Small Off-Grid Solar Setup Questions

BB.

Re: Small Off-Grid Solar Setup Questions

What kind of fuses do you want to splice in?

Wayne from NS Canada had some standard automotive fuses:

Attachment not found.

Even running them at less than 50% of rated capacity (as I recall) on a solar+hydro system, they eventually started to melt and scorch--And may have caught fire if not in a metal "fuse box".

-Bill

SolarShed2014

Re: Small Off-Grid Solar Setup Questions

BB. wrote: »

What kind of fuses do you want to splice in?

Wayne from NS Canada had some standard automotive fuses:

Attachment not found.

Even running them at less than 50% of rated capacity (as I recall) on a solar+hydro system, they eventually started to melt and scorch--And may have caught fire if not in a metal "fuse box".

-Bill

Well I looked into the maxi fuse holder (http://www.solar-electric.com/maxfusholinw.html) rated up to 60 amps but they don't appear to make any 10 amp maxi fuses. Is there a suitable waterproof in-line fuse holder for my proposed usage?

Plowman

Re: Small Off-Grid Solar Setup Questions

I just ordered a bunch of Midnite breakers from NAWS, which I plan on using in my combiner box and as my battery bank breaker. They range from 1 to 63 amps.

You might also consider these Bussmann breakers. NAWS sells type 3, which is manual reset. I have a Type 1 (auto reset) in my charge controller to battery bank circuit.

I don't think either of these are waterproof. The boat industry has some waterproof breakers, but not sure if they go down to 10 amps. I personally wouldn't leave a fuse/breaker somewhere it would get wet. Build/buy a waterproof combiner box.

DavidOH

Re: Small Off-Grid Solar Setup Questions

SolarShed2014 wrote: »

My description was based on the wiring diagram provided by the manufacturer here:
Attachment not found.
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Oh how I hate that idea. I am using a combiner box.
http://www.solar-electric.com/installation-parts-and-equipment/midnite/pvarco/prpvcobo/misomnsoarco5.html
along with the DC breakers.
http://www.solar-electric.com/installation-parts-and-equipment/midnite/cipr1/stfubr1/mnepv.html