[RFI] Noise from Generac Solar controllers?

[David Eckhardt]

Jim:

Yes, they have to generate RF energy when multi-amperes are rapidly
switched.  BUT,.......they should be constructed such that they do not
RADIATE that energy.  There are two sides to the RFI/EMC "solution":  1)
attempt to not generate RF energy - about impossible with the high speeds
of silicon today, and, 2)  if they must generate RF energy, prevent it from
being radiated (or conducted).

 So, according to Ed Hare, ARRL, solar power systems might fall under Part
15, Subpart B, as unintentional radiators as an "appliance".  This would
require passing both radiated emissions (minimum 30 MHz through at least 1
GHz as an entire system - including simulated house wiring!!) and conducted
emissions (150 kHz through 30 MHz on the AC side).  Clearly, they do not.
Even the Part 15, Subpart B, unintentional radiator limits, would get under
the skin of most amateurs operating HF.

So, are single-family home solar power installations considered an
"appliance".  Personally, I have trouble with that, but let's *not* involve
the lawyers as we'll get something we really don't want!!!😖😫😕

Again, personally, I have a lot of trouble waiting for progress to bring
the whole segment into something reasonable when it comes to RFI.  I'm in
the county well away from populated areas in the Foot Hills of the Rockies
by choice and am just hoping and praying that no one within a 1/2-mile of
me gets a wild hair to install a solar power system.   Closest neighbor is
1/2-mile distant.  My other hobby is radio astronomy.

Dave - WØLEV

On Thu, Dec 16, 2021 at 7:55 PM Jim Brown <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com> wrote:

> On 12/16/2021 11:14 AM, Cianciolo, Paul, W1VLF wrote:
> > There are 2 main noise generating components in a solar power system.
> Both are tasked with power conversion which for efficiencies sake is done
> with very fast rise times... and we know what that means. Harmonics.
>
> But it doesn't HAVE TO generate RFI -- that is strongly affected by
> product construction, wiring topologies, and installation.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
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-- 
*Dave - WØLEV*
*Just Let Darwin Work*