PV Combinerbox - step by step DIY tutorial

This video discribes the built of a PV combiner box, also known as a solar combiner box. This built differentiates from other builts due to the use of anti-flowback or shottky diodes. This video also includes a training on how to make a proper MC4 connector. Built instructions and datasheets available on my google drive, you find a link below. There's also a partlist available here under the video and on my website www.easypowerwall.com
Write up of my first PV combiner box here: sites.google.com/view/diy-pow...
0:00 start & intro
0:54 Why do we need a PV combiner box
1:33 Part needed for the built of the combiner box
2:22 Preparing the junction box
6:14 Preparing the anti flowback diodes - shottky diodes
9:00 Start cabling the PV combiner box
19:40 Assembly of yourr MC4 connector
26:40 Installing the PV combinerbox
28:40 Conclusion + blooper
Juction box 275/355: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkX...
Copper lugs: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A5RPvc
Durable 10-35mm Ratchet Crimping Hand Tool: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeZ...
Cable cutter: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkU... - amzn.to/3A2grn6
FUSE holders: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF8... - amzn.to/48z6E7A
DC ceramic fuses: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6cBZ6n - amzn.to/3tM9N4S
Datasheet: drive.google.com/file/d/1vBw2...
Anti flowback - shottky diodesDSS2X101-015A
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8ho0rH - amzn.to/3O6gV2W
Terminal block UKK80A: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dT0KCwx - amzn.to/3Hin2gL
MC4 Crimptool: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFK... - amzn.to/3HiCaKY
MC4 connectors: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFk... - amzn.to/3Hm5YpY
Wirestripper: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dlu... - amzn.to/48wNb7j
DC breakers : s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkL... - amzn.to/40rhjh6
Surge protection: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmP... - amzn.to/43BRZWV
Thermal grease: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dn5...
Link to all other tools & parts to built your own powerwall:
sites.google.com/view/diy-pow...
For recording my YT clips I'm using a DJI pocket: amzn.to/3N7rt26
Disclaimers:
This video is for information purposes only. Be aware building a powerwall is not like making a Bob Ross painting....mistakes can cause large unhappy accidents.
If you have no experience with electrical connections or solar, please contact an experienced technician.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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....