PV panels located over 300M from batteries?

I have an off-grid power system that I've been using successfully for about 6 years.
If I go up the hill about 300M or so, I can get excellent sun exposure. But I don't want to move any of my gear up the hill, just the panels.
Has anybody here had this sort of situation and can you share how you solved it? I did read over all the archives looking for a similar thread and couldn't find anything that matched this very well.
I realize it is not very practical to extend DC this distance. Most likely this means the voltage needs to be AC and boosted to minimize loss.
I'm wondering if I should be considering micro-inverters to get AC at the panels?
If I boost the AC, will I then need to drop it back down, requiring transformers at both ends, and conversion back to DC for the charge controller? Is there an integrated charge controller available that can handle high AC voltages?
Thanks for any advice!
Mark
- 8 - 6V Rolls S-530 batteries wired in series
- Magnum Energy MS4448PAE inverter/charger
- Midnite Solar EPanel
- Winco PSS8B4W propane generator
If I go up the hill about 300M or so, I can get excellent sun exposure. But I don't want to move any of my gear up the hill, just the panels.
Has anybody here had this sort of situation and can you share how you solved it? I did read over all the archives looking for a similar thread and couldn't find anything that matched this very well.
I realize it is not very practical to extend DC this distance. Most likely this means the voltage needs to be AC and boosted to minimize loss.
I'm wondering if I should be considering micro-inverters to get AC at the panels?
If I boost the AC, will I then need to drop it back down, requiring transformers at both ends, and conversion back to DC for the charge controller? Is there an integrated charge controller available that can handle high AC voltages?
Thanks for any advice!
Mark
Comments
I am available for custom hardware/firmware development
You can get models at 150Vdc, a few companies make some 250 & 300V models, and then a couple make 600VDC models
I used 4ga alum wire in conduit for a 900' run, alum wire is OK if you use aluminum rated connectors with it, Much cheaper than copper, and wire does not care about AC or DC, just voltage on the insulation,
You will have to price out the difference between 150V models and heavier wire, vs 600V and thinner wire.
|| Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
|| VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A
solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,
Looking at off the shelf prices I have run many exercises and rarely is the 600v controller and smaller wire actually cheaper if you consider a code compliant install with disconnect at the array AND MPPT. I don't want to post numbers here on the Distributors website but feel free to email me and I will share some white papers off line [email protected]
I am available for custom hardware/firmware development
are easily 5 times the cost of a 600vdc disconnect. I can get the square D and another make for less than $100.
300M ? a no brainer for the morningstar or schneider electric 600vdc mppt'.
https://www.amazon.com/HU361-SQUARE-safety-disconnect-switch/dp/B00A2BKD40/ref=pd_sbs_60_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=STF0YSK16N1XZGMNGS1P
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
E-mail [email protected]
We are all about sharing the information here--And let the chips fall where they may.
Take care,
-Bill
I am available for custom hardware/firmware development
one can get these in NEMA 3 also for out in the rain or build a cover for this one under the eaves with a inverter shut down for the fire guys. I think these have been around since Tesla so nothing new here. With the industry going to 1000V and commercial going to 1500 DC. I have clients who place one inside the structure also because they are afraid to go out when the lightning is close. One can add a fuse kit and have 3 panel strings in one of these. I love the sound they make, sounds like the electric chair in one of those old movies or the one in Young Frankenstein.
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
E-mail [email protected]
I'm still waiting for a private reply from halfcrazy/[email protected] regarding the white papers.
Hi Mark,
In an attempt to be clear about Halfcrazy Ryan's e-mail address, you did send an e-mail, to:
[email protected] ... NOT halfcrazy/[email protected] ??
Just an easy question. FWIW, Vic
Yup I sent email to [email protected]
Just sent another ping.
I am available for custom hardware/firmware development
You can get MPPT charge controllers that support ~400 Vmp-array-std (600 volt max input controller) from several vendors now. That would (probably) be the optimum configuration (price/performance).
However, I highly recommend that you do several paper designs and cost them out before you go and by (more) hardware.
-Bill
|| Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
|| VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A
solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,