Blocking Diodes

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  • Frank in PG
    Junior Member
    • Jun 2009
    • 12
    #1

    Blocking Diodes

    Can anyone tell me if Blocking diodes are required on DIY PV panels that will be used with a Grid-tied Inverter? I've read you need them in a system where you are charging batteries, but I was unsure about the other setup.
    It's probably worth putting them in either way right?

    Frank O.
    Tags: None
    • Mike90250
      Moderator
      • May 2009
      • 16020
      #2
      Blocking diodes are only needed with batteries, to keep batteries from backfeeding the panels at night. Most charge controllers have this function built in, and each diode installed is a power loss. Vf x I = watts of heat. .5 x 20 = 10W lost.
      Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
      || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
      || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

      solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
      gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

        Comment

        • Mike90250
          Moderator
          • May 2009
          • 16020
          #3
          The other problem you will face, is that your home built panels are not UL listed, and cannot legally be used in grid tie, or in an insured residence.
          Fine on your camping trailer, or something.
          Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
          || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
          || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

          solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
          gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

            Comment

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