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Solar PV DC earthing.

Jake Morgan

Hi all, I'm in the process of designing a solar install where the DC strings are going to have to be buried in the fabric of the building. I am planning to use PV ultra SWA cable or earthed steel conduit and make sure there are plans to record where it is, as per IET COP for Solar PV 5.10.3. 

It has got me thinking about what actually happens in a scenario where someone drills through it. With 230V AC systems the earthed containment would contact the Line and cause a short circuit that would hopefully trip an MCB/RCD. DC strings do not have a reference to earth nor is there any device to trip so what happens? Or is one of the poles earthed in the inverter?

Can anyone point me towards further reading on this?

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  • 0

    PV Ultra SWA vs Normal SWA

    The PV ultra has double insulation on the DC carrying cores which is then surround by a bedding then there is the SWA and the a outer sheath.  In my eye double insulation on the DC side of power generation in the home is a must. 

    Other points worthy of note.  Individual micro inverters on the PV panels themselves.  These dependant. on brand and model allow for safe voltage/safer voltage per panel 1 watt when disconnected from the power invert intentionally or accidently or by damage.  Some also offer fast safe shut down in the event of a fire at the PV or the main power inverter.  This makes the system far safer for first responders. 

    Interlinked smoke and/or heat detectors on all floors of the dwelling ENCLUDING the loft.

    Some manufacturers offer training on their brand of inverter.  Have a look at SunSynk I am sure they have a Approved Installer program.

    Once you have considered all the above, it is worth thinking about battery storage to make the most use out of the self generated power.  There are some good books out there like

    Code of Practice for Electrical Energy Storage Systems

    https://shop.theiet.org/code-of-practice-for-electrical-energy-storage-systems-3rd-edition

    Then next part of the puzzle in Island mode / Prosumer / Earthing

  • 0 in reply to Sergio Fernandez

    Hi Sergio, what are your thoughts regarding: - “Then next part of the puzzle in Island mode / Prosumer / Earthing” A additional  earth rod is required, contactor for neutral-earth bond on systems uptown 8.8 kW inverters. Hybrid Inverters have an output for essential loads during Island mode.

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  • 0 in reply to Sergio Fernandez

    Hi Sergio, what are your thoughts regarding: - “Then next part of the puzzle in Island mode / Prosumer / Earthing” A additional  earth rod is required, contactor for neutral-earth bond on systems uptown 8.8 kW inverters. Hybrid Inverters have an output for essential loads during Island mode.

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