help with new array please...

[alyaz]

I am getting three (3) new 265 watt solar panels.  (Will replace six older 80 watt Sharp panels that are on the roof.  I am getting a new roof and don’t want panels on the roof again). 

Here is the plan (suggested by the wholesaler so wondering about wire size and breaker especially).

Three 265 watt panels, wired in one string to a combiner box with a breaker located at the solar panel location.  (Is a breaker really needed at the solar panel array, being that it is only one string?)  I do have breakers for the controllers in the basement.

A 45’ run (is TEK 6/2 way overkill?)  What would you(s) suggest for wire size?

Hooked to a Classic 250 (that ran the six Sharp 80 watt panels array).

Thanks.

[Vic]

I am getting three (3) new 260 watt Heliene solar panels.  (Will replace six older 80 watt Sharp panels that are on the roof.  I am getting a new roof and don’t want panels on the roof again). 

Here is the plan (suggested by the wholesaler so wondering about wire size and breaker especially).

Three 260 watt panels, wired in one string to a combiner box with a breaker located at the solar panel location.  (Is a breaker really needed at the solar panel array, being that it is only one string?)  I do have breakers for the controllers in the basement.

A 45’ run (is TEK 6/2 way overkill?)  What would you(s) suggest for wire size?

Hooked to a Classic 250 (that ran the six Sharp 80 watt panels array).

Thanks.

Hi Al,

NO,   a combiner for a single string of PVs is NOT required.   Having a PV input and an output breaker near the CC is a very good thing to have.

6/2 cable is more than is needed for a 45' run between the PV array and the CC.  # 8 or 10 AWG should be OK for the run from PVs to CC.  The Teck cable looks very nice,   and appears to comply with CSA regs.   And may also be UL Listed.

IIRC,   you are using a 24 V nominal system,   so three 60-cell PVs should be fine on a Cl 250.   And even if your system is 48 V,  three 60-cell PVs should also be fine.

IMO,   Vic

[alyaz]

Thanks for always being here Vic!

[alyaz]

Got the three new panels (upper level balcony) up and running yesterday.  Thanks for everyone’s help.

[Westbranch]

Al, have you been able to compare the output efficiencies of these 3 arrays yet? would be interesting to see if there is any difference in production / sq meter of sky occupied, etc...

[alyaz]

Nothing scientific by any means.  I’ll have to put my mind to that.  :-)