[RE-wrenches] Solar Modules vs. Solar Flares

Fri Apr 27 12:08:01 PDT 2012

Hi Folks,

Long time member, first-time poster.  We installed an EMP-proof (to the best
of our ability) PV System last year designed by our own engineer Kirk, who
I’m hoping will chime in on the conversation.  Our client, a wealthy
physicist was very concerned about solar flares, and EMP weapons.  The main
idea we came back to was complete magnetic shielding for the system.  Here
are some of the strategies we employed:

1)      Custom built, removeable, ½” wire mesh screens surronding each
module (reduced insolation, I know)

2)      All metal raceways, except intermodule wiring (covered by metal
screening)

3)      Farrite core coils and air coils between each series module

4)      DC High pass filters after combiner box at array and after DC
disconnect in the garage (ground mounted system with 130ft wire run)  

5)      Magnum MNSPD surge suppressors on combiner, DC buss bar and AC
output (These alone would provide a modest amount of protection, especially
on the AC side, if grid tied)

6)      System totally disconnected from grid by AC transfer switch (I know,
it’s crazy to buy a system and not grid-tie)

7)      All wiring, inverters and system components  housed in separate
metal enclosures and bonded (We used Midnite Solar battery boxes to house
the Magnum inverter, Outback CC and power panel)

8)      Propane generator wired to system via knife switch disconnect and
transfer switch

After installing this system, I ordered a few extra Midnite MNSPD
suppressors for my home and PV systems.   Suppressors are an easy, modest
amount of protection you could offer your concerned client, in my opinion.
The only way to test the effectiveness of such strategies is either hire a
testing company (expensive, I believe), or wait for one of these events. 

Notes: I later got an order from the same client for an extra “back-up”
inverter and charge controller which I happily suppliedJ  All of the EMP
work we did almost trippled the system cost, which may be hard for some to
swalllow.  Some compromise between EMP protection and cost may be to just
provide extra components which get stored in metal boxes until an event
happens, then get them out and swap them for the fried ones.

Good luck!  

Regards,

James Reismiller

NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®

Abundant Solar

541-231-8772

CCB#175919

Logo2007-for-outlook

www.abundantsolar.com <http://www.abundantsolar.com/abundantsolar/Home.html>

Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:17:31 -0500

From: Corey Shalanski <cshalanski at joule-energy.com>

To: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org

Subject: [RE-wrenches] Solar Modules vs. Solar Flares

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      <CA+SmqZ34nmG-j9AdLB2kvEXG3NJOwkzC=415t8y556fKV87V_g at mail.gmail.com>

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Greetings Wrenches,

I am a new member and have been listening in for the past couple months,

very grateful to have found this amazing resource. Big Up to all involved!

We have a doomsday-driven customer who is apparently concerned that next

year the sun will wipe out the very devices intended to harvest its energy.

I have pasted a portion of his message below:

    "A NOVA special on PBS this evening indicated that the sun is entering

a phase of maximum activity, peaking in 2013, that could include coronal

mass ejections which could damage not only various components in the power

grid, but also most modern electronics in cars, cell phones, etc. My solar

powered back-up system is supposed to provide back-up power in the event of

loss of the power grid. Has any consideration been given to the effect of

solar flares or electro-magnetic pulse effects on solar panels, charge

controllers, inverters and associated components? I assume that the

batteries themselves would be relatively unaffected, and that the inverter

would probably be at highest risk for damage either from a surge from the

power grid or from damage to IC chips from an electromagnetic pulse. Are

the individual solar panels particularly susceptible to such damage? Since

the charge controllers and inverter are housed in metal boxes, are they

essentially the same as Faraday cages, protecting the components contained

inside of their respective boxes?

    I realize that a sufficiently strong electromagnetic pulse,

whether man-made or from the sun, will probably fry most electronic

devices. But I would consider spending a bit more if additional hardware,

not contemplated in the current contract, might provide some additional

measure of protection."

I am wondering if anyone on the list has information on the potential

effects of increased solar activity on PV equipment. How would you respond

to this customer's concerns?

-- 

Corey Shalanski

Joule Energy

New Orleans, LA

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