Looking to get a 3rd Soladin!!

[MattieG]

Hi Everyone

I have 2 soladins already and they are working really well. Im looking to purchase another 600W of panels and wonder whether I can drive something like a Fronius IG30 with 1200 or 1300W of panels or just go for another Soladin.

Im slightly concerned that this may cause interference with each other as someone has already suggested on here.

Does any one else have 3 or more Soladins? I quite like them as a unit and im sure the second hand value is pretty good when I finally upgrade.

If I were to go with a Fronius IG20 or IG30 can I just plug it in to the wall like the Soladin?

Thanks for Any Help

Mattie

[Ted]

If you designed the system prior to 1st July 2008 then plugging it into a wall socket is OK. Since then the 17th Edition of BS7671 Wiring Regs have come into force and such a connection for small generating systems is no longer allowed.

[MattieG]

Hi Ted

Thanks for the reply
Im not sure 'designed' is the correct word for my system.

I have 1Kw at the moment with 2 Soladins so ill probably opt for
another one with another 600W panels and just use the power I need
and lose the rest until I can install an export meter when I buy a house.

I currently rent in the UK so im not particularly concerned about beaking
any wiring regs unless its dangerously so, which im hoping not.

Mattie

[Alan]

Hello Mattie

The Aurora inverter is the way to go. It’s an excellent device. Living in the country the grid supply is very poor here. The Soladin before modification used to trip about thirty times a day with a wait of 180 seconds every time. The windy boy used to trip about ten times a day and the Aurora trips about once a month. Aurora seems to have interpreted the requirements of G83 and satisfied them. 

Regards

Alan

[Ivan]

Aurora inverter is a great unit, but isn't suitable for PV, according to the manufacturer.

[Alan]

Quote from Ivan. “Aurora inverter is a great unit, but isn't suitable for PV, according to the manufacturer. “ ??


Correct. 

I spoke to Magnetec ( UK ) Ltd.

01908 261427

The solar version is still not G83-1 compliant.


http://www.power-one.com/renewable-energy/grid-tie-solar-inverters.php

Installation and Operator’s Manual Page 12 of 100
(PVI-6000-OUTD-US Rev:1.0)
2. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The AURORA inverter is capable of feeding a power grid using the power
generated by photovoltaic panels.
Photovoltaic panels transform the sun-radiated energy into electrical energy in
the form of direct (DC) current (through a photovoltaic field, also known as PV
generator). In order to utilize this energy and feed it back to the distribution
grid, this energy shall be turned into alternating (AC) current. Aurora does this
conversion, also known as DC to AC inversion, in a very efficient way, without
using rotating parts but just static power electronic devices.
When used in parallel with the grid, the alternate current generated by the
inverter is directly fed to the domestic distribution circuit, which is in its turn
also connected to the public power distribution grid.
The solar energy system can thus feed all the connected users, such as lighting
devices, household appliances, etc.
When the photovoltaic system is not generating sufficient energy, the power
required to ensure proper operation of connected users is taken from the public
power grid. While if the produced energy is too much, it is directly fed to the
grid, thus becoming available to other users.
According to national and local standards and regulations the produced energy
can be sold to the grid or credited to the user against future consumption, thus
granting a great saving of money.
2.1. Key elements of a photovoltaic system: “STRINGS” and “ARRAYS”
The so-called STRINGS technology has been developed in order to reduce the
installation costs of a photovoltaic system as much as possible. These costs are
mainly related to the wiring operations on inverter DC side and the consequent
distribution on the AC side.
A photovoltaic panel is composed of many photovoltaic cells assembled on the
same mount. A STRING is composed of a certain number of panels electrically
connected in series. An ARRAY is composed by one or more strings connected
in parallel.
Larger photovoltaic systems may be implemented by using several arrays
connected to one or more AURORA inverters.



Regards

Alan

[MattieG]

Hi Everyone...

Supposed to pick up my erd Soladin at the weekend but nobody has told me if having 3 is going to be safe yet
Any experts out there

Mattie

[Alan]

Its safe But you would fall into a hole with the wording of “ stage 2 “ in the document below.

Because of the limited software on the Soladin you could end up with one going on the grid and tripping others. My Aurora stays connected for weeks but the Soladin trips / connects Many / Many times a day.

Three lots of fan noise.



http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=22&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ensg.gov.uk%2Fassets%2F26_10_2004_ws4_p01_connection_terms_summary_paper_feb_2004.pdf&ei=O0r_SeGEGNu2jAeS9vSVAw&usg=AFQjCNGcwZ6-Yohqw9UDTdR3Xz1Hjrb8TA

A Stage 1 Connection consists of a single installation. In most instances the installation of a
single small unit within a single customer’s installation, connected in parallel with the public
distribution network, will have negligible impact on the operation of the distribution network so
there will be no need for the DNO to carry out detailed network studies to assess the impact of
the connection. In addition to the notification required under ESQCR the installer shall provide
the DNO with all necessary information on the installation within 30 days of the unit being
commissioned. The format and content of the required information is shown in an appendix
within G83/1.

A Stage 2 Connection is a multiple installation where the proposal is to install several units in a
close geographic region. It is strongly recommended that the Installer discusses the installation
project with the local DNO at the earliest opportunity. The DNO will need to assess the impact
that these connections may have on the Network and specify conditions for connection.

Regards

Alan

[MattieG]

Ah!

Im guessing multiple installations usually means more than
500W at a time so im quite happy with that.

My current 2 seem ok although im slightly concerned that 3
may be a problem.

The only other option seems to go for a Fronius IG15 or the
Soladin big brother the XS2000 but I think both of these need
plumbing into the fusebox and I cant do that because I rent
I just wanna be able to plug it in the wall

Thanks for your mail and I will keep everyone informed.
Mattie