Tech Help

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  1. SMA Sunny Island - what does the 6.7kW input mean?

    Asked 03/07/2013

    Hello - I'm trying to understand the specs on the SMA Sunny Island 4548.

    Question – 4 comments

  2. AC coupled system: sizing PV inverter vs battery inverter. why the 90% ratio?

    Asked 03/07/2013

    I'm looking to add a battery backup to an existing PV system.

    Question – 1 comment

  3. Are there any recommended solar panel cleaning products?

    Asked 03/07/2013

    Hello, Is it worth it to use any of the commercially available cleaning products specifically designed for cleaning solar panels or wou

    Question – 1 comment

  4. Are some solar panels better than others in regions of high wind?

    Asked 03/06/2013

    I want to mount an array of solar panels on my standard seam metal roof using S-5!

    Question

  5. Will two Chint 6kW inverters work for a 15kW array?

    Asked 03/06/2013

    Hello, I'm looking at a 15kW installation using (60) ReneSola 250M-24/Bb panels.

    Question – 3 comments

  6. How to wire 3 panels in parallel?

    Asked 02/27/2013

    Hi,  I have 3 panels that I want to connect parallel.

    Question – 1 comment

  7. You state that the 2 hole strain relief valve is for # 10 use 2 wire. will # 10 PV wire work also?

    Asked 02/26/2013

    Question

  8. MC4 connectors and Helios H4 (Amphenol) connectors are intermatable...can you prove it?

    Asked 02/26/2013

    Is there any UL proof for this?

    Question

  9. INVERTER KACO XP10U H4

    Asked 02/26/2013

    Hello I have 17kW of solar, I wonder what problems I will have if I use 2 KACO XP10U H4's with undersizing.

    Question – 1 comment

  10. How do I piggy back 2 inverters to get a 240 volt system?

    Asked 02/24/2013

    Question

  11. Inside your inverter is a clear plastic disk that separates the a/c and d/c. What is the purpose of the plastic disk. Also, is

    Asked 02/24/2013

    Is it O.K. to notch out the bottom rear corner of the disk in order to install my #10 ground wire.

    Question – 1 comment

  12. Do installations with transformerless inverters require combiner boxes with OCPD?

    Asked 02/22/2013

    Hello, To my knowledge in installations with only 1 or 2 series strings a combiner box is generally unnecessary as the strings ca

    Question – 1 comment

  13. I have an 80 watt panel on my RV but don't know what inverter to use or how. How many batteries do i need also?

    Asked 02/17/2013

    I would like to go fully off grid with the fridge and micro to work. Anyone know of a system I can use to make this happen? Thanks all

    Question – 1 comment

  14. On an open field how much power can be generated on 2 acres?

    Asked 02/16/2013

    How many (arrays) panels are needed on a ground mount system to generate 10kW on 2 acres of an open unshaded field?

    Question – 1 comment

  15. Is there a portable case for the kd140 panel

    Asked 02/11/2013

    I am traveling to shows showing off solar panels and I was wondering if there was a travel case for the kd140 panel?

    Question – 1 comment

  16. I have an off-grid system with two prime generators 380Vac, 60 Hz I need an inverter that can be connected to these GENs and a controller.

    Asked 02/05/2013

    Hi all, I am happy to share my question with you. I have two generators 380 Vac, 60 Hz .

    Question

  17. Sizing an Off-Grid Array

    Asked 02/05/2013

    We're seeing lots of increased demand for remote-sited off-grid PV installations.  I know that in sizing the battery bank, you need t

    Question – 1 comment

  18. Installing Tigo dual maximizers on odd-length strings?

    Asked 02/01/2013

    We're working with Tigos lately, and their dual maximizers seem great.  But, I'm not sure how to install these things with odd-l

    Question – 1 comment

  19. PV Watts Enphase Derate Value

    Asked 01/31/2013

    We use PV Watts in our preliminary system design and analysis, but I'm not sure what the appropriate loss multiplier is here.  Any id

    Question – 1 comment

  20. My system wont charge with generator

    Asked 01/29/2013

    Why wont it charge?  When I turn on generator like usual it does not charge.

    Question – 1 comment

  21. I have four UniSolar panels on the roof of my RV. Do I need a blocking diode?

    Asked 01/23/2013

    My Xantrex charge controller installation manual waffles on this question. Thanks

    Question – 2 comments

  22. If you put electricity into a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel will it produce light?

    Asked 01/16/2013

    I know that when light hits the solar panel it produces electricity, but I want to know if the opposite is also true.  Thanks!!

    Question – 1 comment

  23. How do you recommend attaching a solar array to an asphalt roll roof?

    Asked 01/10/2013

    Additionally, the HOA requires the solar panels lay flat on the roof so I believe ballast mounts are out.

    Question

  24. Suggestions to replace an antiquated 35kW inverter for an off-grid system with a scalable system made up of smaller inverers?

    Asked 01/07/2013

    208/120 volt, wind-solar hybrid, generator backup.

    Question

  25. How can you connect two similar inverters to a single phase panel?

    Asked 01/07/2013

    Question – 2 comments