Learning about Direct Coupling [RE-wrenches]

[Jeff Yago]

"Direct Coupling of PV to lighting loads in commercial buildings. Has
anybody had any experience with this? Anybody want to learn with me?"

All fluorescent and HID commercial lighting fixtures require ballasts
which are an AC device.  Of course you could use custom DC ballasts
but that is not your main problem.  I think you will find the direct
coupling of the pv array to the lighting loads without any kind of
electrical "buffer" device to stabilize system voltage such as a
battery bank, voltage regulator, or inverter, the voltage and currents
will be all over the place and either destroy your ballasts or at
least cause constantly changing light output levels.  What happens if
a cloud passes over?

You will also find it very expensive for retro-fit DC electronic
ballasts in this size range.  Bottom line, probably cheaper to use
grid tied inverter system and lower cost (but high efficiency) AC
ballasts.

Jeff Yago

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