Re: [RFI] I would like to compile a list of zero RFI solar power systems that hams own

[Grant Saviers <grants2@pacbell.net>]

An  option is to not use MPPT panels which have the power delivery 
optimized at each panel with an RFI generator.  I had two Sunpower 
installations (7.5kw & 10kw) on 3 inverters that did the MPPT 
optimization.  Efficiency was good (USA Sunpower panels were the most 
efficient at the time) but  for arrays that get partial shading MPPT by 
panel pays off.  Mine were completely clear to the sky sunrise +1hr to 
sunset.
I had zero RFI and could hear an AM BCB buzz only when holding the radio 
a few inches from the cabinet.  I don't recall the inverter brand, 
pretty sure it was made in Germany.
With CA sun, PSE punitive tiered rates (above $0.40/kwh), and state 
rebates, the ROI was 16%.  Then the IRS gave me an unexpected tax credit 
so ROI went UP.  The installer had the array siting tools and software 
to size the array capacity against my prior years usage to pay down the 
PSE tiering to maximum ROI. The 10kw never went yearly positive to the 
grid but the 7.5kw did. So PSE paid me $0.04/kwh. ha ha ha.
So now I now longer live in CA. (among many other reasons).

Grant KZ1W

On 7/3/2018 3:02 AM, David Robbins wrote:
> p.s. the Solutions From Science Solar Generator PS-1800 is very noisy both
> when charging and generating... these are the single panel battery backup
> portable units.  The best use for them is to modify them to pull out the 12v
> direct from the batteries and just use them for dc loads.  While they can be
> used for AC, beware of overheating in the loads because the inverter is a
> stepped inverter, without very many steps.
>
> David Robbins K1TTT
> e-mail: mailto:k1ttt@arrl.net
> web: http://wiki.k1ttt.net
> AR-Cluster node: 145.69MHz or telnet://k1ttt.net:7373
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RFI [mailto:rfi-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Randy Standke
> Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2018 02:43
> To: rfi@contesting.com
> Subject: [RFI] I would like to compile a list of zero RFI solar power
> systems that hams own
>
> Hello fellow hams,
>
> I am giving a talk on ham radio and solar power to a ham radio club in just
> over a week.  I am specifically looking for brand names and types of
> inverters that hams own themselves, and are happy with from a RFI
> standpoint.  And, it would also be useful for the brands and types that did
> generate RFI as originally installed.
>
>   
>
> My talk will consist of two parts: 1 - solar power for yourself.  2 -
> identifying RFI signals, locating the house, and reporting RFI generating
> solar systems in your neighborhood.
>
>   
>
> I have plenty of material for the Part 2 part due to the continuing
> popularity of one particular brand of solar power system in my neighborhood.
>
>   
>
> However, my only experience with a RFI free solar power system is my own.
> That system has no switching circuitry on the roof, and a Fronius inverter
> at ground level.
>
>   
>
> I expect the safest route is to do what I did and keep all switching
> circuitry off of the roof.  So, are there other brands of inverters (than
> Fronius) that some of you know of that are RFI free?  Also, the single
> ground mounted inverter plan does come with a back up option.  That being if
> there is some RFI, a single filter at both ends will probably fix it.
> However, the goal is solar power, zero RFI,  no need for modifications.
>
>   
>
> The second solar power system I know of is micro inverters.  However, now
> you have a lot of switching circuitry on the roof, much closer to your
> antenna, and if you have noise a fix won't be easy.  If any of you have
> micro inverters, what is your RFI experience and what is the brand?
>
>   
>
> The third option are the systems with DC/DC converters (optimizers) on each
> panel.  For now, this one gets a "just say no."  As far as I know, these all
> generate a lot of RFI and I am not aware of a case where it was completely
> solved after much modification to the wiring and addition of ferrite.  Maybe
> future improvements will change my opinion.  Or, reports of a specific brand
> that was RFI free as originally installed.
>
>   
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
>   
>
> 73,
>
>   
>
> Randy KQ6RS
>
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