Right, I got a lot of info doing that while the system was so experimental, but now I feel
the final design is known and in fact much of it has been proving satisfactory service for
years. My basement spinning disc meter is now providing info I was initially missing.
To keep a general handle on energy and the annual reserve curve, I have reduced to
reading the numbers for my book on the first day of the month, and 2 days before that,
and 2 days before that. These 3 readings will fall on the most likely day the PoCo takes
their reading, or bracket it, so I can look at monthly generation and reserve from read
day to read day. The length of the period between reads can vary quite a few day, so
I calculate energy per day to factor that out.
My feeling is generation the first 2 months of this annual period is about equal to my best
in the past, but the increased efficiency of the HVAC plant is reducing usage. The net
result of that would be more reserve built up so far. I will report on that when the net PoCo
bill shows up in a week or so. Maybe a way to add monthly reports to PVOutput will be
worked up, compatible with history when taken by months or years. That will be later.
Meanwhile it is about time to bury that 4/0 wire, everything except me and the weather is
ready. That will not increase my generation, but it should increase my reserve buildup
and reduce chances of over voltage problems if an inverter must be replaced.
Not sure what to do with the retired 4 gauge feed between buildings, but maybe use the
original neutral as a ground between buildings. And use the other 2 for a 24VDC reserve
system I have been thinking of putting in, AC charged with some solar backup. It could
keep alive the antenna amplifiers, cat 5 E boosters, and other com devices while power
is out. And with point of use DC-DC converters do things like power a small TV, LEDs,
or recharge stuff. Doing this at 12V would require 3 systems to cover 3 buildings, but
at 24V losses would be acceptable over 250 feet and the final load voltage could be
switcher regulated to that required. Bruce Roe
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I do not use the "cards" in the Fronius inverters. The TED Pro system uses CT clamps which I have clipped on each AC output of each inverter. I do not monitor the DC input remotely if that is what you want to do. I can only see DC input on the face of the inverters. The TED system uses PLC to transmit data so a clean line or a filter may be needed.
The TED Pro system can be expanded to monitor many AC circuits both incoming and outgoing all thru CT clamps and the necessary devices to monitor things. I monitor 28 circuits, some small some large.....its become a hobby. If you go back to the screen shot I posted (#390) you can see some of the circuits I choose to display. Two ETS systems, a Nyle heat pump water heater, my EV consumption, main furnace, overall load and generation and of course system voltage.
Another thing I've done with the TED system is to set up the calculations on Time of Use billing even though I am actually billed seasonal flat rate. This allows me to determine whether TOU would be advantageous to switch. So far over the past five years flat rate is better overall. TOU is better in winter but worse in summer. Overall though it is better to be on seasonal flat rate for the full year. My local REMC was interested in how I determined the best rate base since many of their customers want that information but they are not able to provide.
Another thing I have done is to allow my system data to be transferred every five minutes to PVOutput.org. TED works great with PVOutput.
Yes it is pricey.....but you get what you pay for.Leave a comment:
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I think my 2 Fronius inverters need (expensive) cards added to work with TED, is that right? My 2016
measurements were to help minimize clipping by choosing better alignment, but that will not be complete
until all the mounts are rebuilt to be adjustable.
Another little developed idea here is a % clipping gauge, to facilitate alignment. If Fronius does clipping by
raising the voltage (by drawing less current), checking how far panel voltage is from MPPT voltage should
do it. Could just measure the voltage, and measure temp to figure MPPT voltage. Or maybe throw an
unloaded panel out there to compare its open circuit voltage to actual voltage? Not this year. Bruce RoeLeave a comment:
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Yes, I monitor both solar outputs because like you I have a matched set of Fronius 7.5 string inverters. A problem in either inverter or strings assigned will be immediately noticed. Those Fronius inverters are very robust as you know. Many years now with trouble free operation even though there are times of massive clipping. I think active cooling is the key to their design.
No need for individual panel monitoring......I’ll know immediately if there is a problem anywhere in the system by just glancing at the TED system and comparing outputs. Tracking down any faults would be a simple task for my Flukes.Leave a comment:
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If I read that right, you can monitor 2 different solar outputs? Pretty broad day, with
cloud interruptions. Bruce RoeLeave a comment:
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It was sunny in the morning and sunny in the late afternoon, but partly cloudy mid day......you get the picture. Shoulder array working to perfection......
2020-02-14 (2).pngLeave a comment:
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It looks like excellent ground clearance (for snow) as well. Bruce RoeLeave a comment:
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Nice to see some creative panel orientations. While I generally agree South facing is often the most efficient, there are always circumstances where other orientations make sense for the owner. I recently saw a many examples of that on a drive from San Francisco to LA.Leave a comment:
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Did a little snow clearing today, couple inches of light wind blown stuff. Blowing north
to south this time, it did manage to stick to my near vertical E, W facing panels. I found
that just driving by with the snow blower blowing a bit again the top surfaces, almost
all the snow on the panels just fell off.
For my earliest (not yet updated) panels at summer angle, the scraper was used to
clear snow. This is the latest version, a couple earlier types were failing. Remembering
I will not use a conductive pole, this is a telescoping fiberglass flagpole. The potential
16 foot was collapsed to 10.5 feet for more strength, the 2.5 foot increase over the old
pusher meant I did not need to lean over the panels anymore. The previous wood
poles were too short and did not splice together well. I may eventually sub some
lighter materials at the far end. Bruce Roe
SnowPusher.jpgLeave a comment:
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Right, when combined with multiple panel orientations.
Regarding DIY, I discovered long ago that most tools would pay for themselves the first
time you used them (avoiding hired labor). Recent example, for my first PV panel
experiment I paid $1K to have a full scale backhoe dig the 10 holes. Good work, but
the heavy machinery so messed up my grass (on a 10% grade) that by spring there was
a very serious erosion problem. I paid a landscaper $2.3K to get my grass restored.
On the latest array I used my own $3.3K mini backhoe, no erosion problem, and no
BIG DAY schedule issues. Bruce RoeLeave a comment:
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