What is a PV Combiner Box?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- Watts24/7 combiner boxes (affiliate link):
watts247.com/product-category...
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Yes, this type of SPD dissipates spikes and surge to ground. DC devices designed to mitigate intermittent voltage spikes in a pv system is different than a typical AC surge protection device.
Here is an excerpt from LSP:
SPDs are applied to electrical systems to provide a discharge path to earth to save those systems’ components from being exposed to the high-voltage transients caused by the direct or indirect effects of lightning or power system anomalies.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com
Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com
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amzn.to/2Aj4dX4
If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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-Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA:
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Information:
I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com
Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar
FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)
DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
That's Beautiful Will
thank you for showing us this
I buy items from good brands
based on your recommendations
using your affiliate links.
Keep up the good work!
You're a real friend. 🙂
Can this type of SPD be used with panels on inverters that specify that only "ungrounded panels" should be connected to it? (Not sure exactly what they are referring to)
Could you do a video explaining this? I thought it was always a good practice to have everything grounded.
Keep up the good work 👍🏼
@@MattiasNordenmark of course you have to connect your ungrounded panel ground to the ground ;-) underground panels mean neither the positive or negative connection of the panel are connect to the ground of the panel. but you still have to connect the panel ground to your ground
Can I get away with using just 1 of those for 2 separate system's a 12 volt and a 48 volt system?
Surge protection devices do indeed work automatically but the still need to be inspected regularly.
They degrade with use and if there have been spikes they give you that lovely automatic and transparent protection right up until the point when they don't and the next spike does something expensive to your upstream equipment!
When the green flashes show red it's time to replace them.
As an electrician I would just like to add that this kind of hook up makes troubleshooting much more pleasant and efficient. No you don’t have to use this you can just splice together anywhere you want as long as it stays together, but when you have to troubleshoot a problem you will appreciate this splice box. Oh, don’t forget to label your wires, and be logical.
george, i am about to hook up 8 twelve volt batteries to a 24 volt panel system.8 24 volt panels. Do you think it would be ok to run them into the all in one lv2424 as sets of two batteries being supplied by two 24 volt panels instead of a set of 8 batteries connected in series and parallel as one big set of amperage from the full set to the full set of batteries. I was thinking my simpler method of sets of two 12 volt batteries and 2 panels may help isolate problems and make the battery system wiring user friendly for beginners (ME)
VOLTAGE = CURRENT X RESISTANCE
This is the golden rule of electricity! It always applies. You can always solve for one unknown. There are specific reasons for hooking things up SERIES/PARALLEL. Wil Prouse Is extremely knowledgeable about PV systems, and you should buy his book if you don’t already have it. You will be limited by the equipment you have as to how to hook it up. The advantage I see on using the splice box is that you can isolate the circuit (whether it goes to the panel or the battery) by opening or closing a circuit breaker or fuse. This is not just convenient when you’re troubleshooting, but it’s a real safety benefit , when you’re doing routine maintenance. Whether you have 2 strings or 4 strings, you can isolate all the strings except the one you are testing. By doing this regularly and recording results, you will be able to detect problems early. If you have a bad connection or a Bad panel or battery, they will show up: REDUCED OUTPUT. If you can’t easily isolate the strings, you will have to manually break and make connections and test your results. I have worked in DATA CENTERS, which are extremely complicated. Try to keep your system SIMPLE. Over time, all systems degrade. If all your batteries and all your panels are the same brand/model and purchased at the same time, you should see similar degradation. Statistically the more batteries and panels you have, The higher the probability of problems or failure.
@@georgekane1985 I appreciate your knowledgeable expertise. Would you recommend a combiner box for 4 x 100 watt 12v panels to a 30 amp mppt charge controller charging 2 100ah 12 batteries? I realize it is pretty small system.
@@mangeload I would recommend it. The additional cost is quite modest.
TY George Kane
You're encouraging me to go DIY and build a complete system myself. All your "how to" guides are priceless, Will 👍
Thanks so much for making this video. I’m currently building an all in one system with the LV6548 and I literally just bought the 4/2 combiner box yesterday. Very helpful. Thanks again.
you are a lucky man!
I bought a WATTS 24/7 Combiner Box after seeing it on this video. GREAT product. Easy to install, professionally constructed and great support. Thanks for the recommendation - it sure made my life easier
Sorry, Will, I got a little bit caught up in my first comment that I forgot to thank you for this and all of your other great videos. I am happy that you are back to making more of them more often.
Just picked up a 6-1 combiner from watts 24x7- this thing feels rock solid- $238 shipped during Black Friday pricing. Glad I spent the extra $100 on this over plastic Amazon offerings- this thing is very confidence inspiring and will leave room to grow- currently getting pets together for my first 2,100 watt system.
Thanks again Will for demystifying all of this stuff for us. You're awesome!
This is a really useful video. It's something I had not yet considered for my solar power installation. Thanks Will.
Thanks for the informative advice. @2:00 I just opened my small PV combiner box the same as in the vid and low and behold loose wires. Now thanks to you Will Not so loose wires😀
Thats simple ... thanks for the quick and easy explanation!
Such a wonderful video. Thanks for all the information across all your videos, it's a real service.
Thanks again, Will. I'm a little late getting to this stage in our PV system. I just ordered that 6 lead combiner box from Watts 24/7. It'll be great.
I'm designing my first solar panel array for a course and this video is amazing :D
This video is exactly what i needed! Thank you!
Informative as always. When I first started out building my system on my channel I learned a lot from you. I continue to watch and subscribe. Thank you!
Cool video =)
I just started solar, and you read my mind, and broke it down. Thanks.
Never looked into PV combiner boxes before, really cool!
Free knowledge from a pro. Doesn't get better than that.
Wow, you made a good vid at the right time.. i just search for this thingy box for my first solar project.. tq !
This is the sort of project that I just have to jump in a do it. Hands on learner. Like when I built my first computer, my brain couldn't manage it until I had the components in hand... lol
Thank you. Been building an alternative power supply and channels like ypurs have helped. May be about ready to get some panels, all is well so far. Ill be careful about my selections and read up some more.
Nice video 🖖 cool boxes, managing the cable stuff much better and cleaner 😊
Hi, good video. Can you make a video on an off-grid system (battery + generator) that uses microinverters on solar PV? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Great product and review mate
Approaching 500K Subs!
Very nice combination PV box.
Another great video. On another subject, have you tested any small grid tied micro inverters. I was interested in something between 200 watts to 1 kw.
Great video! Very informative and new, for me. Thanks!
Great video thanks... Can you hook up 6 solar panels into the small combiner box?
Good job Will
The Watts247 panel combiner box looks excellent and I'm guessing is based on a European circuit panel design.
The weatherproof housing electrical enclosure is a great idea.
Very reasonable prices for solar combiners with all the hardware needed to setup that part of the system. Also like that they also grounded the door. Do you know if it's UL listed?
Thanks for another informative video. Does the 4:2 PV combiner allow connection to both the battery and inverter? Or should they be seperate with larger wire than the combiner connections allow from the battery to the inverter?
Hey Will. I'm looking at the used panels distributed by santan solar, and I see they have pallets with up to 26 panels, what size combiner box would I need to run 24 of those panels to a LV6548 or a nice 8k to 12k hybrid inverter? I'm really trying to learn this stuff. Love the info and knowledge you're sharing.
Could you attach Solar on one side, then a Wind Turbine on the other?
Will do you have a video showing how to use or wire twin or stacked inverters
Hey will thanks for the videos they help a lot but I'm still stuck on diagram I have everything I need I think maybe some toot connectors but other than that I think I have everything is there a website or something that can spit out the best way to wire it? Thank you
Dude! Awesome thank you.
Hi and thanks for another great video. As a newbie i have a question. I have a south facing array going into a one string inverter. However I am looking to add a small east facing array. The question is can I use a combiner to combine the 2 strings into the 1 string inverter? (it could take the capacity) or do i require another inverter? thanks
Nice job!
Excellent i will be ordering one of them.
Hey how are you my man. I haven’t watched a video from you in a while. Trust you have been doing well. I run a charity in the U.K. I’m glad in eventually understand KWH and That has changed everything 😃😃😂😂😂
Yes for you it all makes sense but for us it’s not Thats easy. 😀
As Will is smart in many areas. I get it
interesting info.. question i have a 360 rated watt pwm charge controller do you think i can add a 365 watt solar panel to it ?.. panels tend to give less than there rated watt..
Nice video Will, what do you know about the Aims COM6IN120A box? Recommend it?
@Will I'm putting together a 6KW array with the Santan 250s. I want to use microinverters but they are going to be the most expensive part of this install. Is it OK to use a single MI for multiple panels?
Not relevant to the combiner box shown, but curious what you'd use to combine eight separate 100 watt solar panels I'm installing on the roof of my Promaster van build. I see the Y connectors on line but seems to me the wire guage will be too small by the time I go through the roof to my disconnect/charge controller etc. Thinking of connecting all the separate cables feeding from the panels into one of those gray plastic gasketed electrical boxes located on my van roof and a single pair of heavy guage wires sized appropriately for the output amperage and the run. Any ideas for something better or simpler. Thankyou.
Thank you Will for the review, I just ordered the 4 × 1 Box from your affiliate link, I actually bought that Eco Worthy unit from Amazon, Have not used it yet but have had it too long to return it, I'm afraid to use it for fear of burning the house down now after seeing that review on it. Another waste of a $165
I have three panels at 330. I bought a 12 size wire, 50' of gray, for the combiner to the charge controller. You think I should get something thicker?
Will you know the 280ah cells - they have new ones 320ah now - just built a pack for my RV with a blue tooth 120amp BMS - then this morning I find they manufacturing a 420ah cell that's just 7mm thicker - think they are the way forward for RV's and power walls - love your channel
Sorry newbie question. Do the outputs of the panels of each individual string need to be the same? For example one string with 200w panels and the other string with 300w or volts and amps.
useful information do you have the schematic diagram thank you
Thanks. Just what I was looking for. 👍🏼
If one uses only a 1 string system, is there any solution available to put like a master bypass diode between each solar panel? (I know panels seem to have them in the junction box, for each third of the cells if I understand correctly). The reason I am thinking about this, is to combine the benefit from a "parallel system" but in a solely series string.
Not sure if this is available or even feasible, because maybe they have to be able to handle such high voltage that this would be too expensive or impossible? Would doing so yield the benefits of a high voltage string with super efficient shading bypass?
Is my reasoning faulty or could that work?
Thanks to anyone taking the time reading this or giving any sort of feedback.
(EDIT: I meant to say bypass diodes, not blocking diodes)
Will, I'm in the UK, I have the standard 12 panels on my almost South facing roof, which are connected in two sets via 4 cables to my Growatt inverter's two inputs, I live in Scotland and in the evening I get maybe an hour or so of sunlight directly onto the west face of my house but not onto the roof panels, could I use a Combiner box to add some panels to the West face combining it with one of the pairs that currently goes straight into the inverter? I would probably only be able to fit a max of 3 panels on the front of the house.
Would you need combiner if RV has two separate house battery banks ?
Can you run a string in series and a parallel string to these or do they have to be just one or the other?
For the most part, I rarely understand anything that you say, but you are obviously quite knowledgeable about Solar Power. I have done some research, and decided that a Bifacial Solar Panel was my best option. 400 watt , It’s going on top of a 1996 Chevy Astro Van. As I am Retired, I need to work with what I have. Yes, I will be living in the Van full time, and traveling as much as I can afford. I can not afford half a dozen $1,000 batteries. So what would you suggest ? Also I will be needing an Inverter, and a couple of other things I have heard you mention. I would much rather have too much, and not need it, Than to need it, And not have it. Thank you in advance for your advice, Respectfully, Tom Vickers
Hello, I would value your input on this:
I have 8 panels connected in series to my inverter (no combiner box), but I want to install another 4 panels facing the west to capture more sunlight after 5pm, how can I do that? Will the combiner box help me do this?
Can you do a review of the Bluetti AC30?
Thank you sir, it available in the Philippines?
Hi, I have a question. What gauge wire does the terminals accept? Thanks.
You should mention the surge protector device specifications and reliable brands in the market
I got a 4x200w (sold as 24v by rich solar) panel array and I got a Ecoworthy 6 string PV combiner box to possibly add more panels. Got a PIP2024 all in one unit. Can I just connect all in parallel on that box to make my 24v system? Do I need to change the cables coming into the bus or regular solar cables will handle?
Do you have a coupon code for the Watts247 combiner box?
Hi Will, thanks for your videos, they are very helpful. I have (20) 400 watt 48v solar panels that will feed into two eg4 6000xp all in one's. I plan on having two feeds, one to each AIOs. So, 10 panels per AIO unit. I was planning on having four series strings of five panels. Two series strings will be connected in parallel for each AIO unit. My question is: should I use a combiner box to combine the two series strings in parallel? This way each AIO will have 250 volts and 4000 watts. Any other suggestions?
How are those diode for protection connected to the curcuit? And what is the diode spec?
I live on the east coast but am in the Phoenix area. This may be forward, but do you happen to live near here?
hey great videos can you make a video or help me to connect an enphase 3 controller 8 k watts solar system connected to the grid.
I have 4 100W array. Can it go from the final panel direct to the charge controller or should I order one of these? I dont plan to expand the system
Building a 30 panel (used 250W) system divided in 2 stings. Have a 300 run to the Growatt. What size combiner box for this 6000 watt system?
Will, Et Al - Purchased Sig Sol E0000 Kit, Watch you and David, you guys are the best. MY PROBLEM: if pnls are 400W (48Vdc therefore 8.3Adc, Trying to install the palet-o-pnls (qty:30) and pnls are photon controlled batteries then max is 3 pnl in parallel or MC4 (10/12/14 awg) of 30 Adc gets violated. Is the only answer a combiner box with a pallet-o-pnls ending up as 10 strings with cables all over the roof to conb box??? I must be missing something !!! Plz educate me so I can help others...Thx Steve
Do I have to setup the battery bank, 12v, 24, or 48v, according to the panels connection, series/ parallel in the combiner box?
do they make these for battery banks? or can this be used for a battery bank like say you have 16 12 v batteries connecting them in parallel and series to make 4 48v batteries?
I have 4 inverters, 4 PV array strings. Should I feed 4 solar string separately to 4 inverters or I have to combine them first with a PV combiner box then split them out to 4 and feed to inverters?
Do you need 3 To 1 Y Type MC4 Branch Solar if using a combiner box? THANKS
Can you have a gro watt and a mppt controller as well as a combiner box with 3.6 kw of panels and 4 12 volt 100 amp hour battle born batteries? I have 14 panels and ,yeah pretty lost . I appreciate any advice thank you
nice job!
I'm trying to hook up my 16 of 320w 39v open voltage to my 6kw growatt but my growatt only had 150v open voltage max..do I need combiner box to achieve that? Thank you
Can i use the 6-2 combiner box for two mpp solar lvx6048 inverters, 3 strings of 6 panels on each inverter?
Now does the combiner box make everything parallel with putting every thing in the box, I watched a video on another site and he 4 panels into a series/parallel and looked like he was putting them in a combiner box. I’ve been studying this off you and noticing a bunch of different ways to hook them up
Can I put different panels that have differant volts? I I already have eight 54v panels. I want to buy those 4 bifacial panels. To add to my trailer.
Is there a type of "combiner box" available that can primarily utilize power from solar panels (when sunlight is available) and supplement its output with grid power (as a secondary source) only when the solar current is insufficient to meet the required output?
What are the key differences between standard combiner boxes and combiner boxes for a microinverter system?
Is there a 4 string combiner box with 4 independent breakers? I want to be able to shut off each string separately
Hi Will, Rusty here. I appreciate you sharing your extensive electrical knowledge. Question, would a used Prius battery be a decent starting point for an inexpensive ground array? I’m sure there are a few reputable companies that sell tested working batteries. Not sure on the price. What would be the cheapest battery setup for home use? Used vs new?
Depends on the voltage, amp/hr, etc.
I use 3 x 230W panels in parallel because in series the voltage is too high.
Each panel is about 6A.
Do I need any current protection?
So far I used MCA splitters and that’s it.
15 A fuses on a 1 kW string means 67 V, no? So do you bump up the fuse for 48 V systems, lower the power or increase the volts? Or am I just missing something?
I'm about to connect the rest of my solar I'm lost tho have 10 260 watt with 100a charges 3 of them so 3 panels for each but how does this work with only 2 cables coming out the combiner?
the label for DC output is opposite of the breaker's label. should I follow the label or the breaker?
Total noob here but I was watching the video on Renogy's DC-DC Charger Controller and the criticism was the 25V max allowable input because the Mc4 branch connectors could handle only 400 watts of panels without exceeding that much voltage. (Going by the diagram Wil provides of how he would power that system). The Renogy can handle 660 watts of solar and I was wondering why nobody was suggesting a combiner box. Wouldn't a combiner box allow you to do parallel strings, say three 200 watt and allow you to send under 25v to the charger controller? Am I not understanding it right? Like I said- I am a new to this stuff. Any help understanding is appreciated.
Hi. Just want to ask. I got 12v system with 400ah battery (4 battery in parallel 100ah each). Can i use it with 20amp pwm Scc?. Currently im using 20amps. Im scared to use 400ah battery capacity to 20amp scc.
Hi Will, i have off topic question, my battery bank is 400AH ,12v, 4p4s, in bulk charge first cell is getting higher then other 3, by .385 ,3.85high 3.49 low, i am using electrodakus BMS, any idea?
can i use it if i'm wiring series/parallel?
Very nice.
I want a combiner box to set up multiple 48v errays to my 100 amp victron charge controller. I think having a 25 or even a 30 amp breaker would be better for me. Are there any companies that make a product like that??
Can solar panels with different volt or amp outputs be wired into one box because there’s no “back feeding” as stated?
Hey Will, I have a question, hope you can help me. I'm new to solar systems. Your videos are very informative, I really appreciate content you put out. My question is, if you use the PV combiner like you showed at first that has two output legs, can you connect this to a single input on an mppt controller? I would really appreciate your insight. Thanks. BTW this will be a diy off-grid project. Thanks!
Ever figure it out
Is there a device that will divert excess solar power to a particular load like a heater without affecting normally used devices?
Hello diy solar how are you..
Am Anthony Daniel, I like do enjoy your videos..
How can I linked up with you for more information on solar please?
Parallel modules: diodes or fuses? Do both get hot? (E.g. 15A fuse at 12A continues load)