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How high is too high on PV voltage?

JustPractical

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Looking to use Znshine 365Watt Mono half cut cell panels (Vmp=34.0; Imp=10.74; Voc=40.8; and Isc=11.33). I’m feeding a Growatt 12kw (has two PV inputs rated at 250V each) attached to 4 x 48V x 100aH batteries.

I want to run 4 strings of 5 panels each (5S4P), (to get me 7200 watts - yes, the thought was to overpanel since it tends to be overcast on MANY days), BUT…5 panels in series comes to 204V, but if I “derate” for coldest day in 100 years (-39 degrees), that brings that voltage up to 255. If I derate for coldest day I have seen (-19) it comes out to 247V. Is this “close enough, good enough” or is it more like, “You are already way to close…want to be at 200 at most” or something in between?

Important fact – my roof slopes East/West, so my plan was to run west strings to one PV input, and East side to the other. I had it in my head to try and put the same amount on each (no reason, just assumed it was the thing to do.) If I did 4S5P My voltage would be 163V or 204V on the coldest day, BUT I have no idea where to put the fifth string – east roof or west roof? I would rather do the 5

I’m new to all of this, so yell if math is wrong, I used wrong numbers, or if there is a better idea. We plan to only be in this house for another 3.5 years, and mostly sized everything just to keep the heat on and the water running.
 
You NEVER exceed the PV voltage input limit. 247V is within limits, but you have very little margin. It's really up to you if you want to take the risk.

You could have 4S2P and 4S3P on the two inputs. Provided you can orient the 5th string panels all in the same direction, it shouldn't affect your total power substantially provided the MPPT can accept the increased input current. If your weather patterns favor clouds in the afternoon, it might benefit you to have 12 on the East and 8 on the West.

You could even split the 5th string with half on each face. This will impact production in full sun limiting the performance to the "weaker" half, but in overcast conditions, the impact is less severe since they're not getting direct sun anyway.
 
The Midnite Classic charge controllers have a 'Hyper-Voc' feature for this issue - but they're the only ones I know of. Agree with @sunshing_eggo - do NOT risk having voltage exceed the max Charge Controller limit and the temps you describe definitely have the potential cause VoC to raise significantly.

I don't see much issue with shorter strings (lower voltage) + more in parallel to mitigate this risk - its the same power either way as long as MPPT voltage is high enough to charge the batteries and overall power is within specs.
 
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Not clear from manual/specs if it has two MPPT circuits (each getting PV from one input), or a single MPPT circuit and happens to have two PV connections.



If a single MPPT, your two orientations of PV string are connected in parallel, must be same length (voltage).
If two MPPT, I like to feed each MPPT two PV strings of different orientations. That reduces peak current, extends hours of operation.


"Temperature coefficient of Voc -0.29%/°C"


If that's -39 degrees C I get 242V
If -39 F, I still get 242V
 
I think it can be done, but it will be pretty close. I don't know exact about Growatt, but specs vary depending on manufacturer.

Some do specify rather conservative limits, and aren't instantly fried when applying 1V more, others might be different..

also, i've seen some manufacturers specifying ther max Voc based on 25c, and do actually allow higher voltages. (since not everyone is familar with the temp coefficient parameter of panels they just specify eg 200V max, with a small note of 'up to 230V based on a panel with a coefficient of *)
 
Ideally, you should plan for your coldest morning, here's a voltage correction table to calculate the theoretical open circuit voltage at the crack of dawn on an icy morning.

I plan for 1.1x in my part of the world.

PV-Voltage-correction-factors.png
 
I doubt at 260 or even 270 volts there will be any smoke or damage. HOWEVER, you shouldn't go over the manufacture's ratings and some MPPT equipment tracks max voltage seen in memory, so it could void your warrantee.

I say do it and if it ever looks like your are going to get below -20, disconnect the array from the MPPT until it warms up a bit. Long as you understand the risk and can do without solar charging while it's below -20, you will be fine.

Something else to consider is It will never go over while operating, its if the load is disconnected while that cold "open circuit" that will get you.
 
I ended up going with slightly lower voltage panels. Also, to be on the safe side, I used a correction factor of 1.25.
 
The specs for your panel give the actual "correction factor". Look at the specs and find the "Temperature Coefficient Voc". It will be something close to -0.3%/ºC.

Your correction factor of 1.25 means you can handle down to -58.3ºC if your panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.3%/ºC.
 
About voltage; I've opened up a few Asian based 'high end audio' pieces only to see caps with ratings stamped on them that were less that the voltage being fed to them. Maybe this is what makes me nervous running voltage near a piece of equipment's limit, especially when the inside parts are an unknown.
 
Update: Ended up going with a Growatt 12000T DVM-MPV. It is rated for 250VDC Max ocv. I ended up with Q PEAK BLK-G4 290 watt panels that are 39.19 ocv. So...into each PV input (the Growatt has two rated at 7kw each) I plan to run a 4s2p. That would give me 156.76 ocv and when it gets really cold, that could go to 195.95 ocv (well within the 250vdc the inverter is rated for). I *think* I am good. Opinions?
 
As far as the Growatt is concerned, be mindful of buying from a reputable retailer who offers good after the sale service. Growatt's lackluster manual may leave you with many questions.
 
I think you were OK with the original plan.
You are going to add circuit breakers on the PV inputs anyway so you can turn them off if you are forecast to have a particularly cold morning, right ???
 
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