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I'm designing an off-grid system with solar panels on six different roofs spread out over about a hectare. There is also a generator on the site for backup and when the solar isn't enough. I need all the solar panels to feed one main distribution panel. What are my options?
I've considered connecting all the panels together and feeding one charge controller, but I'm concerned about shading due to the different roof locations. I've considered connecting several charge controllers to a central battery bank, but this requires a lot of very heavy, 48 VDC lines to be laid all over the site.
I've considered using multiple inverters in several ways. (1) Microinverters. Unfortunately, I gather they don't work well off-grid. (2) One inverter per building. Trouble is, I don't know how to parallel them. (3) One "dumb" inverter and five grid-tie inverters that will (hopefully) sync to it properly. I have a hunch this won't work since I think grid-tie inverters are designed based on the assumption that the grid is much more powerful than the inverter.
Thanks for your advice. This is my first design as an electrical EIT and I'm a little out of my depth.
I've considered connecting all the panels together and feeding one charge controller, but I'm concerned about shading due to the different roof locations. I've considered connecting several charge controllers to a central battery bank, but this requires a lot of very heavy, 48 VDC lines to be laid all over the site.
I've considered using multiple inverters in several ways. (1) Microinverters. Unfortunately, I gather they don't work well off-grid. (2) One inverter per building. Trouble is, I don't know how to parallel them. (3) One "dumb" inverter and five grid-tie inverters that will (hopefully) sync to it properly. I have a hunch this won't work since I think grid-tie inverters are designed based on the assumption that the grid is much more powerful than the inverter.
Thanks for your advice. This is my first design as an electrical EIT and I'm a little out of my depth.