sunny boy inverter?

[solarix]

All three SMA inputs are independent and the MPPT voltages don't have to match. Just one array string per input however. Can "overload" the inverter quite a bit by having each string face a different direction. Its not uncommon for me to design twelve 320w panels on each string which is 11.5kW but never exceed the max power of a 7.7kW inverter.

[mudhole]

I reread this thread to make sure I understood your original goals. I am not familiar with the details of that SMA inverter but that circuit has always intrigued me. If your goal is to keep your freezer cold with available solar power then it looks like a good option. I would not call it a hybrid inverter because you can never add batteries and that circuit has to be switched on and off manually. The only other question I have is whether you have any shade and need optimizers? I did not see any reference to shade and I think the optimizer issue was with regard to the non existent RSD requirement.
My needs are different and that is why I spent considerably more on a true hybrid inverter and I already had the batteries. SMA has a good reputation for value.

so the 7.7kw sunny boy has 3 mppt inputs, here is my question, do you want to match the mppt input voltages? or does that not matter as long as either input is within the inverter specs?

[mudhole]

shade should not be an issue, i have full sun currently from maybe 1030-630, and yes the optimizers where all in reference to RSD, which is not an issue if over a porch area?? (also the inverter literature said the emergency circuit doesnt work with optimizers, or maybe just the specific one.

[Ampster]

I reread this thread to make sure I understood your original goals. I am not familiar with the details of that SMA inverter but that circuit has always intrigued me. If your goal is to keep your freezer cold with available solar power then it looks like a good option. I would not call it a hybrid inverter because you can never add batteries and that circuit has to be switched on and off manually. The only other question I have is whether you have any shade and need optimizers? I did not see any reference to shade and I think the optimizer issue was with regard to the non existent RSD requirement.
My needs are different and that is why I spent considerably more on a true hybrid inverter and I already had the batteries. SMA has a good reputation for value.

[mudhole]

specs for sunny boy inverter 5.0-46

https://webosolar.com/product/sma-sunny-boy-5000w-inverter-sb5-0-1sp-us-41/?utm_source=Google%20Shopping&utm_campaign=All%20Products%20Google%20Merchant%20&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=1893&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1Iv0BRDaARIsAGTWD1vMGZSfFR7SHZTk0l7pFr4U5A7d5SI0SqsJKov5lNz8GC62vt0WjZMaAqNaEALw_wcB#tab-wcpoa_product_tab

specs for possible solar panels

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/legacy.portalsolar.com.br/Content/EditorImages/files/Placa%20Solar%20Canadian%20Solar%20-%20Modelo%20CS6P-265P%20-%20265Watts.pdf

[mudhole]

I finally got through to the building code/inspection unit of our local municipality, they said that they just follow the most recent nec codes and i dont need anything from them if JEMC connects it to the grid. so now i need help with what to get, here is the spec sheet for the sma 5.0 -41 inverter(i did notice that use of the t-4 optimizer is NOT compatible if i want to use the emergency 2kw), i see a lot of opportunities to get solar panels at around 0.50$/watt, from my thought, the efficiency doesnt matter since i am not limited by space, the temperature efficiency would matter a lot probably here in georgia. they all seem to be about the same 10-12 years product warranty, 25 year output warranty. thoughts?

[Ampster]

you are exactly right ampster, and this install is over a patio/porch area.

That should remove the issue of RSD. Sorry to be an alarmist, but the RSD requirements often limit one's options.

[J.P.M.]

My experience in construction, especially when dealing with multiple agencies, is that very few of them give you all the information you need for your project because they operate in silos. Sadly, even within a few cities I have seen a complete disconnect between public works and the building and planning departments, causing developers who don't know those requirements to be faced with unnecessary delays and cost over runs.

I think the value of forums like this is the knowledge sharing and problem solving that comes from multiple perspectives. You don't usually get that from entities that provide approval for a project.

And one of the drawback to forums such as this is the lack of vetting that allows misinformation - some of it unsafe and dangerous - to get through.

The gov. bodies you describe are bureaucracies. If the first rule of any bureaucracy is to preserve itself, there is no real incentive to help anyone. What do you expect ? Think cynically and expect the worst from them. You'll rarely be wrong. If you are wrong, the worst result is you'll be pleasantly surprised.

But that's from only one perspective.

[mudhole]

you are exactly right ampster, and this install is over a patio/porch area.

[Ampster]

..........."Typically, I might receive certificate of compliance in regard to the equipment being used", from everything i have read about our county codes and inspection (offices are closed due to covid), they only deal with new home construction and additions over a certain size.

That would be good news. However, I would only trust the answer from the County building department or a knowledgeable professional who has installed systems in your County. My County jurisdiction requires an electrical permit if I add just one circuit. You can't add a solar system without adding a circuit. In addition they also check with the fire department who imposes setbacks on roofs which can give a substantial haircut to available space on a roof for panels. An important question is whether this will be a roof mount, because the RSD requirements don't apply to ground mount or in my case to the panels on my patio cover. They did apply to my other system on my roof.

My experience in construction, especially when dealing with multiple agencies, is that very few of them give you all the information you need for your project because they operate in silos. Sadly, even within a few cities I have seen a complete disconnect between public works and the building and planning departments, causing developers who don't know those requirements to be faced with unnecessary delays and cost over runs.

I think the value of forums like this is the knowledge sharing and problem solving that comes from multiple perspectives. You don't usually get that from entities that provide approval for a project.

[mudhole]

ampster, i really appreciate you going the extra mile!!!, i looked at the JEMC document and it does ask for it, the lead said they dont issue them but "Typically, I might receive certificate of compliance in regard to the equipment being used", from everything i have read about our county codes and inspection (offices are closed due to covid), they only deal with new home construction and additions over a certain size.

on monday i will as jemc how it is dealt with at my location since they deal with many municipalities

[Ampster]

the jemc lead said that our area uses the latest edition of the NEC codes for solar.

Are they the one issuing the Certificate of Completion? I ask that because the document said something like, when the JEMC receives the Certificate of Completion. To me that implied that it was like my jurisdiction where the County Building Department issues the building permit and when completed the final inspection report is submitted to the utility.
I don't mean to pepper you with questions but in the future, others will read this thread and may act on the knowledge shared in this thread.

[mudhole]

the jemc lead said that our area uses the latest edition of the NEC codes for solar.

[SunEagle]

suneagle- yes i definitely plan on turning in the paperwork to our emc, that is why i am on this forum , trying to figure it all out...our emc will reimburse $450 per kw, but to get that you have to use an nabcep electrician, all those in my area are charging close to 3$ per watt(well the 2 i called), i am pretty sure i can do it for close to $1-1.50 per watt, so i will have to forgo their incentive...

ampster- ya, the emc requires an air gap disconnect that can be visibly seen and can be locked open.

I understand your direction. I also have had a problem finding a low cost installation but I am a little old to be doing it myself.

I wish you luck and good will with your system. And as always stay safe.

[Ampster]

thanks ampster, i tried today to see if the jurisdiction is jemc or local govt, govt is pretty much shut down, nobody to talk to , i will reach out to my jemc point of contact

The critical question is, who provides the Certificate of Completion.
FYI NEC 2017 is the version of that code that began the requirement of RSD. As I mentioned, not all jurisdictions have adoped that version when I checked a year ago.