I know both SMA and Victron both recommend this but I just can't wrap my mind around it. Particularly from being a field service guy. The thought of not being able quickly tell which one the two arrays the problem is in spooks me. Depends on where the arrays are combined I know but still just not something I would want to do. I know it works but my small mind can't get it. LOL
You should be able to tell the problem array by what time of the day the problem occurs (ie which array is under the sun when the problem happens) then just disconnect the connection between the two arrays and diagnose.
I recently picked up about 20 kW of 535w VSUN bi-facials locally at one those "surplus liquidators" for myself and some customers. 42 cents per watt and they are gorgeous. 50 Voc adds up really quickly.
EXACTLY >>>>> 50 Voc adds up really quickly.
Of course that's assuming you can quickly track down where they are combined.
I have several but there's a lot more to troubleshooting a dead or malfunctioning system in the field than a clamp on meter can tell you. (oh boy here we go...)
True but the point of dual strings combined for different directions should help narrow it down but if you can't find the common point, you can break the string at any of the MC4's near the panels and that would take that string out right? It would serve the same purpose as disconnecting at the paralleling point. Note, this would only apply if they were only a series string, if they were series/parallel you'd simply find the MC4 closest to the end of the string and break it there..... and by the way, we're all good goyles n boyes and have individual string PV disconnects at our arrays anyways, right. LOL
I can imagine, Santan are cheap as chips, almost worth the drive (I'm in AZ as well)...amp clamp is a GREAT tool to have, highly agree.
Be careful with these insulation piercing probes, people think that pin hole seals itself back up afterward, it doesn't.. we had an apprentice when I was a heavy duty mechanic in BC who probed a truck's complete frame rails from tits to toys one day and the truck came back months later with the wiring all rusted out at the pin holes, salted roads, water, long winters... smack up side the head much.The other piece needed would be reasonably accurate proximity voltage detection.
(electronics per module would also tell you, but I prefer to avoid that.)
I also though about inserting Y cables. That would be tedious, but would allow in-situ confirmation.
?
yea, how come clean up jobs at hoarders residences never end up being home based business solar wholesalers. LOL
At 0.01A resolution, more useful for PV than the Flukes I looked up.
Instead of ?, maybe I should have been more clear with
Poke into 480 Voc?
"BC", clearly not "AZ"
Thank you again; I'm so appreciative of the unique knowledge and experience that some on this forum have and it's quite under appreciated and your one reply was just so perfect and helping clarify a lot for me.
I'm very glad that you benefited from my replies, thank you for telling me, it makes it worth the efforts and makes up for the others who don't or the ones that aren't as nice, thank you. ?
