Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- dougs_4.6kw_diy_grid_tied_array [2012/10/28 09:18] – tomgee
+++ dougs_4.6kw_diy_grid_tied_array [2012/10/28 09:30] (current) – tomgee
@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 {{:dsc03142_1_.jpg|}}\\
 Note the angle iron PV module support rails that are
-welded to the 1.5 inch pipe mounts.
+welded to the 1.5 inch pipe mounts.\\
 {{:dsc03164.jpg|}}\\
 Closer view of the PV module angle iron support rails.
 Note the stainless steel attachment of PV modules to the
-angle iron rails.
+angle iron rails.\\
 ==== Array Side Wiring ====
@@ Line 67: / Line 71: @@
 {{:dsc03164.jpg|}}\\
 PV modules just plug into the micro inverters, and the
 micro inverters plug into the cable that daisy chains
 all the inverters together.  Note the terminator on the
-daisy chain cable as this is the last inverter in the row.
+daisy chain cable as this is the last inverter in the row.\\
 {{:array_load_center.jpg|}}\\
 The load center at the PV array.
 The 240VAC daisy chain cable from each line
 of inverters gets a pair of 20 amp circuit breakers.
 The red and black wires coming off the two terminals at
-the top center is the feed to house.
+the top center is the feed to house.\\
 {{:dsc03142.jpg|}}\\
 This shows how the micro inverter daisy chain cables
 go to the PV array load center.
-Code requires the top of the conduit to be buried at least 18 inches below grade, and I had tree roots and rocks to deal with so I called in my neighbor with his trencher. The trencher cut through my phone wire to the house as well as the phone wire, power and temperature alarm wires from the house to the greenhouse, and my low-voltage path lighting wiring. I strongly suggest mapping where all your underground wires go, and calling the phone company before you dig.
+Code requires the top of the conduit to be buried at least 18 inches below grade, and I had tree roots and rocks to deal with so I called in my neighbor with his trencher. The trencher cut through my phone wire to the house as well as the phone wire, power and temperature alarm wires from the house to the greenhouse, and my low-voltage path lighting wiring. I strongly suggest mapping where all your underground wires go, and calling the phone company before you dig.\\
 {{:trenching.jpg|}}\\
-Trenching for the wire from PV array to the house.
-House Side Wiring
+Trenching for the wire from PV array to the house.\\
+==== House Side Wiring ====
 The TVA requires what is referred to as a line or supply side connection, which means that the solar feed connects to the grid at their usage meter. Many parts of the country use what is called a load side connection. This would require running the cables from the solar array into the house breaker panel. Line side was much easier for me. I had to buy a meter base for the solar supply meter, and a manual disconnect switch. The wiring from the array runs through the buried conduit into the solar supply meter; into the manual disconnect switch, and then over to the usage meter. All boxes were connected with grounds and to a ground rod.
@@ Line 103: / Line 113: @@
 When the connection day finally came, it was cold, snowing, windy and completely overcast, yet the system put out enough power to successfully complete the test.
-{{:dsc03141.jpg|}}
+{{:dsc03141.jpg|}}\\
+The PV array disconnect at the house.
+This completely disconnects the PV array from the utility power.\\
 {{:house_cut_off.jpg|}}\\
-With the Enphase Enlighten monitoring system, anyone can go to  My Enphase Web Page  and see current and historical production. As of this writing, it's only been connected for a month of short and often cloudy winter weather. Even so, it is averaging just a little under our usage. I feel confident the longer sunny days of summer will create more power than we are using.
+Inside the PV array disconnect.\\
+With the Enphase Enlighten monitoring system, anyone can go to  My Enphase Web Page  and see current and historical production. As of this writing, it's only been connected for a month of short and often cloudy winter weather. Even so, it is averaging just a little under our usage. I feel confident the longer sunny days of summer will create more power than we are using.