need info on sizing strings

we have 30 205 everygreen panals with outback inverters and charge controllers. we are thinking to wire up the panels 5 panels in series witch would produce 72v+ then put the the 6 strings in series and bring them down to the charge controller. am i thinking right?

Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: need info on sizing strings

    There is an Outback sizing tool... Evergreen 205's are not listed--they have a link you can hit to send them the information on the new panels, are plug in your own specs.

    http://www.outbackpower.com/resources/string_sizing_tool/

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • crewzer
    crewzer Registered Users, Solar Expert Posts: 1,832 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: need info on sizing strings
    we have 30 205 everygreen panals with outback inverters and charge controllers. we are thinking to wire up the panels 5 panels in series witch would produce 72v+ then put the the 6 strings in (parallel) and bring them down to the charge controller. am i thinking right?
    Ref: http://www.evergreensolar.com/upload/011108%20Datasheets%20(SR)/ES-A_200_205_210_US_011108.pdf

    Atulyo,

    Configured correctly, the "big" Evergreen ES-A modules are usually a very good match for the OutBack charge controllers. But first, a couple of questions:
    1. Approximately where will the system be installed? San Jose? (May need to look at weather data)
    2. What is your system’s nominal battery voltage – 24 V or 48 V?
    3. What kind of batteries – flooded-cell or VRLA (AGM or gel)?
    4. What size (Ah) battery bank are you considering?
    5. Which OutBack charge controllers do you have – FM60 or FM80? How many?
    6. Do you have a Mate, a Hub, and a battery remote temperature sensor (RTS)?
    More soon!

    Regards,
    Jim / crewzer
  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    Re: need info on sizing strings

    thanks tried the out string sizing tool but when i put in the spec's for the 205 panels it will not even let me put 1 panel in a string. we were looking at 2-60 charge controlers. we are in hawaii in a location where the temp never goes over 92 or under 60 and lots of wind to cool the panels.we were looking at 48v flooded batt. ah not sure yet.will be hooking up mate ,ect.
  • crewzer
    crewzer Registered Users, Solar Expert Posts: 1,832 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: need info on sizing strings

    Atulyo,

    Recommended configuration for your 48 V system:
    • Two FM80 charge controllers (the FM60's are limited to arrays rated at 3,000 W STC for 48 V systems)
    • Five ES-A 205 PV modules per series string ("60 V" nominal)
    • Three series strings in parallel (3 x 5, 15 modules, 3,075 W STC) per FM80 controller (six series strings total)
    You may wish to consider the OutBack FWPV-12 combiner box between the PV arrays and the controllers. A single box can handle two separate sub-arrays of up to six parallel strings each.

    See: http://www.outbackpower.com/pdf/manuals/flexware_pv.pdf

    Per NEC 690.8, the correct DC circuit breaker rated for 100% continuous duty in a FWPV enclosure is a 20 A model (12.1 A Isc STC x 125% = 15.125 A; round up to next standard size).

    HTH,
    Jim / crewzer