Increasing array size for panels that won't tilt

Started by Endurance, April 15, 2013, 01:32:48 PM

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JerryB

I grounded the frame via a separate green wire that ties into the boats ground system. Ditto for the three rail-mounted panels.

Jerry

ChrisOlson

Quote from: JerryB on May 03, 2013, 03:18:38 PM
I grounded the frame via a separate green wire that ties into the boats ground system. Ditto for the three rail-mounted panels.

You mean into the boat's DC ground?  That would make sense because that's where the chassis of our inverter is bonded to.  Which is also where our AC ground goes.  Which is really a "floating" ground because the battery negatives and AC ground aren't bonded to anything unless we're hooked up to shore power.  On shore power that battery ground goes to shore power ground (along with, of course, the AC ground).

It's an interesting topic because I really don't know if the panel frames and mounting rails should be considered part of the boat's bonding system or not.  And I'm guessing if I ask five different Marine Electricians I'll get five different opinions on it.
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Chris