Do I need to awitch solar off?

kate.harrison1 · Dec 20, 2011

Hi Guys!
If there's anyone out there who can help this morning, I would appreciate some urgent advice. We have a 3.8Kwp system split 8/8 E/W. People coming today to fit woodburning stve and will be wrestling with stainless steel chimney flue liner down chimney within a few feet of nearest panel.

Is it either necessary or adviseable to turn the whole system off and if so, where? I can isolate each string individually from the inverter in the loft and I can swith off the box in understairs cupboard which says 'Solar' and a separate switch next to that.

If I switch everything off, will the panels still produce a DC current? I can't switch off the sun!

Any suggestions or do nothing?

Thanks

dansk · Dec 20, 2011

My advice is turn off the system whilst the guys are working, to the left and right of the inverter there should be "AC" and "DC" isolator, switch AC off then DC off - this will be ok.

also you should have instructions next to the inverter on how to switch on and off.

kate.harrison1 · Dec 20, 2011

Thanks

Will do. What about isolator switches next to consumer unit?

dansk · Dec 20, 2011

I cant see your install - if they say "DC" and "AC" on them yes - if not just isolater the inverter it will be ok - TBH its only being cautious more than anything, its not going to hurt to leave it on, but i would turn mine off if lads were working on the roof close to the panels.

kate.harrison1 · Dec 20, 2011

Thanks Dansk!

There is one AC isolator in loft and two DC ones, one for each string so I have turned those all off in that order as you suggested.

Hope life after FIT reductions doesn't treat you too badly.

Happy Christmas!