i am starting a design of a grid tie system with net metering for my house. Did this almost 10 years ago, and it did not pencil out due to our low energy costs in Northern Nevada. But I see things have changed, so I think it’ll work.
My current usage would be covered by a 4-5k system but I’m going to fix the outdoor spa and maybe add some new electrical loads, so 6K (probably more) is the target. Our power is reliable here, so no battery backup. Classically we have a lot of sun but periodic snow loads and high altitude. RELIABILITY is my most important criteria. I’m looking at:
Ground mount 400 watt bifacial panels at the south end of our house.
Ironridge racking(helps figure wind and snow load and drawings for me)
Either Fronius Primo or SMA Sunny Boy smart grid tie inverter.
75 ft DC conduit run from panels to inverter, which would be located outside near the power panel and meter.
Of course I have questions:
1. Anybody have experience with these inverters, or can suggest another “reliable” UL listed grid tie inverter in the under 10 Kwatt range? I’m not interested in hybrid or off-grid inverters and would like the MPPT and inverter portions in one box.
2. I’m a little sketchy on disconnects. I believe NEC 2017 requires a PV array(DC) and post inverter(AC) disconnect and that no rapid shutdown is needed as it is not mounted on the roof. So is the DC disconnect is located at the PV array and the AC disconnect is between the inverter and grid?
3. Anybody have experience with ground screws in rocky soil(for the ground mounts)? I’ve never used them before, and am leaning towards concrete.
4. I want to mount the inverter on my Northeast wall. No direct sun except for a little in the morning, but wondering if that’s going to affect longevity?
I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Hope this is the right section to post this.
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Rich
My current usage would be covered by a 4-5k system but I’m going to fix the outdoor spa and maybe add some new electrical loads, so 6K (probably more) is the target. Our power is reliable here, so no battery backup. Classically we have a lot of sun but periodic snow loads and high altitude. RELIABILITY is my most important criteria. I’m looking at:
Ground mount 400 watt bifacial panels at the south end of our house.
Ironridge racking(helps figure wind and snow load and drawings for me)
Either Fronius Primo or SMA Sunny Boy smart grid tie inverter.
75 ft DC conduit run from panels to inverter, which would be located outside near the power panel and meter.
Of course I have questions:
1. Anybody have experience with these inverters, or can suggest another “reliable” UL listed grid tie inverter in the under 10 Kwatt range? I’m not interested in hybrid or off-grid inverters and would like the MPPT and inverter portions in one box.
2. I’m a little sketchy on disconnects. I believe NEC 2017 requires a PV array(DC) and post inverter(AC) disconnect and that no rapid shutdown is needed as it is not mounted on the roof. So is the DC disconnect is located at the PV array and the AC disconnect is between the inverter and grid?
3. Anybody have experience with ground screws in rocky soil(for the ground mounts)? I’ve never used them before, and am leaning towards concrete.
4. I want to mount the inverter on my Northeast wall. No direct sun except for a little in the morning, but wondering if that’s going to affect longevity?
I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Hope this is the right section to post this.
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Rich