Couple wires a huge, High Voltage, Solar PV Array, 12.6kW

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3 жыл бұрын

We are completing the wiring on all our backyard solar arrays. Together, they total 12.6kw of solar PV. We are wiring these in large series strings to make high voltage DC. This will feed into our garage through an underground conduit. The solar MPPT charge controllers are built into the Growatt inverters, model SPF 5000 ES. Each 5kw inverter can accept up to 6000 watts of solar PV input, and up to 450 volts DC. Using high voltage PV helps lower the cost of wires and combiner boxes.
Previous videos:
Growatt Inverter SPF 5000 ES Introduction:
Growatt Inverter Load Testing:
Solar Array Build:
Affiliate Links:
Growatt Inverter SPF 5000 ES: shop.signaturesolar.us/produc...
Use code: DAVIDPOZ at checkout for a discount on your purchases from Signature Solar.
IMO Switch. Note, this link is not an affiliate link. I have found that buying two smaller switches is less expensive than this big one. I have provided a link below to Amazon where you can find them less expensive. www.industrialcontroldirect.c...
Amazon Affiliate Link:
4-Pole IMO disconnect switch: amzn.to/3yIuqMO
Cable Glands (strain relief): amzn.to/3uwesSG
Wire, 12 gauge THHN Black: amzn.to/3vwOUpD
Wire, 12 AWG, THHN, Red: amzn.to/3yJH9ih
Wire Pulling Lubricant: amzn.to/3hXRl0I
Mule Tape: amzn.to/3p4KBj1
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Пікірлер: 386

@stevenlane729 2 жыл бұрын

I love the use of the vacuum cleaner to draw through the string.

@lesliestandifer 2 жыл бұрын

never seen that before very clever

@qapla 2 жыл бұрын

I have done that many times ... works like a charm as long as the conduit is empty

@ButchB1000 3 жыл бұрын

Always pull another string with the wires so you have it incase you need it later.

@Mechanical803 8 ай бұрын

Clean solar energy is the hope for protecting the planet from pollutants. Thank you for providing this wonderful content

@meganwinters5163 3 жыл бұрын

Perfect timing on this video! I'm about to wire my first DIY system. Thank you David, for the continued education from your renewable energy journey! I'm ALWAYS learning something new!!!

@rickvia8435 Жыл бұрын

Your method of wire pulling is the exact way we pull CAT6/ 6e ethernet cable through conduit. Even down to the foam lube you used. We pull 10s of thousands of feet of cable (even 100s of thousands of feet sometimes) on jobs.

@georgedrenes8143 3 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed the video. Anxious to see the wire up of inverters since I have two of them and a transformer to wire up as well. Keep up the great work, David!

@CotyCondry 3 жыл бұрын

that vacuum wire running trick is absolutely brilliant. like, so simple but I might never have thought of that

@davidalton7378 2 жыл бұрын

I have completed six 10KW systems using 10K Growwatt 240v. split phase grid tie inverters. 2 strings of 9 panels in series 1 string of 8 Panels. Makes an efficient high voltage setup. With rapid response modules (NEC required) there is no need for cut off switch at the panels. I really like your off grid setup. Thanks. I watch all your videos!

@lithtweezie1 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video. Looking forward to the next installment.

@loucinci3922 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent overview of your re-wire project. I especially like the labels. Good job! Thanks for sharing.

@LithiumSolar 3 жыл бұрын

Great tip on the webbing. I ruined several LBs in my very first PVC run not even realizing the nylon fish stuff cuts when pulled like that.

@neliosamch3195 3 жыл бұрын

Those IMO switches are impressive. In 5 ms extinguish the welding spark in their own suppression chamber. I got to install one so no more waiting for the Sun going down to work in the array. Thank you for the information David.

@tylerb9808 2 жыл бұрын

I agree. I have a much smaller version (single string) of the imo rapid shutdown, (or isolator if you will). Works like a charm, and yes, the plus/minus in, criss crosses internally to minus/plus out. Took a sec for that to sink in when I installed it, but that's the beauty of the design, and why its able to do what's its supposed to do so well.

@magamike1800 3 жыл бұрын

Those all-in-one units look excellent. Going to try to use one to charge the Cyber truck off solar when I get it. Can charge at 5A and 240V so should be possible to charge slowly with 2000W.

@daniellarno7477 3 жыл бұрын

Mate for a DIY guy doing this.. you did an excellent professional job.. good to see people are learning how to be self sufficient

@aurelioalvarez4015 3 жыл бұрын

Great example of "Work smarter, not harder" with the vacuum!

@AlexWaardenburg 3 жыл бұрын

I love those stickers. I used them for the same purpose and could not believe they survived being pulled through so much conduit

@bernardlauer2582 2 жыл бұрын

Where did u find the stickers

@careyjohnson1784 3 жыл бұрын

I've been watching you long time you have come a long way I hope your friends and family and wife are proud of you great job

@francoisguyot9770 2 жыл бұрын

I love the vac/pull string method! I didn't know that one.

@offgridinthepacificnorthwe3210 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job David. I am going to have to buy the 4 pair IMO for our new solar installation. That will allow me to add another array to the 3 I have. Nice work and thanks for the idea on the disconect.

@jstaffordii 3 жыл бұрын

You may want to check your local electrical code. High voltage DC above 250 volts must be encased in properly labeled and bonded steel (emt) conduit. This is to protect fire fighters from cutting DC lines.

@King7765 2 жыл бұрын

Why would they cut the lines when they can just flip the disconnect switch? Or are they not smart enough to do that and just want to fuck shit up?

@RG-cg6ou Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate your learning curve. I’ve watched your videos numerous times. It’s too bad some people waste your efforts with stupid comments though.

@jfrederick71 2 жыл бұрын

The more I watch, the more I learn. Thank you.

@kennethalmond8922 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for another great video!

@MrJoeAllert 2 жыл бұрын

That was excellent! Thank you for posting this, I'm about to wire up my own system.

@davidwright1752 3 жыл бұрын

Love the Vacuum cleaner trick for pulling the string through

@KayNMike 3 жыл бұрын

Well done ... we also have a Growatt (combo inverter/controller/charger) and love it

@GREGGRCO 3 жыл бұрын

Nice to hear this birds singing there for going green !

@richarda.valdes1197 3 жыл бұрын

Always lay a big electrical conduit ahead of the time. Always twist the stranded wire before inserting the end into a terminal. This stops the stranded wire from flattening out as you tighten the screw at the terminal connector.

@slip0n0fall 2 жыл бұрын

No need to twist on compression cage style terminals.

@dr.projectx5142 3 жыл бұрын

Nice a 15kw system is great a d great set up with the inverters.

@ThacMan 2 жыл бұрын

Dude deserves as many subs as Will. Very real, detailed content on this channel about all things solar.

@bassamsalam4938 2 жыл бұрын

Great work

@atouchofa.d.d.5852 3 жыл бұрын

Cool idea on the Shop-Vac fish cord

@rafimor1365 2 жыл бұрын

always many thanks

@michaelspencer6523 2 жыл бұрын

Ground rod nerds at least 6 feet in ground. Solid contact.

@rostygreg4767 3 жыл бұрын

thanks for the knowledge..happy family seen there...

@solarworldllc5158 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you brother!!! You helped us helps others. Love you videos 💯

@tonymcclendon-hobbytime7727 2 жыл бұрын

very impressed with your work

@thompsoncrusher7840 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video. Take care

@genericname3685 3 жыл бұрын

I never knew that there was such an innovative yet simple way to move the wires into the pipes without much effort.

@brianwood7480 3 жыл бұрын

It's called a mouse in the business.

@jamiejoker118 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant 👏

@doolittleranch8302 3 жыл бұрын

What a great video..

@raybacchus1026 3 жыл бұрын

Very educational video thanks for sharing

@mythosmint80085 3 жыл бұрын

These videos are the best

@dirtriders3615 3 жыл бұрын

Your videos are always great man

@rongray4118 2 жыл бұрын

David - Love the video...the frozen ground is what I am dealing with in Northern Nevada right now!! LOL!! Thank you for posting! Your videos are Fantastic!

@austinokoro6301 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting site, simple and explanatory

@sorinankitt 3 жыл бұрын

Frozen ground can be thawed easily and safely by leaving insulation batts covered with poly for a day or two. The ground itself has heat underneath that is constantly rising even in the winter. The insulation blocks the cold air from dropping down into the ground. This is the same method that some roads are built with. Huge insulated panels are buried under high heave, frost prone roads to trap the ground heat rising up so the frost can't push down. I've done this for a 4 foot deep trench in winter and it works. The ground was soft the next day for digging.

@LucianoBatista 3 жыл бұрын

Esses inversores da Growatt são muito bons, parabéns 👏👏👏

@GREGGRCO 3 жыл бұрын

Easy to VOM trouble shoot the switch box, good thinking.

@terrya6486 3 жыл бұрын

The high voltage switch is a double pull double throw and they do a criss-cross pattern on those.

@stevehastie6032 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job 👍🍻

@dustins4194 2 жыл бұрын

Dude! This answers all of my questions! I just had to watch again and take notes... lol.

@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын

That's great. Glad it helped.

@DaleKlein 3 жыл бұрын

Feel for you with the existing buried conduit size. I put a run for solar about 30 feet from a shed to garden. Initially I had just 2 microinverters, 2 amps max 240vac so used 1/2" conduit (so cheap!) and #12 wire. DC Solar trailer later, I put 13 microinverters worth, 12-13a max and wanted to use #10 wire, L1L2NG. Fill table says 5 fit, but just 4 was fun to pull. So in summary, coulda shoulda used next size up in the first place.

@TrevorFraserAU 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome sauce

@waynewilliamson4212 3 жыл бұрын

These are a great set of videos...and I was hoping you would use multiple growatt inverters linked...keep up the great work and keep the videos coming...

@chrisgreene1456 3 жыл бұрын

50 years ago we used wire grease to lube all the wire.... worked with all wires sizes.

@vincei4252 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, you have to be extra vigilant with the wiring in those IMO disconnects. I used red and black wire all the way from the panels into the basement and have an IMO on the arrays and one before entering the inverter in the basement. I checked the voltage at each step and got caught out by the negative voltage coming out of the first disconnect. I had to correct the wiring even though with two disconnects in series it would have come out fine. Didn't want a gotcha in future if I made further changes to the system.

@DavidPozEnergy 3 жыл бұрын

Good to know I'm not the only one that goofed. Thanks.

@HomesteadingintheForest 3 жыл бұрын

“Foaming lube, ahaha,” was my favorite part.

@tonyb.4824 3 жыл бұрын

I would put a fuse for each conductor in the large junction box. Overcurrent protection is important.

@chrissnyder8538 3 жыл бұрын

If you'll notice at the top of the PV disconnect box and on both the right and left sides is a "fin" that is for guiding the wires away from the sides of the switch. The switch is referred as "snap action".

@JancoKock 3 жыл бұрын

You can also tie red and black togheter on the solar side and use your DMM beeper on the other side to figure out which pair is where (if you labeling scratched off :))

@kurrppy 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video and great Run To Homebase shirt! I did that when I was stationed at Hanscom. You the man!

@DavidPozEnergy 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for noticing, and your service. I miss those types of events. Hopefully they will come back soon.

@kurrppy 3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidPozEnergy I miss those events too. And thank you for your service!

@Stubones999 2 жыл бұрын

I'd love a comparison between what you have and a grid using micro-inverters...

@engdarfatgalalyelectrical1076 2 жыл бұрын

Nice and useful information I hope to be healthy and safe

@MStrickkk 3 жыл бұрын

Most of the time Mule Tape refers to the webbing that has a steel chaser inside it too. Also, KY Jelly is way cheaper than wire pulling lube, in case you do another pull in the future.

@ruckboger 2 жыл бұрын

@4:21 "I don't know what I can do about that.." then the torch comes out. Had me chuckling.

@ABRUSAHAELEKTRIK 3 жыл бұрын

Wow interesting.

@lunatik9696 3 жыл бұрын

Nice I am looking at the Growatt 48V 6K low freq. SPF 6000T DVM The BMS turns off my 24V 4K Giandel unless fully charged and both MPPTs charging.

@manojkumar-mn8hn 2 жыл бұрын

you are one amazing genius hard working dude who knows everything.... amazing talent.. pretty sure your wife/kids are proud to have you :) . Please keep up the great work.. you make such hard projects seem easy and possible and i am sure many of your viewers feel the same..

@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words.

@igorkvachun3572 3 жыл бұрын

Yes 👍 ⚡🔌

@5885ronny 3 жыл бұрын

Super 👍😊

@NoelBarlau 3 жыл бұрын

"More voltage! Arrgh Arrgh Arrgh!" - Tim the Tool Man Taylor

@johnthomas5806 2 жыл бұрын

nice upgrade to your system

@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@cranedaddy678 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this, you've answered so many of my questions just by watching you lol

@zekeboz5533 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! I was wondering when you were going to get that 3rd array up and running. Very interested in your Growatt setup. Are you going to set them up for split phase or use a transformer?

@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736 2 жыл бұрын

mule tape is correct. some of it is actually rated for 1800 pounds. We use it to pull stuff up on scaffolding, so a person can keep both hands on the ladder when climbing and stay safe. that's why it is called mule tape. Using lubricant made for wire pulls will stop friction on the 90's and keep from damaging the wire insulation and ruining the ampacity of the wire! Having someone to feed the wire while it's being pulled will further aid in reducing friction as well as catch any loops that may get in the wire while pulling it into the conduit. Also, using a rigid metal 90 will help in the ease of a long pull of wire, especially when it starts getting bigger. this is a common practice among electricians for underground wire pulls and is very effective in making a long pull much easier for any wire size!

@methods-SE 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice Far more valuable than the overproduced crap you usually find on KZfaq. A man who doesn't hide his mistakes... Does a better job of preparing you. I've done a lot of projects... And every single time I've made mistakes. Recovering from errors is the essence of DIY.

@austinvallachira5796 3 жыл бұрын

waiting for next

@Dennis-mq6or 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Dave. You might want to investigate a compound called "NO-OX-ID" which would prevent oxidation from occurring where your wires connect, especially on those screw down terminal connections that remain outside.....

@joedukes9760 3 жыл бұрын

Especially important when joining dissimilar metals.

@GREGGRCO 3 жыл бұрын

De-ox, no-ox, etc. Good stuff. Even gray anti seize, only if you have to.

@ronaksoni2729 3 жыл бұрын

Next video is going to be a interesting one 👍

@terrya6486 3 жыл бұрын

Wow I would have gone with 2 inch pvc with that many wires. But you made it work good job !

@DavidPozEnergy 3 жыл бұрын

I wish I had gone with 2" from the beginning. Next time!

@terrya6486 3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidPozEnergy When I brought my 100 amp service wire around my house I use 3" and hooked it up under the eaves all the way around the house I had 96' to get to my garage where I could put my sub 100 and panelin that's the one that's always in my videos with the panel off and wire sticking out everywhere. Lol

@qolspony 2 жыл бұрын

This is exactly what I want to do with my system.

@javiergiraldez1647 3 жыл бұрын

Recomendation: Use Ferrules to better connections. By the way, simple and quality video.

@slip0n0fall 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. As a matter of conciseness: THHN is not technically rated for wet locations (underground conduit is considered a wet environment). That said, most but not all THHN is dual rated as THWN, which is. The other gotcha is THHN is often found in the 90*C column, but THWN is at 60*. You're videos have been a great resource to someone just getting started in solar, so thanks!

@bigdaddeo76 2 жыл бұрын

On a long run through conduit, I used to use something I think was called an electrical snake. You can push it through the conduit, then tape the wires to it and pull it back.

@mjp0815 3 жыл бұрын

So many cool wiring tricks, from my favourite "non-electrician"!

@MiltunaMusic 3 жыл бұрын

Tiny helpful hint: I use a square of fiberglass door screen material where you connect the vacuum hose to the conduit to avoid sucking a lot of line into the vacuum.

@DavidPozEnergy 3 жыл бұрын

Good tip, thank you.

@Jkauppa 3 жыл бұрын

freedom mr wallace

@dig1035 2 жыл бұрын

Thumbs up and subscribed!

@kamarasune6568 3 жыл бұрын

For as many things that you are fabricating for your builds might I suggest you invest in a $ 45- $ 75 hand held Whitney punch. From what I've seen you do I'd bet it would quickly become one of your favorite must have tools in your collection. Love your channel btw :)

@christopherscholz 3 жыл бұрын

Hi David, after you pull your wires and given the voltage you deal with, you might want to consider an insulation test. I’ll shooter you an e-mail on that topic.

@BenMitro 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so excited David...waiting for the Inverter power up (and daisy chaining?)

@user-ew1gf5pj1d 3 жыл бұрын

응원합니다

@danielrivest8942 2 жыл бұрын

David, You should never run a ground wire in rhe same conduit as other wires. If you had a lightning strike the ground wire by induction would transfer the hi voltage to all the other wires. Regards Daniel

@thabisomodisane1435 2 жыл бұрын

You always come up with a plan , it can be building, fitting , connecting your a Millwright Electromechanician

@SuperVstech 3 жыл бұрын

Pull a green ground, and use ohm meter to choose wiring strings. No need to prelable them Also, you could tie a black and red together for each set... labels are simple too.

@bsimpson6204 3 жыл бұрын

We used to call this ‘belling out’ when we installed a new multicore cable we always tested each core was correctly terminated

@brianwood7480 3 жыл бұрын

One not-so-tiny detail that I noticed. You didn't twist any of your DC thhn stranded wires @ the arrays before terminating them in snap-action discconects. Buchanan style terminals would prevent the splaying (flattening & loosening) of the strands. Very informative.