I've got an option to purchase some used panels at what I think is a good price.
While I only need the panels a complete un-installed system is available that includes an inverter and the mounting hardware.
I have a 1.5 kW of panels currently installed to a 3kW inverter. The inverter has a second input that I'd like to connect an additional 1.5kW of panels to.
Are there any issues that may prevent me having these installed by a licenced electrician?
I'm assuming its legal to re-use panels?
Am I able to mount the hardware and have an electrician connect the panels and complete the installation?
Cheers.
This https://www.solarquotes.com.a
You will need to confirm that the old panel are still aloud to be installed, theirs a list somewhere.
Thanks, since posting I found that article. It's blatantly biased but I suppose that's to be expected given its source!
It seems the main point is that panels need to comply with current standards.
I might be able to get 8 x 190W panels and the mounting hardware for around $40 each. On the surface it looks like a good idea.
Thanks.
Bugger.
So am I correct in understanding that these panels (if they are not listed as approved) although still functioning and safe are unable under any circumstances to be fitted to grid connected a system?
Does the same apply to my 5 year old inverter?
If it is no longer on the approved list does that mean that I cannot under any circumstances add panels to take advantage of its unused capacity?
Sorry I'm not reading the whole thread before chipping in, if you are looking to add panels to an existing inverter I think the rules may be different providing the panels you add are the same or very similar to what you have up already.
Thanks Ian, I hope so. That is exactly what I want to do.
I've an email from one installer that suggests unless my installed inverter is on the approved list I can't add panels. It seems bizarre.
I've an email from one installer that suggests unless my installed inverter is on the approved list I can't add panels.
I'm no electrician, but this is my understanding – happy for any installer to correct me! :)
New inverters cant be installed unless they are currently approved by the CEC.
Adding non-approved panels can't be done, whether to an old or new system. But if already installed as part of an old system, those existing non-approved panels already in place are fine, and approved panels can be added.
Adding approved panels to a new system (with a currently approved inverter) means you can claim STC's on the original and any additional panels if they are on the approved panel list and haven't been used to create STC's before.
You can add secondhand panels if they are on the current approved panel list, but you can't claim any STC's for them.
In Bahco's case, as the inverter is no longer on the approved list he can't claim STC's, so they'd have to be secondhand, but I doubt you'd find any new ones anyway. :)
Adding panels may require other upgrades to the system to bring it up to standard.
As Bahco has a single MPPT inverter the voltage will need to be pretty much the same on both strings.
To do this, Bahco will need similar panels – anything from 190-205w would be fine. They MUST be 5" cells, 6 across and 12 down – that is, a 72 cell panel. Panels with 6" cells will not work.
For secondhand but approved panels, there are a few choices, if you can find them secondhand. :)
Canadian, CSUN, ET, Infinity, ZDNY. Luxor, Hanover, Ulica, Renesola and Suntech all have models in this range on the approved list: https://www.solaraccreditatio
190's, 195's, 200's and 205's in this 72 cell panel layout will all work fine, although they will only perform as well as the other 190w string.
The listed panels are compliant now, but they likely may not be by next February when the rules change. :)
An obvious question here is what is the criteria to determine what is needed to make a panel an approved panel.?
If panels which were previously approved, but no longer are, then what has changed with the panel so that its no longer approvable?
It cant be a safety issue otherwise all houses with currently non approved panels or inverters would have to remove them.
Can non approved panels and inverters be used for off grid installations?
It's a very recent legislation there is no approved equipment which has been removed yet
And it is a safety issue in many cases, unfortunately as bad kit gets older I think this is going to be a major issue
An obvious question here is what is the criteria to determine what is needed to make a panel an approved panel.?
If panels which were previously approved, but no longer are, then what has changed with the panel so that its no longer approvable?
It cant be a safety issue otherwise all houses with currently non approved panels or inverters would have to remove them.
Regulations via Australian Standards (AS/NZS 5033, 4077 and others) do change of course. Sometimes it's as new technology is developed, others as problems are found. In the case of panels, the biggest change was in mid-2013 when panels had to be fire-rated (passing the IEC 61730 test). It is a safety improvement, but it's not required for all the old systems to be upgraded given the very limited existing risk with those systems.
In 2015, proposed changes for inverters included the mandatory inclusion of an earth fault alarm to detect if there is a fault or short-circuit between the DC circuit/s of a PV system and ground (earth), this change was implemented in October 2016.
The majority of older systems (mine, for example) don't have currently-approved equipment, and were (mostly!) installed to the requirements of the day. Doesn't mean they are innately unsafe, just that improvements and/or changes have been made since then.
The latest changes for inverters included improvements as follows:
• the inclusion of a balance requirement for multiple phase systems
• revised set-points and limits to match electricity distributor requirements
• provision for demand response and power quality response modes
• electrical safety requirements in accordance with IEC 62109-1 and IEC 62109-2
• requirements for multiple mode inverter operation and for systems with energy storage to meet electrical safety requirements in accordance with AS 62040.1.1