Solar Panel and RFI

This is my story of a long investigation and the subsequent correct actions to reduce RFI from my solar panels and system
A SOLAR ENERGY STORY - DESIGN, INSTALLATION, AND PERFORMANCE by Jack Olivieri
www.nutsvolts....

[@che59v]

This is what I have found, being off the grid made us think outside the square. MPPT chargers are efficient yet noisy, so are inverters, I tried different makes and brands yet ALL emitted RFI to a certain level, none were radio friendly. If you think noise is not coming out of your DC solar panels, think again, I ended up using cheap main to 12v transformers as the filters for the DC line, those were used in the secondary stage only (making sure the current could be handled by those transformers) this move alone took 60% of the noise down, what a win. Now the inverter itself, yes, it is noisy as well yet installing high current EMI filter as close to the inverter output as possible solved this problem as. NOW we have the inverter/charger working and the noise level drop to a pre solar install times. I have tried twisting cables and clip on ferrites many times before, yet the outcome was never satisfactory till the above was done. Now back to playing radio.

[@PracticalEngineeringSolutions]

Could you supply a diagram? Did you do anything with the power optimizers?

[@che59v]

@@PracticalEngineeringSolutions ??? every installation is different, look at the DC line coming down from the solar panels to the MPPT charger (those could be 100-500V maximum rated open circuit voltage, the system should have been designed according to what your MPPT can handle. Some insulations have 2 lots of separate solar panel arrays with two separated inputs for each array, All my DC lines are going through a cheap main transformer ( I found the 220v to 12v 20A to be a cheap option about 17USD each) I use 2 transformers for both the plus and the Minus side and placed them BOTH as close as I could to the MPPT/Inverter inputs, this alone dumps all low FRQ A.C noise originating in the MPPT Charger and stops it from going up to the solar array using the DC lines, the last thing you want is for your solar array acting as an antenna , no AC noise =no noise there, please note!! the DC goes through the secondary side of the transformer, the primary is left open and unused. As for the inverter output (solar created mains AC power using the solar/battery source) you will have 2 wires there (AC mains) those have to go through EMI filter, you will have to get the maximum current you will be using ( my one was rated 250v /40A), this will help you get the correct filter for the job and,,,,,,,,, walla DONE! , no more RFI>

[@ronmckay9037]

so basically they are using cheaper components is my guess I think everyone should know this even if they are not interested in ham radio thanks for sharing

[@PracticalEngineeringSolutions]

Good point

[@buckleyj5]

Great video, very informative thank you. Do you happen to have the model numbers of the old equipment and the replacement gear? I am about to purchase the same brand of inverter.

[@PracticalEngineeringSolutions]

Sorry, no. They took the old power optimizers away when I was not around. Just mention to Solaredge you want to make sure you have the latest versions of the optimizers and you will be checking for RFI. Good luck.

[@brentjohnson6654]

New subscriber here. Fellow ham. I have seen reported problems from Solar Edge and maybe a few others. Maybe the other was enphase. The ham that posted the video said the DC optimizers were as RFI probes as the micro inverters. I am new to the ham hobby and am considering solar. Do you recommend any equipment to scan for RFI? My SDR is bolted to the desk in my ham shack so I was thinking of portable walking around the property and such. Thanks again for the video. All the best from north Texas. 73 de KI5HXM

[@PracticalEngineeringSolutions]

you do not need a portable sdr. If you have RFI you will know it on you stationary one. I had an SDR on my bench in the shack and it was obvious. I do not have microinverters . I have and older Solar Inverter in the basement.

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@PracticalEngineeringSolutions yes true about not needing portable. My friend who loves a few miles away was able to use a portable Yagi and some instrument to show the power company where they weee spewing RFI. I have seen DC-DC converters have problems. Thanks for your reply. 73 de KI5HXM