More PV @ Courtiestown

[linesrg]

Mike,

The blurb for the SB3000TL-21 says:-

The inverter is equipped with SMA Speedwire/Webconnect as standard.

I'm assuming this means that it is fitted with the SWDM-10 module already. I have to admit that when I carried out the software upgrade I wasn't paying any heed as to whether there was a module in place or not. It is something I intend to do as soon as I get back home with fingers crossed I don't have to spend any more money.............

Just as well this one week job is turning out to be 3 weeks plus. Currently still on standby to see the moon if the clouds stay away long enough.

Regards

Richard

[nowty]

I think it depends upon when it was bought.

I bought a second hand SB4000TL-21 inverter and it does not have the module in.

[linesrg]

Mike,

I suspect you will be right. I’m currently dodging the U.K. tax man and hiding in Dundalk until Saturday.  I’ll check the inverter when I get back.

Regards

Richard

[biff]

But Richard.
       It is not possible to hide in Dundalk. There are no trees or bushes not even a haystack. The Troika lifted everything  a few years back.
       Biff
Used to be a lively town years ago. Very.central to the Big Irish Shown bands scenes with major dance halls dotted about the area.

[linesrg]

Biff,

There are more exciting locations but it represents the minimum distance from Belfast airport that is the right side of the border.

Regards

Richard

[linesrg]

Mike,

That's me back home after a less then successful kayaking trip this afternoon having stayed at the flat in Aberdeen last night. Predictably the SWDM-10 module isn't present. Oh goody more expense.........

Cheapest I can see is Off-Grid-Europe at £116 including P&P.

Regards

Richard

[nowty]

Predictably the SWDM-10 module isn't present. Oh goody more expense.........

I could have bet money that would be the case.

[linesrg]

Mike,

SWDM-10 now ordered. I now have all the parts ordered/ delivered to carry out this further extension to the PV. All I need is the time to fit it.

Regards

Richard

[linesrg]

Good Afternoon All,

That's me back onshore again and I've now moved the 6off Trina 250W UBG panels (the same as ProDave bought) from out the front of the outbuildings to inside.

I've covered the splits in the backing with 'Sticks like s**t" on 2 of the panels so far as per the attached pictures, hopefully this will hold up long term.......

Still waiting on the SWDM-10 turning up but plenty to do in the meantime.

Just about to order another two tubes of 'Sticks like s**t' to make sure I have enough.

Regards

Richard

[linesrg]

Good Afternoon All,

That's three panels now 'gummed up' and propped up against the steading wall along with 2off Tianwei panels still to go on the roof. I need to look more closely at one of the three UBG Trina panels as it is giving a voltage output and the inverter voltage suggests it can 'see' it but it seemingly won't connect to the grid when in circuit so I've taken it out for now.

I've now made a start on running the two Cat5e cables from the 'new' inverter and the incoming CU (in which the SMA Sunny Home Manager 2.0 will be mounted).

Regards

Richard

[linesrg]

Good Morning All,

Well I completed running both Cat 5e cables as far as the outbuilding end is concerned yesterday evening. I can't go any further with them until I hire a jackhammer/ breaker and create a small trench across the 'drive'. When we had the new mains cable installed I should have installed a conduit then - hindsight is a wonderful thing.

I've ordered more tubes of 'Stick like s**t' so need to wait for them to turn up.

Today I'll look at installing the DC isolator switch and cabling for the new PV panels and also check what I need to install the Sunny Home Manager 2.0 as I can swing by Inverurie Electric Centre en route to the flat later.

I need to see if either of my sons is available this weekend to help with moving PV panels. From the photo posted yesterday I need to remove all the 80W panels and the top rail that goes with them, remount the rail lower down and then re-install the 80W panels lower down the roof leaving space for the larger panels across the top. It was quite useful that the sun came out late yesterday afternoon as it provided a very simple illustration of the existing shadow areas.

Regards

Richard

[andrewellis]

Nice work.  How are you sealing the holes drilled in the roof?  I presume there are rubber grommets or something.  Do know how long it will keep a good seal?

[linesrg]

andrewellis,

I'm using a roofing sealant under the mounting rails and the securing screws have rubber washers as well. As to how long it will remain watertight I have no idea.

I've dug out a couple of glands for the isolating switch and found a 'Henley' block in case I need to split any supply to fit the SHM 2.0. I'm still debating whether to fit it for a supply <63A or one >63A, I have the CT for the latter.

A couple of pictures to show the SHM 2.0 installed mechanically which entailed shifting the main 100A isolator across and re-locating the feed wires across one hole to the left, fortunately as we have an 'extra' main fuse our side of the meter we can carry out this kind of work safely and don't annoy the DNO by breaking the seal on their fuse. You can also see the CAT5e cable coiled ready to attach to the SHM 2.0.

Regards

Richard

 

[pantsmachine]

Looks great!

[linesrg]

Good Afternoon All (again),

That’s me picked up the SWDM-10. This one came complete with two manuals covering a range of languages. The manuals weigh twice as much as the actual module....

Another piece of the jigsaw.

As raised by nowty it looks like the inverter may have been supplied with this module as it has the 32mm gland fitted which comes with module, the norm is for it to have a simple blanking plug.....

I see the comedians at Travis Perkins want £89 to hire a Stihl saw for a day and a mere £125 for the breaker - ouch.

Regards

Richard