Trenching suggestions?

KevinC_63559 · 2024-07-26T18:34:52-0700

I was under the impression there was a lot of controversy around grounding arrays. No problem grounding the frame to earth, but the arrays themselves are DC without the need for a ground. The inverters get ground via their AC hookup from the main panel.

Hedges · 2024-07-26T18:38:00-0700

The PV panel frames need a wire bonding them back to inverter chassis.
Many inverters drive AC superimposed on PV+/-, and people get shocked by the frames.

KevinC_63559 · 2024-07-26T18:38:35-0700

Hedges said:
The PV panel frames need a wire bonding them back to inverter chassis.
Many inverters drive AC superimposed on PV+/-, and people get shocked by the frames.

Is that known for Victrons?

KevinC_63559 · 2024-07-26T18:45:19-0700

Interesting read, might be vendor hype, don't know.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Wire:Understanding and Difference

To me, it is indisputable that a cleaner tomorrow must start by introducing solar power to our lives. PV wire always have to be a part of the solution to get

www.centralwires.com

Maybe Dexter knows? Alas, don't know how to ping someone here.

Hedges · 2024-07-26T19:13:26-0700

KevinC_63559 said:
Is that known for Victrons?

Cheap AIO are known for this.

Victron AIO or separate SCC?
The SCC wouldn't even have AC available to it. An AIO or hybrid from Victron, I don't know.

But I think you should always have that ground wire bonding PV frame to inverter. If current leaked from PV to frame, frame could become a shock hazard. Even if grounded, because the earth has resistance and your body touching earth or ground elsewhere would provide an alternate path.

grizzzman · 2024-07-26T19:14:43-0700

Hedges said:
DIY cable plow?

View attachment 231547

The zip ties would not last long.

timselectric · 2024-07-26T19:15:08-0700

KevinC_63559 said:
I was under the impression there was a lot of controversy around grounding arrays. No problem grounding the frame to earth, but the arrays themselves are DC without the need for a ground. The inverters get ground via their AC hookup from the main panel.

Grounding the PV array is referring to the metal PV frames and support structure. (Not the DC conductors)
This is done with an appropriately sized EGC (Equipment Grounding Conductor) ran with the PV circuit conductors, back to the electrical grounding system. With an AIO, the simplest solution is to connect it to the EGC at the AIO. Since it's already there.

Supervstech · 2024-07-26T19:16:23-0700

Put @ symbol infront of their name.

ksmithaz1 · 2024-07-26T19:27:34-0700

outboard1196 said:
If there is a flexible conduit that can be used a subsoiler pipe layer would be ideal.
with a ripper tooth the trench tends to fill right back in .

AFAIK Flex PVC is limited to 1" for direct burial. Anything over is hard pipe. I'd consider Quadraplex direct burial.

Supervstech · 2024-07-26T19:31:38-0700

ksmithaz1 said:
AFAIK Flex PVC is limited to 1" for direct burial. Anything over is hard pipe. I'd consider Quadraplex direct burial.

There is a pex type roll conduit certified fir burial.

HDPE

ksmithaz1 · 2024-07-26T19:38:00-0700

Supervstech said:
There is a pex type roll conduit certified fir burial.

HDPE

How fat? Can you get shorter piece? The orange stuff I've seen on trucks looks to be 2-3" at most, but that would handle it. Heck once you've trenched you could run TWO pipes.

zanydroid · 2024-07-26T19:50:07-0700

If the controversy around grounding is from random YouTube videos of questionable provenance, you should stop watching those.

If the controversy is around maybe which flavor of NEC approved grounding config has safety advantages, ok you can talk that in circles a longtime. The EGC in the same conduit or cable is the easiest to install.

KevinC_63559 said:
Is that known for Victrons?

Even if it’s not (unlikely to have a problem with Victron as stated above, because their standard architecture is SCC into the battery), it’s a good idea to plan for the lowest common denominator/common situation.

The most common architecture is ungrounded DC (where panel frames still need to be grounded but there is no grounded DC conductor) into a non isolated hybrid.

cdsolar · 2024-07-26T19:56:32-0700

I buried my ground mount PV wires (2 wires) 2 ft down with rigid metal conduit (RMC) and elbows from home depot. 3/4 inch diameter. I used the conduit as the grounding conductor, you can run a separate wire instead if you want. All to code. 30 feet from array to side of barn, about 50 feet total and including upright connection to combiner box at array and to disconnect at side of barn.

teal95 · 2024-07-26T20:08:10-0700

The orange stuff the cable/internet companies use is 2" HDPE. Main problem is nothing will glue to it so you have to use the rubber couplings with hose clamps.

They were boring in fiber in the subdivision that surrounds my house. They gave me all their cutoffs. I have almost enough to do what I need so I have to track them down next week to get a few more pieces.

rhino · 2024-07-26T20:10:20-0700

Supervstech said:
There is a pex type roll conduit certified fir burial.

HDPE

That is exactly what I used (even UL listed) but you'd be hard pressed getting only 100 feet of it.

I drove one hour one-away to rent a trencher. Was well worth it. There surely has to be someone within hour drive who rents those. Makes for really clean trench only 4" wide. Only issue would be is if you have rocks.

zanydroid · 2024-07-26T20:11:35-0700

Do people in rural areas put tools like this on share grid?

KevinC_63559 · 2024-07-26T20:19:30-0700

rhino said:
That is exactly what I used (even UL listed) but you'd be hard pressed getting only 100 feet of it.

I drove one hour one-away to rent a trencher. Was well worth it. There surely has to be someone within hour drive who rents those. Makes for really clean trench only 4" wide. Only issue would be is if you have rocks.

Did I mention Rural. Closest town of 20,000 with a United Rent all is 20 miles away - and they don't rent trenchers. Next largest town is over 100 miles away, a town of 250,000 which probably would. Think I try the spade on my tractor - its less than an all day rental would be and I'll own it afterwards.

Really appreciate everyone's feedback

Trenching suggestions?

KevinC_63559

Solar Enthusiast

Hedges

I See Electromagnetic Fields!

KevinC_63559

Solar Enthusiast

KevinC_63559

Solar Enthusiast

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Wire:Understanding and Difference

Hedges

I See Electromagnetic Fields!

grizzzman

Photon Vampire

timselectric

If I can do it, you can do it.

Supervstech

Administrator

ksmithaz1

Solar / EV Junkie

Supervstech

Administrator

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ksmithaz1

Solar / EV Junkie

zanydroid

Solar Wizard

cdsolar

caduceus

teal95

Solar Addict

rhino

Solar Wizard

zanydroid

Solar Wizard

KevinC_63559

Solar Enthusiast

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