Using Outback PSSB with Fronius [RE-wrenches]

[Jeff Clearwater]

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Hey Jeremy,

My response was much too long-winded - let's try again:


1)  No you don't have to use a PSPV in addition to a PSSB

2)  Square D HU-361 or equivalent much cheaper but uglier

3)  You can combine using bundy connector  (or split-bolt or PDB) in 
raintight J-box and can use that to transition from Multiconnector 
cable to conduit at array  before going to DC disconnect  EO makes 
ready made combiner/transition box but pricey.

4) Or you can combine at lugs of PSSB but don't recommend it. Can 
combine at lugs of Square D HU-361 with good results.


That's what I really said in all the  rest.

peace!

Jeff C.


>
>
>Hi Jeremy,
>
>Technically you can use a PSSB breaker to both combine two strings 
>and then act as the disconnect.  The poles are rated for two wires. 
>You can also do the same with a Square D HU-361 or GE equivalent.
>
>However although I have done it several times, I can' t say I'm 
>overjoyed with using the PSSB as the combiner too.  Anytime use use 
>a breaker lug to combine wires you run the risk of not getting one 
>of the wires fully landed tight - if it were to pop off you'ld have 
>a high voltage wire floating around in your disconnect.  Also 
>Outback's negative block for those PSSBs are pretty small for 
>stuffing two 10 AWGs into or even 12 AWG even though they are 
>supposedly rated for 10 AWG.  I have had EO send me the slightly 
>beafier DIN mounted negative block to make that negative connection.
>
>I have in some of those systems done the combining with a split-bolt 
>connector or power distribution block and then jumpered to the PSSB. 
>The PSSB in itself makes a fine high voltage disconnect and I like 
>them when I'm doing pole mounts instead of Square D or GE 
>disconnects when aesthetics is an issue.  Nice white sealed boxes 
>with no externally accessible switch for kids to play with.
>
>I've also seen installers avoid the combining issue at the 
>disconnect by running both strings all the way to a HU-361 and using 
>separate poles for each of the strings and running the switched 
>output to the inverters where there is usually a multi pole input. 
>This works nicely when the disconnect and inverter are mounted close 
>to the panels - like on the roof or all on the pole.
>
>So there are several ways to do it.  The HU361 or equivalent if the 
>most inexpensive high quality versatile (3 poles) high voltage rated 
>disconnect out there and I use them when I can.  But the PSSB is a 
>really nice but significantly more expensive alternative.  Either 
>way you have to figure how to combine.
>
>Energy Outfitters makes a nice pass-through combiner box that allows 
>two strings to come into one.  They mount right on the racks - but 
>they are pricey for just a pass-through box.  They are nice for 
>transition boxes from the MC connectors to your conduited wire down 
>to the inverter.  Especially nice when you have low profile racks 
>and don't want a big J-box there.
>
>Many of us also just any sort of outdoor rated steel or PVC j-box at 
>the array and combine there with a PDB or split-bolt or wire nut or 
>bundy connector - cheap and effective.  I personally don't like PVC 
>- especially in really sunny locations - as it tends to turn white 
>and look ugly and I question if 20 years down the line they wont' 
>crack. From there now you have one wire and either a HU-361 or PSSB 
>is a fine choice.
>
>So have fun and welcome to the world of grid-tie details.
>
>Jeff C.
>
>
>>Outback Power and/or Wrenches,
>>
>>I am trying to come up with a safe way to wire in 2 strings of 
>>14-12v modules to feed the dc side of a Fronius IG3000.  I have 
>>looked over the manual for the PSSB and somewhat understand it!
>>Bear with me, this is my first grid tied system.  Could I use the 
>>PSSB 6-pole breaker, or do I need 2-PSPV breakers prior to it.
>>
>>Thanks in advance!
>>Jeremy
>>All Solar
>>CO, USA
>
>
>--
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>Jeff Clearwater
>Village Power Design Associates
>Sustainable Energy & Water Solutions for Home & Village
>http://www.villagepower.com
>gosolar at villagepower.com
>
>530-470-9166
>877-SOLARVillage
>877-765-2784
>425 Nimrod St.
>Nevada City, CA 95959
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-- 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jeff Clearwater
Village Power Design Associates
Sustainable Energy & Water Solutions for Home & Village
http://www.villagepower.com
gosolar at villagepower.com

530-470-9166
877-SOLARVillage
877-765-2784
425 Nimrod St.
Nevada City, CA 95959
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`~

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