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How to set up solar array
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Use only 600 volt wire.
Lamp cord, extension cords are not rated 600 volt.
Use copper wire only. Aluminum wire is fire risk and should be avoided or installed by professional.

30 amp breaker use 10 gauge /
120-240 volt 30 amp outlet can be installed on 30 amp breaker only/ use 10 gauge wire ... cannot be connected to 15-20-40 amp breaker.

Orange/ #10 gauge wire, with ground ... 30 amp capacity. Safe maximum: 30 x 80% = 24 amps.
Buy:
10-2 gauge/ 30 amp
10-3/ 30 amp
Southwire electric tools
Yellow 12 gauge 20 amp
120 volt 20 amp outlet can be installed on 20 amp breaker, but not 15 amp breaker/ use 12 ga wire.
... cannot be connected to 30-40 amp breaker. 1

Yellow/ #12 gauge wire, with ground ... 20 amp capacity. Safe maximum 16 amps.
Buy:
12-2 gauge/ 20 amp
12-3/ 20 amp

NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
Rolls of stranded wire
HOOK UP Wires
White 14 gauge 15 amp
120 volt 15 amp outlet, AFCI, GFCI, timer, switch etc can be installed on 15 or 20 amp breaker. Never connect 15 gauge wire to 20-30-40 amp breaker.

White/ #14 gauge wire,  with ground ... 15 amp capacity. Safe maximum 12 amps.
Buy:
14-2 gauge/ 15 amp
14-3/ 15 amp

NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
50-60 amp breaker use 6 gauge /
240 volt 50 outlet can be installed on 50 amp breaker only
6-2 wire
Buy:
6-2 wire
Southwire electric tools
NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
40-50 amp breaker use 8 gauge /
240 volt 40 amp outlet can be installed on 40 or 50 amp breaker only
6-2 wire
Buy:
8-2 wire
Southwire electric tools
NMB is house wiring
UF is underground
     
Copper ground wire.
Every device, load, metal enclosure etc must be grounded. Ground wire must be continuous throughout installation, never switched on-off, never used as a Neutral wire.
Generally ... use same size as other wire in circuit
Buy:
12 gauge copper ground wire
Ground wire
Green ground wire
Ground pigtails
Ground rods/ ground clamps at Amazon
armored cable
Non metallic flexible cables must carry ground wire, but do not have hazard of short circuit causing injury from shock.

Armored steel cable can be used as a grounded connection, and will protect wires from damage. Metal can be energized from an insulation failure.

All conduit ...metal, plastic ... flexible and rigid ... must be attached to structure, and attached to enclosures, boxes.
Movement, damage and deterioration are major cause of electrical failure.
Buy:
Non-metallic flexible conduit
Power whip
Armored cable
Southwire armored cable cutter
Pull boxes
Southwire armored cable cutter
Electrical tools must be insulated.
Always best to disconnect power, but insulation failure, lack of proper grounding, grounded neutral, lack of GFCI, out-of-code wiring, generator operating without transfer switch, and other problems still pose a risk to anyone working on electric power ... even when breaker is off.

Buy:
Electrician tools kits
KLEIN TOOLS
Tools kits
IRWIN tools
KNIPEX

Telephone cable knife
Low Voltage Mounting Bracket for Telephone
Push on wire connectors

Push-on wire connectors in place of twist-on connectors

Buy:
Push on wire connectors Amazon
Red 3P connector for 10-14 gauge wire
Lever connectors for stranded wire at Amazon
HOOK UP Wires

Protect wiring from damage
Use nipper instead of pliers or screwdriver for removing staples (and nails). Do not damage cable or wires inside cable.

-Code says: Cable SHALL BE secured without damage to the outer covering. NEC sec. 336-15
Buy
End cutting nippers at Amazon


Electrically insulated tools
When removing insulation from wire, do NOT score or put cuts on surface of copper wire. Doing so increases resistance and heat on wire and creates possible weak point.
Buy tools:
KLEIN TOOLS
Wire strippers at Amazon
Electric Wire Stripping Machine
Linesman pliers
Utility knife at Amazon
multimeter
Multimeters
Voltage is tested across two separate wires. Ohms or resistance is tested across both ends of same wire. Amperage is tested along one or two points on same wire.
Buy:
Analog multimeter
Multimeters at Amazon
Klein multimeter
Electric testers at Amazon
Clampmeter for testing amp flow on line

GFCI circuit breaker
A GFCI circuit breaker will protect all boxes on circuit.

Circuit must be grounded. Ground wire must be continuous and connected to each piece of equipment.

White wire on circuit breaker must be connected to Neutral busbar inside the breaker panel.

Buy
GFCI circuit breakers
Push down
single-pole breaker
1" wide Push down breaker
Plug-in breaker
Buy single-pole:
Choose from 15 to 60 amp
Eaton CL series
Siemens 15-60 amp

Single-pole tandem breaker
Tandem breakers
Push down
double-pole breaker
2" wide Push down breaker
Plug-in breakers
Buy double-pole:
Choose from 15 to 125 amp
Choose from 15 amp to 200 amp
Eaton CL series circuit breaker
Siemens circuit breaker
Double pole GFCI
Solar panel bundle
250W Renogy mono-crystalline panel

Buy Bundles;
4 panels 250 watt at Amazon $1275
6 panels 250 watt at Amazon
10 panels 250 watt at Amazon
20 panels 250 watt at Amazon

Solar panel connectors
Buy solar panels at Amazon
Panels are 250 watt renology
Optimum operating voltage 30.1 V Vmp
Optimum operating current 8.32 A Imp each panel

Question:
6 panels in a string will produce 8.32 amps? and 180.6 volts?
Because the panels are like D-batteries end-to-end in series ... the voltage increases, but amperage stays the same.

2 strings with 6 panels each, combined or put together ... is like putting D-batteries in parallel... the amperage increases but voltage remains the same
So putting together 2 strings of 6 panels each will produce 16.64 amps and 180.6 volts?


Answer
Adding panels in series increases voltage, amps unchanged.
Adding strings in parallel increases amps and leaves voltage same.

Resource:
Following link has detailed information about DC
DC-circuit-breakers.pdf
string of solar panels String is several panels wired in series, with + connect to - on each panel.
Each panel has + wire and - wire
Connect the + on first panel to - on next panel

Caution: Do not connect solar panels with panel facing sun, or there will be electric power on the wires.

Resource:
DC fuses and circuit breakers
solar array Array
Strings can be combined into arrays

The + wires are combined together in distribution block or a combiner. The - wires are also combined together. Both + and - are separate from each other.
Wire size
Standard wire gauge apply to AC or DC.

Single string 6 panels might produce 22 amps.
22 amps, you use #10 wire up to 30 amps.
 
Three strings of 6 panels combined, might produce 66 amps on the + wire, so larger wire size is needed. For example #4 wire up to 70 amps.

Resources:
Wire sizes and amp ratings
Building a combiner box .pdf
solar array
Larger image
Array = all panels combined
Flow of power is + to -
With DC power, electrons flow from Positive to negative.
Negative is grounded.

Switchgear (circuit breaker, fuse, power disconnect etc) is always connected to positive.
PV solar power resistance PV solar power resistance
During high solar conditions, Low resistance harvests more electric output

During low solar, Higher resistance harvests more electric output

Optimal resistance (pink line on graph) is reverse of sunshine or solar output (in red)

To maximize array, the correct number of strings must be calculated
Graph and calculations courtesy of Network Nerdvana

Array: Different string configurations result in different resistance
To maximize solar harvest: Low solar and high solar conditions require different resistances

Calculate number of strings in array During high solar conditions, Low resistances harvests more electric output

During low solar, Higher resistance harvests more electric output
1 string of 12 panels
Best for lowest solar

Same wattage, different resistance in Ohms
Array configurations.  Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp, 8.32 Imp.  PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.

1) 12 panels in series.  1 string: 
   30.1 Vmp * 12 = 361.2 Vmp
   8.32 Imp * 1 = 8.32 Imp
   Zmp = 361.2 Vmp / 8.32 Imp = 43.4 Ohms
2 strings of 6 panels
Good for low solar

Same wattage, different resistance in Ohms
Array configurations.  Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp, 8.32 Imp.  PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.

2) 6 panels in series. 2 strings:
    30.1 Vmp * 6 = 180.6 Vmp
    8.32 Imp * 2 = 16.64 Imp
    Zmp = 180.6 Vmp / 16.64 Imp = 10.8 Ohms
3 strings of 4 panels
Good for medium solar

Same wattage, different resistance in Ohms
Array configurations.  Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp, 8.32 Imp.  PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.

3) 4 panels in series. 3 strings:
    30.1 Vmp * 4 = 120.4 Vmp
    8.32 Imp * 3 = 24.96 Imp
    Zmp = 120.4 Vmp / 24.96 Imp = 4.82 Ohms
4 strings of 3 panels
Good for medium solar

Same wattage, different resistance in Ohms
Array configurations.  Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp, 8.32 Imp.  PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.

4) 3 panels in series. 4 strings:
    30.1 Vmp * 3 = 90.3 Vmp
    8.32 Imp * 4 = 33.28 Imp
    Zmp = 90.3 Vmp / 33.28 Imp = 2.71 Ohms
6 strings of 2 panels
Good for high solar

Same wattage, different resistance in Ohms
Array configurations.  Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp, 8.32 Imp.  PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.

5) 2 panels in series. 6 strings:
    30.1 Vmp * 2 = 60.2 Vmp
    8.32 Imp * 6 = 49.92 Imp
    Zmp = 60.2 Vmp / 49.92 Imp = 1.21 Ohms
12 strings of 1 panel
Best for highest solar

Same wattage, different resistance in Ohms
Array configurations.  Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp, 8.32 Imp.  PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.

6) 1 panel in series. 12 strings:
    30.1 Vmp * 1 = 30.1 Vmp
    8.32 Imp * 12 = 99.84 Imp
    Zmp = 30.1 Vmp / 99.84 Imp = 0.301 Ohms
Commercial solar collection arrays change configuration of strings throughout day, and throughout year, to maximize solar harvest...
For example early morning or late afternoon, or cloudy day, then 6 strings with 2 panels each might be better.
While midday, with clear sky and cold temperatures, 1 string with 12 panels might be better.
Colder temperatures are better because cold lowers resistance.
Read more about Ohms/ resistance in solar

Please read following:
Solar power curve charts
Convert AC water heater to DC
DC arc extinction .pdf
DC arc extinction/ controlling high voltage DC
"the higher the number of contacts opening the circuit, the higher the breaking capacity of the circuit-breaker.
This means that, when the voltage rises, it is necessary to increase the number of current interruptions in series, so that a rise in the arc voltage is obtained and consequently a number of poles for breaking operation suitable to the fault level."
What this quote means: A DC circuit breaker or any DC switchgear must have multiple contacts that disconnect as illustrated in diagrams below
You want to increase the number of contact points, so the arc from DC power can be extinguished
Resources:
DC arc extinction .pdf
Read about difference between AC and DC
Switchgear for DC:

Extinguish arc using contacts in series
AC contactor can have longer life-expectancy when switching DC if wired as shown,.
This puts 4 sets of contacts on the positive wire.
Obviously if all four contacts are disengaged at same moment, it will be more difficult for DC to arc across all four.

Or use a 3-pole for better arc extinguish using six contact points

Or use 4-pole contactor and 3 poles (six contact points) are used for positive wire, and 4th pole (2 contact points) is used on negative wire.
As we can see from this example, DC electrons flow from positive to negative because we are trying to extinguish the arc on the positive wire.

Resources:
3-pole contactors
Difference between AC and DC
4-pole and 3-pile DC contactor
Convert AC water heater to DC

Resources:
Convert AC water heater to DC
All solar resources
photovoltaic fuseholderDC fuse
Fuseholder                         Fuse
Photovoltaic fuseholder/ DC fuseholder/ 1000 volts DC/
DC fuse/ photovoltaic fuse: use 20-25 amp fast-acting for designs on this page
Not waterproof... mount inside Nema 3R enclosure
>Mount on din rail/ change fuse with flick of finger
Install 25-30 amp fuses
Use 10 x 38 DC fuses

Buy:
Photovoltaic fuseholder / DC fuseholder/ ultrasafe/ at Amazon
Ultrasafe fuseholders at Amazon
600 volt DC fuses at Amazon
Mersen 600 volt DC fuse
waterproof DC fuse holder Waterproof Solar fuseholder/ 1000 VDC/ 2 amp to 30 amp
Buy
Solar fuseholder at Amazon
Fuse holder plus 20 amp DC fuse
Fuse holder plus 30 amp DC fuse
DC circuit breaker
DC circuit breaker
DC circuit breakers for Solar/ use 20-25 amp for designs on this page
Buy from my affiliate links:
DC circuit breakers
High voltage DC circuit breakers at Amazon

Combiner boxes at Amazon

Resource:
How to set up solar array
Din rail Din rail for mounting Breakers, fuse-holders, timers, relays
Make your own breaker box, combiner box
Buy:
Din rails for mounting
Combiner boxes at Amazon

Resource:
How to set up solar array
Solar power books Solar power books
Learn the basics with tips and help for professional and beginner alike

Buy from my affiliate links:
Solar power books
solar mounted on pole Clean solar panels are ≈9% more efficient
Array that is cleaned regularly will harvest more solar power.
Measured experiments between clean and dirty array shows: The clean array's power output increased by 9% over the dusty array. This experiment was done on clear solar day with 'direct overhead' sun and panels were coated with nature-applied environmental dust, smoke etc in Utah. Ordinary city-water hose was used to clean array. Other factors of exact science were assumed to be equal or ignored. 
Solar mounted on pole
My friend Network writes:
I try to extract as much as I can out of each day.   If I don't hurt by evening I'm doing something wrong.

Top of pole.   3 panels per string.  245W mono.   Mr Long Arm Longest model product placement.   Throw in 1/2 moon for free.

Schedule 40 galvanized pipe 6-5/8 OD.    10 footer.  Factory end on top.   4 feet into the dirt with cement.  That sucker ain't going anywhere.

Top of poles are easily to spin.   Ground mounts are not.    I also countersunk dents in the pipe for the bolts  (E-SE-S-SW-W).  See pic.    Then I made some handles so I can easily change position instead of using a wrench on the bolts.   I turn them to the West in the summer when I need cooling.   South in winter to max the yield.   I could easily manually track the sun during the day if I wanted to.

I can adjust the angle as well but I never do.  Its way more effort than spinning.

Multimeter
Test for breaks in wire/ Test for voltage
Most appliance require 80% rated voltage to function correctly
Buy
Analog multimeter
Multimeters at Amazon
Klein multimeter
Electric testers at Amazon
Clampmeter for testing amp flow on line
Resource:
How to test and replace element
How to test thermocouple
Element tests for 120 volts
How to test wire
Safety when testing wires:
Never touch wet or previously flooded appliance.
Never stand on wet surface when working on electric.
Never stand on bare soil, put down dry boards.
Tape tester leads to wood sticks to keep hands away from power.
Use non-contact voltage tester before touching wires.
Never touch or lean into any made of metal.
Remove metal objects from pockets.
Do not use oxygen or fuel accelerants in same room as electrical repairs

Resource:
Basic house wiring

Non-contact voltage tester
Test for power without touching connectors
NEVER assume power is OFF

Buy:
Non-contact voltage tester Amazon
Electric testers at Amazon
Resource:
How to test electric power is off
GFCI receptacle120 volt 15 amp devices including GFCI, timers, switches, plugs, wifi controls etc can be installed on 15 or 20 amp breaker.

120 volt GFCI, outlet, receptacle that is rated 20 amp can be installed on 20 amp breaker only, but NOT on 15 amp breaker.  
Buy
15 amp GFCI
20 amp GFCI
Buy
Basic electric book
Home plumbing/ electrical codes
Basic electric book
Or learn about basic household electricity... use and search my site/
Resource
Safe electric wiring
Basic house wiring

Use outlet tester to check for correct wiring on any 120 volt straight-blade outlet.
Buy:
Klein testers
Outlet tester
Circuit breaker finder
Electric usage monitor
wire connector assortment

Twist-on wire connector assortments

Do not reuse old connectors
Twist wire connector very tight. Pull wires to ensure they will not come loose. Cover all bare copper.
Buy:
Connector assortment at Amazon
Connector assortment at Amazon
Resource
How to select and install twist-on wire connectors
Weatherproof wire connector

Weatherproof wire connector

Connector cavity is full of silicone
Built-in cover keeps silicone in place
Protect from water, dust etc
Buy from my affiliate links
Weatherproof size 14 to 6 Amazon
Weatherproof size 22 to 8 Amazon

Resource
How to select and install connectors
Connect wire to screw terminal
Use only 600 volt solid copper wire.
Do not use stranded wire or extension cord.
Do not use solder anywhere on residential 120-240 volt wiring.
Attach electric installation to structure. Tighten screws very tight against wire.

Buy:
NEC books
Dewalt plumbing/ electrical codes
Basic electric book
National electric code guide/ illustrated

Resources:
How to twist wire
How to select and install twist-on wire connectors
Lever switchWeatherproof lever switch on outdoor lights
Safely operate outdoor toggle switch
Replaces outdoor cover
Install over top of ordinary switch
Works with single-pole, double-pole, 3PST, 3-way, 4-way switches etc
Use weatherproof box for outdoor
Can be used indoor or outdoor

Buy:
Best choice: Cantex lever switch
Outdoor lever switches at Amazon
Lever switches

Resource
Cantex-toggle-switch-covers.pdf
Cantex-PVC-junction-boxes.pdf

Treminals

Terminals

Buy:
Terminal kit
Blue for 16-14 wire
Yellow for 12-10 wire

Resource:
How to install terminal
Push on wire connectors

Push-on wire connectors in place of twist-on connectors

Buy:
Push on wire connectors Amazon
Red 3P connector for 10-14 gauge wire
Lever connectors for stranded wire at Amazon
remove cable staple
Use nipper instead of pliers or screwdriver for removing staples (and nails). Do not damage cable or wires inside cable.

Code
-Cable SHALL BE secured without damage to the outer covering. NEC sec. 336-15
Buy
End cutting nippers at Amazon

 
linesman pliers

When removing insulation from wire, do NOT score or put cuts on surface of copper wire. Doing so increases resistances on wire and creates weak point.
Buy tools:
Wire strippers at Amazon
Linesman pliers
Pro linesman plier
Needle nose pliers
End cutting nippers at Amazon

Weather resistant plastic box for outdoor extension cord connections, Christmas lights, outdoor power strip etc . Not for connecting wires with wire nutsŪ, or in-wall wiring, but can be used indoors to organize extension cords, power strips etc.
Weather resistant is not weatherproof or watertight. Use enclosures rated IP65 and IP67 for waterproof.
Extension cords cannot be used for permanent wiring.
Buy:
Large-medium-small electric cord box
Socketbox
Raintight enclosures
Water-tight cord lock
Resource: Enclosures and boxes

Contactors/ relays
Type 1 and type 2 surge protection surge protection
Programmable timers

Woods timers
surge protection
Gas and electric water heaters Buy
Electronic parts

Industrial supplies

Tools and home improvement

Home and garden

Hayward pool
Pentair pool

Southwire electric
Buy
Tools

DEWALT
Black and Decker
Stanley
SKIL
Makita
Porter-Cable
Bosch

Irwin Hand tools
Klein hand tools
Fluke electrical testing
Dremel hobby tools

Campbell Hausfeld air powered
Tekton automotive

Powerbuilt automotive
Saws and saw blades
box timers Resource:
Compare box timers
DPDT timers
Intermatic
Control water heater w/ Z-wave
Intermatic control centers Resource:
Intermatic control centers: and parts
Digital control centers and parts
Tork control centers and parts
Subpanels
All control centers and parts
Enclosures
programmable timer Resource:
Programmable timers
Countdown timers
Off delay timers
On delay timers
Timer modules
Din rail
Twin & one-shot
Woods
Intermatic
Tork
Low voltage power packs Recirculation systems
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