Hi, new member, first post/question.
I have an existing 4kWp solar array, which was fitted and signed off by an MCS accredited company, I intend to add to it an additional 3 kWp of panels (DIY).
There are many questions and variations as to what I could/should do. My existing inverter (a SolarEdge single phase HD-Wave model) won't talk (as far as I am aware) to a non SolarEdge inverter.
The physical/electrical installation is something I can do without any issues or concerns, other than with regard to safety - not of mine, but potentially the safety of the network operatives.
At present my setup is fully on-grid - I intend to add battery storage at some point (hopefully soon) which will allow for that to change, adding potentially a grid isolation relay/contactor, or whatever is built into the battery/inverter for the same purpose.
I have various options, but I don't have the knowledge to know which is best, hence my post.
I could get an additional SolarEdge inverter for the new panels, connect it via cat5 to the existing one, and the existing one will sort everything out - problem solved.
Or I can use a third party "dumb" inverter - with islanding protection - and connect it to a separate point on the mains circuitry (which would be very convenient).
My questions: Would two different inverters that don't "talk" to each other both shut down in the event of a grid failure, or would they fool each other that each of them is "the grid" - or are they smarter than that?
Secondly, I have my eye on a GivEnergy battery, but that needs to be connected to one of their inverters for warranty purposes, if nothing else.
Are three different inverters on the same mains feed likely to play nicely together? I'm certainly less confident on this point, though I have doubts about the others too! Thanks for any input.
Arthur.
I have an existing 4kWp solar array, which was fitted and signed off by an MCS accredited company, I intend to add to it an additional 3 kWp of panels (DIY).
There are many questions and variations as to what I could/should do. My existing inverter (a SolarEdge single phase HD-Wave model) won't talk (as far as I am aware) to a non SolarEdge inverter.
The physical/electrical installation is something I can do without any issues or concerns, other than with regard to safety - not of mine, but potentially the safety of the network operatives.
At present my setup is fully on-grid - I intend to add battery storage at some point (hopefully soon) which will allow for that to change, adding potentially a grid isolation relay/contactor, or whatever is built into the battery/inverter for the same purpose.
I have various options, but I don't have the knowledge to know which is best, hence my post.
I could get an additional SolarEdge inverter for the new panels, connect it via cat5 to the existing one, and the existing one will sort everything out - problem solved.
Or I can use a third party "dumb" inverter - with islanding protection - and connect it to a separate point on the mains circuitry (which would be very convenient).
My questions: Would two different inverters that don't "talk" to each other both shut down in the event of a grid failure, or would they fool each other that each of them is "the grid" - or are they smarter than that?
Secondly, I have my eye on a GivEnergy battery, but that needs to be connected to one of their inverters for warranty purposes, if nothing else.
Are three different inverters on the same mains feed likely to play nicely together? I'm certainly less confident on this point, though I have doubts about the others too! Thanks for any input.
Arthur.