Had my Solar PV installed yesterday - and couldn't be happier with my choice

[langstroth2]

Minor point - but the tiles are lifting where the roof hooks go under. Ideally I'd have thought it would be better grinding out a groove on the under-side of the tile to prevent them lifting. It could be just the light angle in the photo though. Like said minor point.

 

[Frank Amey]

Must be light angle. Looks better in the flesh.Feeler gauge is a resistance fit.

 

[SolarCity]

The underside of the tiles has been grinded out and you're right that some of the tiles are lifting slightly. It's a compromise between avoiding pressure on the tiles.

 

[j2d]

Apparently undersized AC cable (loss of revenue issue)

Yes it is a 4mm T&E cable running from the inverter to the fuseboard (about a 6m run), but I thought this would be more than enough to easily take 16A?

I can easily change this for a 6mm T&E cable, would it be worth my while doing so?


Thanks in advance for the advice

John

 

[grandfortune]

no need 4mm is fine

 

[j2d]

no need 4mm is fine

Thanks for the info

Why are people on here saying its undersized then? I thought it was fine, but a few people on here seem to disagree?

John

 

[SolarCity]

Are you sure it is 4mm? It looks like flex and certainly smaller than 4mm - I could be wrong.

 

[j2d]

Are you sure it is 4mm? It looks like flex and certainly smaller than 4mm - I could be wrong.

Yes mate, you are 100% WRONG! You must work with some weird flex. And how the hell can you say it 'certainly' looks smaller than 4mm from that picture!

John

 

[SolarCity]

Easy, Johnboy. I'm talking about your install, not criticising your missus. Don't get all defensive.

I'm still puzzled as to why you have posted details of this install. I'm delighted that you are happy with it but if you didn't want some feedback then what the Hell are you after?

 

[j2d]

Easy, Johnboy. I'm talking about your install, not criticising your missus. Don't get all defensive.

I'm still puzzled as to why you have posted details of this install. I'm delighted that you are happy with it but if you didn't want some feedback then what the Hell are you after?

Ha ha ha, fair doos.

I didnt realise is was a trade site, but feedback has been welcome. Nice to know I got a good deal just at the right time.

John

 

[JohnBoyZ]

Thanks for the info

Why are people on here saying its undersized then? I thought it was fine, but a few people on here seem to disagree?

John

I expected 6mm cable as that is what I would generally use on higher output systems although on short cable runs 4mm is probably adequate. It comes down to resistance and volt drop over the length of cable and how that affects the inverter. Some Inverter manufacturers specify minimum cable sizes, the for example the SMA SunnyBoy TL range allow 4mm cable for the 3000TL up to 23.5m but 6mm is recommended for the higher output models 4000TL/5000TL. But they also specify the cable should be less than 1ohm and that cable losses are less than 1% at nominal power so if those parameters can be achieved say using 4mm cable on a short run then that is OK.