Second system extension extension.

[Joeboy]

I'm about to decommission my winter panels on the decking area until they are needed again come September.

This is not a problem I have!

[nowty]

I'm about to decommission my winter panels on the decking area until they are needed again come September.

Have you done anything special to make it faster to connect up and disconnect each year?

Yep, they just attach to a 2 to 1 MC4 branch connector in parallel to existing permanent panels via a high power TIGO optimiser. So just attach or detach and the string still works. Higher string voltage when attached and lower string voltage when detached but string still runs at same current. Its part of the non FIT DIY third system, which I cap the inverter at 1.5kW and it hits about 1.5kW this time of year so not much loss over the summer when its not needed anyway.

Saying that, the EVs are quite power hungry so I am less self sufficient than previous years. Also need the ambient temp to be where it is now so I don't need to use the heat pump as much on the battery bank no I have turned the gas boiler off 1st May 2021 and its still off.

[Joeboy]

I'm about to decommission my winter panels on the decking area until they are needed again come September.

Have you done anything special to make it faster to connect up and disconnect each year?

Yep, they just attach to a 2 to 1 MC4 branch connector in parallel to existing permanent panels via a high power TIGO optimiser. So just attach or detach and the string still works. Higher string voltage when attached and lower string voltage when detached but string still runs at same current. Its part of the non FIT DIY third system, which I cap the inverter at 1.5kW and it hits about 1.5kW this time of year so not much loss over the summer when its not needed anyway.

Saying that, the EVs are quite power hungry so I am less self sufficient than previous years. Also need the ambient temp to be where it is now so I don't need to use the heat pump as much on the battery bank no I have turned the gas boiler off 1st May 2021 and its still off.

I love that casual ' gas off since May 21 and still off'
Since 1st April we have used 1 Cubic mtr gas (about 45p). All on me as we had a temp plunge one night and I had been. Previously lowering the SH charge times. Also had steaks last Sat and SWMBO stated quite loudly that she'd be using gas. Saw in the press again that the German chancellor has asked the nation to lower their thermostats to cut off money to Putin.

[Stinsy]

Saw in the press again that the German chancellor has asked the nation to lower their thermostats to cut off money to Putin.

I know we try to stay away from politics on here but the Germans continuing to buy gas from Russia is disgusting. They’re propping up the Ruble, they’re keeping Putin in power, and they’re funding the war. I read that Germany would suffer a 2% drop in GDP if they cut off Russian gas overnight. A price they’re not willing to pay…

[Joeboy]

Saw in the press again that the German chancellor has asked the nation to lower their thermostats to cut off money to Putin.

I know we try to stay away from politics on here but the Germans continuing to buy gas from Russia is disgusting. They’re propping up the Ruble, they’re keeping Putin in power, and they’re funding the war. I read that Germany would suffer a 2% drop in GDP if they cut off Russian gas overnight. A price they’re not willing to pay…

I know, bad eh? There will be more to it than the black and white of cut off overnight? I see Kazhak oil shipments are being secretly bulked out with Russian state oil... I hope for an internal solution via 10 grammes of lead to the back of his nut.
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-Gene ... n-Oil.html

[Joeboy]

Skidable string of 3 has become skidable 1 landscape and 2 fixed portrait and as far from hedge as possible. The skidable string of 3 threw itself over yesterday, lucky no panel damage, just frame. I continue to be in movable array club, although only one panel out of 28.

[Stinsy]

I thought you'd have packed them away by now!

[Joeboy]

I thought you'd have packed them away by now!

Not a chance mate, year round!

[Moxi]

Good to hear they are all ok after their unexpected trip groundward, Its happened to me a few times when i had the one panel on legs free standing, interestingly they tend to land rather gently as the air cushions them at the last minute - twice my panel made face to face contact with the concrete riven paving without even an scratch - since i went to casters and 45 degrees the system has managed in 90mph gusts without signs of impending doom so I am happy with the mobile array now and as the sun is higher these days the output from the mobile has grown commendably

Moxi

[Joeboy]

That's good to hear. I can see the aircushion effect in my mind!

I am happy with this solution, it looks cooler too and swmbo approves! I am becoming more chilled about shading on a string. It is what it is and the Victron along with the solaredge and optimisers do OK with coping. Pretty sure today is a year record breaker here too.