high voltage offgrid arrays - was Apollo 80 Comments - now OutBack FLEXmax

[Allan Sindelar]

All good points, Drake, John and all. We just need to keep in mind the
tradeoffs:
As with high voltage grid-tied arrays, shading then becomes more critical;
While the rapid changes in module models, sizes, and availability has
already made it harder in recent years, adding a couple of modules to the
array in a few years as the kids grow becomes very difficult; and
mix-and-match of different modules is more difficult.
Allan at PosE

> >Hello Christopher,
> >
> >The new FLEXmax 80 sounds like a great product.  A controller that we
> >really need now (IMO) is one that can charge from a 300 to 550 volt
> >array.  Are the technical obstacles to producing this too great?
> >
> >Drake
> >
>
> I agree strongly.  Heck, even 250-300 max Voc would be a big step forward.
>
> I guess I don't understand all the push for higher output
> currents.  Paralleling 40-60 amp controllers has always been relatively
> easy, and now all of the new models can coordinate their operation over
> some type of communications bus if desired.  And with multiple
controllers,
> not all solar production is lost if one of the units goes down.
>
> Not only is the solar panel market driven almost entirely by high voltage
> grid tie applications, but there is little continuity as to what models
are
> available.  I often find it more of a challenge these days in off-grid
> designs, to hit my total wattage, array voltage, and racking layout target
> windows all at the same time.  Not impossible, but definitely more
> challenging, especially for those of us that need to stay away from 72
volt
> nominal arrays because of low temperature Voc concerns.  At least with the
> MX60 we can use in-between array voltages.
>
> Another factor is that the cost of copper has risen enough to move the
> optimum line-loss cost tradeoff point a bit.  Higher voltage arrays on
> remotely located pole tops conserve precious copper.   Higher voltage
> designs reduce wiring costs across the board (less array home runs and
> breakers, smaller and simpler combiner boxes, smaller array wire all
> around, less connections, etc).
>
> I've heard rumors that at least one higher voltage CC may be in the works,
> but I'm not convinced it's for real, not just yet.  Sure hope so.
>
> John Raynes
> RE Solar
> Torrey UT


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