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SMA SunnyBoy 3.0 and SOFAR ME3000SP

Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 12:22 pm
by JC_UK
Hi again,

I already have a SOFAR ME3000SP and batteries, and a SMA Sunnyboy 3600TL21 and 16 solar panels.
The SOFAR ME3000SP CT clamps monitor the solar generation from the solar installation and grid import export etc.
The CT Clamp is around the +ve cable from the Sunnyboy 3600TL21 to the CU.

I now want to add a SMA SunnyBoy 3.0 to my home installation.

I have 12 Solar panels each rated @ 260w == 3120w – max rating.
I would like to connect the panels as a set/string of 4 facing approx. East (approx. 1040w) and a set/string of 8 facing approx. South (approx. 2080w).
The 4 panels east facing will be the first to be commissioned, followed by the South facings ones a few weeks/months later.

Anyone know if the Sunnyboy 3.0 can connect to the new solar panels as described above please?

Also any best practice for connecting the panels in such configurations please?

I assume the panels will be connected in series and the +ve and -ve MC4s will then connect to the A and B connections on the inverter.

Also to include the new generation from the new Sunnyboy I assume I will need to add the +ve cable from the Sunnyboy 3600TL21 to the CU in the CT Clamp for the SOFAR ME3000SP..... so both +ve cables from the 2 Sunnyboy inverters will be monitored by the SOFAR ME3000SP via the same CT clamp.

Many thanks
JC

Re: SMA SunnyBoy 3.0 and SOFAR ME3000SP

Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 12:29 pm
by Oldgreybeard
Running the AC live wires from both PV inverters through the same CT clamp connected to the Sofar PV sensing connection is fine, it is what I've done. The CT will just sum the total PV generation and report that to the Sofar.

Re: SMA SunnyBoy 3.0 and SOFAR ME3000SP

Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 12:41 pm
by JC_UK
Hi again,

Great, thanks.

Just need top now now how to best connect the solar panels to the new inverter.

Many thanks
JC

Re: SMA SunnyBoy 3.0 and SOFAR ME3000SP

Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 12:48 pm
by nowty
The SMA SunnyBoy 3.0 is a dual MPPT model so you can add the panels to your preferred configuration. The smaller string of 4 should be enough to start the inverter but you might have to reduce the start up voltage on that string from the default value on the inverter.

Do you use the Sunny Explorer software to connect to your existing Sunny Boy ?

Re: SMA SunnyBoy 3.0 and SOFAR ME3000SP

Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2022 2:28 pm
by JC_UK
Hi,

I use the SMA Energy App on the phone to monitor the existing Sunny Boy......
Hoping to add the second one to the app.

Many thanks
JC