[RE-wrenches] Conflict between solar PV and Zigbee-based home automation??

[boB at midnitesolar.com]

I am guessing that this contractor's bad experience with this is from 
the RF noise (EMI) that the inverters or charge controllers make.
This interference can mess up Zigbee and other communications means for 
sure.  I'm not positive, but Zigbee may be more prone to
EMI interference than some other communications methods but you have to 
work with what you got I guess.
The interference can usually be reduced by adding some filtering to the 
PV system as well as wiring in conduit (etc.) but if it really
turns out to be a problem at a home, then another EMI/RFI mitigating 
contractor may be required to help.

Another thing that can help is to just make sure the Zigbee or whatever 
wins out over the interference by using directional
antennas, cranking up the transmit power (if legal), etc.

Having said that, I don't think that the problem this contractor talks 
about is always a problem.  Sometimes you
get lucky and sometimes you are unlucky in these installations. It's not 
the DC at least, it's the AC (RF) that is
riding on the DC that is the problem and comes from the equipment that 
the PV is hooked up to.

boB



On 7/28/2014 9:31 PM, scot.arey at solarcentex.com wrote:
> I am installing a ground array for a customer who has a highly 
> automated home.  He calls tonight and says his automation contractor 
> says that solar PV systems within 300 feet of the home will degrade 
> the home automation communications which are Zigbee-based he says.
>
> I think it's the craziest thing I've ever heard... but he's paying and 
> I need to look into this and get affirmative answers.
>
> My 10.8KW ground array will  be 300 feet away (yes - accounting for 
> voltage drop!) and connect at a load side meter box connection.
>
> Anybody hear anything like this?  Can the DC flow of electrons really 
> cause this degrading effect?
>
>
> Howard "Scot" Arey
>
> Solar CenTex
> 254-300-1228
>
> "Use the Texas Sun!"
>

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