarity specifically AND correctly to the input-output/load (again rtfm). Failure to follow the correct wiring of the breaker can/will result in a fire when switching off the string manually or worse a fault tripping the device when nobody is at home. So it is extremely important to understand the potential risk/danger when using incorrectly wired dc breakers > switched dc isolators
^^^^^^ THESE BREAKERS ARE WHERE I BELIEVE A LOT PROBLEMS COME FROM ^^^^^^
The incorrectly DC breaker/isolators faults/fires are lumped together with all the safety stats pointing to risks from using DC isolators = DC isolators are a fire risk for insurance - NOT FAIR to lump proper "dedicated DC ROTARY ISOLATORS" in with DC BREAKER fires/risks (poor wiring/polarity on breaker)
I still fit a 4p DC rotary isolator per string - even if inverter has a switch - which the inverter will isolate both strings at once, & not locked in off position, plus we have said how using 2 poles linked per cable = safer max switching capacity.
(So a single 4p isolator switching 2 strings = the lower switching capacity rating, could be argued, compared to 2 x individual isolators with links like you installed, plus isolate one string with lock-off when working/diagnosing issues)
I strongly suspect that the stats regarding dc isolator fires, insurance companies study, are from mostly DC switched isolators (breakers) NOT dedicated DC ROTARY ISOLATORS !!!
Poorly fitted DC "breakers - isolators, ergh nope they're breakers" can/do cause large DC arcs/fires....
DC ISOLATORS ARE BAD, WE (insurance companies) DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM
Aaaaannnddd, so the debate/argument rolls on, with muddy waters regarding isolators coz breaker faults are lumped in with all isolators including safely installed "rotary dc isolators"
I'm still installing 4p series linked per string rotaries, for ease/safety (lock-off, linked load capacity)
Others can continue with the argument, but it just makes sense to properly install them along with the AC one
@@authuruksake969 I’m familiar with the imo isolators lol. They are confusing the first time!
Poor connections will be the main driving factor in those fires I suspect. Which imho is why we should focus on improving the skills of those making them. Rather than ditch a vital component.
Great video thanks Are DC cables marked up as red & white now and not red and black?
Yes mate sure are
Sorry for the questions (learning about solar PV).
Regarding earthing and bonding, didn’t see any earthing to the panels and mounting rails on this job and never see any out and about on sites.
Is this always the case? Thanks
Earthing of roof arrays is generally not required unless accessible via Velux windows etc. it can be considered good practice but as with many things is open to debate.
I have a question about installing an EPS circuit for critical loads connected to an Alpha 5k unit we installed some time ago. In our current TN-C-S installation, I understand that I'll need to add a separate earth (earth rod) for it. My plan is to run a feed from the inverter back up to a manual switch-over in the utility cupboard, where the CU is located. I will bring 25mm tails from Henley blocks fed from the grid to the switch-over. Then, I'll take the outgoing from the switch-over to the critical loads board so that the critical loads can be powered either from the grid or the battery. Finally, I'll extend the critical loads from the main board to a dedicated critical loads board.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but in theory, doesn't the switch-over have an earth provided via the Henley blocks, which, in turn, obtains its earth from the DNO's transformer? Also when connecting the earth rod would you just connect it to the battery via the external lug provided?
The answer is it depends… you can use the DNO earth in parallel with your rod at all times. Equally if you wish you can switch out the DNO earth and use just the rod on EPS. Things to ensure is that bonding remains in place in both arrangements and with TNCS the benefit of switching out the earth is kinda pointless if mattalic bonds are in place.
We generally have a main earthing terminal outside both consumer units with the supplier earth, rod and bonds then feed earths to each CU from that.
You also need to ensure your inverter has a neutral earth bond relay built in. If not you will need to provide one of those for eps mode. This is the work of electricians tbh if you are not one yourself.
Thanks
Thanks for this video, this is the exact installation I’m looking at as our peak generation is 7.7kw so a Givenergy 5kw inverter feels limiting. I know you have shown the data on the Givenergy cloud in this video and sorry if this is a silly question but my concern was that I would need to use 2 apps (Solax and Givenergy) to display my data. Is this not the case and will the Givenergy cloud display the full system stats without the need to interact with the Solax cloud?
Yes the GE gateway will log your solar generation. You can if you wish also access this via solax cloud but no need for that.
I'm not sure I agree a poor connection on an AC isolator is just as dangerous, on AC it will typically overheat burn and then clear itself, with DC it's a lot more likely to arc until you have substantial damage. An AC arc can be perhaps a mm, DC at 500V can easily be over a cm and self sustaining. A customer throwing an AC isolator is never going to be an issue, throwing a DC one on load might just start a disaster, for this reason I'm in the camp DC isolators aren't a net benefit, best off having it on the inverter next to the MC4 connections.
A correctly installed ac and dc isolator represents the exact same danger. None. Let’s solve a problem not remove vital points of isolation for future maintenance electricians and consumers. We can do better. In built isolators on inverters form no part of the fixed wiring and don’t reduce any danger on switching live strings.
For the reasons you advocate on the potential quenching distance of DC is the exact reason you want isolation pre the inverter. Same for AC as well. Arcs in AC systems are often overlooked and dismissed but are much more common. The stats speak for themselves on that.
Merry Christmas
Great video thanks. What's your take on the Solax inverter + Tigo Optimisers vs Solaredge Inverter and Optimisers? Thanks.
They are an excellent combo at a slightly lower price point. Both great options.
@@electrician247 cheers. If price were less imp what would you go for as a consumer?
@@dreamz743 either or tbh. If combined with GivEnergy system the PV side is less important imho. Stand alone may sway towards solar edge
hi what is the maximum kW for solar can you haveon your roof if you only have phase 1
Depends on your specific supply arrangement and local DNO config. No one size fits all sadly.
Have you guys or customers had any issues with the Givenergy AIO?
Nope not a single one
Can the PV in on the gateway come from two inverters
Yes. The rcbo can be upgraded if required also
@@electrician247thanks for this, currently discussing this issue with my installer as I have 2 arrays/inverters but only 1 is linked to the Gateway and I can see the PV output from the 2nd one going straight to grid export via myenergi app, so I’m hoping they can sort this!
@@MCow123 they need to speak to GivEnergy tech support. If your array outputs are beyond 32A the breaker in the gateway will need changing and they need to approve it for warranty etc if that is the case. If the total output is under 32A you are good to connect them in as a collective so long as single phase.
@@electrician247 yeah it’ll need a breaker upgrade for sure so I’ll speak to them. Thanks Mark, love the vids!
Hi, nice video. Was an SPD not needed for this install? Was told they are mandatory now?
Was discussed in the video. Yes in short. Although many optimisers and inverters have them built in now. If you are using them best close to the array. PV shutdown modules are a great place to locate them
Thanks for the reply.
Regarding SPD wiring. Is it acceptable to take the earth for an SPD from the consumer unit/MET on a TNCS?
@@user-tf8zx4ge1e you should have a main AC SPD as close to the incoming supply as practical. Then repeat at each sub board as needed. Roughly every 10m into the install.