PV Combinerbox - step by step DIY tutorial

[@burnzy56469]

Thanks heaps one of the best easy to follow and understand pv combiner videos. I'm going to copy your build.

[@easypowerwall]

These comments keep me going, thanks for the kind words. Have fun building your own, if you need info about parts, they're all in the comment section of the video..... Frank - EASYPOWERWALL.

[@jake-hy2zb]

Thank you, Sir. The most comprehensive description of building a combiner box I have found. Subbed!

[@easypowerwall]

Thanks for your great & kind comment Jake. These kinds of comments make my day and boost my energy to keep going. Have a nice day Jake. Franky - EASYPOWERWALL

[@goofykl9]

you helped me understand the combiner box wiring.👍

[@easypowerwall]

Thanks for the nice comment, that's what my video are all about. KISS keep it stupid simple. No overkill. See you soon with more content. Franky - EASYPOWERWALL

[@meilyn22]

You make great videos. Don't stop! With time, you will get a lot of subscribers.

[@easypowerwall]

Thanks for nice comment. Have more plans for videos in the near future. Have a nice day. Franky easypowerwall

[@Anointingify]

Good video but you didn't talk much about the importance of the schotky diodes that you used. Good work.

[@Greenwashedhipppie]

Great video! Does the solar panel maximum fuse rating apply to the wiring past the combiner box? Let's say have 4 panels with 6 amp rating. And a 15 amp max Fuse rating. If I parallel them once before the combiner box it would be 12 amps then at the box it would be 24 Amps on the way to the charger. Can that flow backwards toward the panels?

[@easypowerwall]

HEy, Because of the anti-flow-back diodes in the combiner box there's no flow backwards from combined power towards solar. Your numbers are correct. Check your charger, if possible go for a higher voltage input. Most MPPT accept 100V and convert to 12V. Good luck. Franky - EASYPOWERWALL

[@Greenwashedhipppie]

@@easypowerwall Thanks. I have asked this question all over the internet.

[@Thunderst0rn]

Thanks for sharing, interesting to see your approach. Very nice result. I was curious, howmuch power would the heat sink need to dissipate? Since the box is closed it cannot dissipate its heat really well I would assume.

[@easypowerwall]

Hi....the diodes are made for 100A, withv10A they don't get warm. My other box under the solarpanels is closed all the time. It's winter now, will make some infrared images during spring/summer. In short Don't worry about the heatsink size.

[@Thunderst0rn]

@@easypowerwall awesome, thanks

[@rizgarn.311]

Nice Video mate. my inverter is only rated for 27 amp input from PV. if connect all 4 strings in parallel in the combiner box I will exceed the rated amp for the inverter is safe to do so? thanks

[@easypowerwall]

I would not exceed the rated amperage for your inverter. You can use 2 panels and eventually install seperate MPPT charger.

[@robjuurlink490]

Thanks for sharing this valuable insight! I'm about to start a new project featuring the Victron low voltage charge controller. Initially, I thought I could seamlessly connect them in parallel without fussing over fuses and breakers, but it turns out there might be a safer approach. So this post from you is just in time ;-) Can it really cause a fire in the panels? Or will it just damage the panels. Btw, the link to the fuse-holders does'n exist anymore "Sorry, the page you requested can not be found:(".

[@easypowerwall]

Hey Rob, thanks for your comments. The shottky diode is an extra safety feature. If the bypass diode fails and that string is in the shade, a current can flow through these cells and cause trouble aka fire. I like to built my stuff to the highest standards so I don't have to worry when I'm away from home for 14 days. Good luck build your PV combiner box. I updated the link and added links to amazon as well. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact me, I'm on FB too, EASYPOWERWALL. Frank, EASYPOWERWALL

[@BasarOzgurKahraman]

I have panels of the same model and specifications. Due to space limitations, I have to mount them in 3 different areas. I want to place the maximum number of panels in each area. In this case 3 different strings will generate electricity at 3 different output voltages. Can I connect these 3 strings to the mppt after making parallel connections in the combiner box? Or in such a necessity, with considering the minimum cost and maximum efficiency, what would be your solution?

[@easypowerwall]

Hi, In this case I suggest to use 3 MMPT chargers. One charger for each direction. If panels with different azimuth will be connected to the same combinerbox, this will not work properly. Good luck.

[@SebastianHeld]

Let's say you put three modules in series which generate I_mp=13.17 A of current @STC. Your Diode will then drop 0.65 V @ 13.17 A => 8.56 W. You have four of them on a "heat-sink" (which is inside a closed box, with no air flow). That's 34 W of power over multiple hours in full sun shine. I don't think that's a good idea. You don't need these diodes. The maximum reverse current is 16 A (by your fuse). The panels are rated to handle approx 20 A (depends on the exact model). And ask yourself: when would such a large reverse current flow at all?

[@easypowerwall]

Hi Sebastian, It's a 4S but will use 3S. Box is mounted against the wall facing north. Similar box for 4 string under solar panels works well, no issue. Will make follow up video in spring/summer with IR camera.

[@haseebahmed3262]

Hey Great tutorial, could you please confirm the peak temp recorded on these DC diods and their Brand?

[@easypowerwall]

Will check temperature on sunny day. The model/brand/specsheet of the DC diodes is in the discription of the video. If you can't find it, contact me via my FB page "easypowerwall" Good luck. Franky

[@Sylvan_dB]

Connector gender is determined by the electric connection, not the plastic shell. So the plastic shell that looks male is the female connector because it's metal bits accept the mating metal bits.

[@easypowerwall]

Thanks for pointing out the obvious...I overlooked this Sylvan. All sharing & caring for a better & greener world. Frank - EASYPOWERWALL

[@GNiers]

the link above to a DC circuitbreaker is not correct for Ali. It links to an AC circuitbreaker which is not suitable

[@easypowerwall]

Thanks for the remark, indeed, the seller changed it's model. Corrected the link with model I bought. Trust me, an AC breaker wouldn't work in a DC setup. Thanks again. Franky - EASYPOWERWALL

[@jwsolarusa]

Why Diodes? Your Solar Panels has inbuilt Diodes already

[@easypowerwall]

Hey JWsolar, there's a difference between bypass diodes and blocking diodes. A solar panel has bypassdiodes, this prevents that a whole panel is OOS when there's shade on 1 panel. Blocking diodes prevent current flowing between strings. If a bypass diode dies, it can cause a fire....

[@Dstv_Openview_Solutions]

Inbuilt Diodes are for shadding

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

= I admire your USE of "ferrules" COOP ...

[@Drillmechanic]

Aluminum is metal too not only the steel!

[@danielo8566]

The earthing

[@nickgkogkas7279]

Earthing is missing. SPD will not work. I am believe that earthing will be setup later.

[@easypowerwall]

In the meantime the earthing is done. When covers are closed will do another tour round the powershed.

[@Νίκο-δ7τ]

73s

[@easypowerwall]

73s de ON7RU. QRZ?