Hey everyone! I'm getting ready to install some solar panels on my roof, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to set up the equipment for the DC cables heading to the inverter. I'm using PV ultra swa 6mm 4 core cabling, and the inverter will be about 20-25 meters away in a different building. I'm planning to have two strings of panels. Here's what I'm thinking: Panels > 4 fuses > 2 SPDs > 2 isolators > swa cable run > inverter. I've heard some suggestions about placing isolators in the loft, but we didn't touch on where to put the SPDs and fuses. I read that SPDs should ideally be within 10 meters of the inverter. Do you think it's wise to have DC isolators located in the garage near the panels as well? I'm curious if a combiner box would be a good option for all of this stuff near the inverter, with just isolators in the loft. I'm considering using IMO isolators, but I've also found a Beny combiner box with fuses, SPDs, and isolators. Any thoughts on which is better? Thanks a ton!
2 Answers
Honestly, I think you might be overcomplicating it. Just use DC isolators and skip the fuses; they can just add potential points of failure. Make sure you have SPDs at both ends if cable runs are long. Keeping it simple is usually the best route with solar setups, so trust your initial instinct on the isolators and just monitor performance regularly!
You're probably on the right track with your layout, but just a heads-up about the fuses - they might not be necessary since the cables should handle the short circuit current. It's crucial to protect your inverter though, so placing the SPD closer to it is a good call. As for isolators, keeping them accessible is key, so maybe add one near the panels too. Just make sure to follow your local regulations, as they can vary. I personally recommend having the SPD close to the inverter and considering a second one if your cable runs over 10 meters! Any fuse placement should really depend on your specific setup. Also, I can't comment on the IMO or Beny products specifically, but I hope that helps a bit!
Thanks for the insights, really helpful!
Appreciate it! So SPDs on both ends sounds good then?