Inverter terminology?

[Gary K]

Hi all, I don't usually get a chance to check the inverter whilst it is running but today I had a chance.
Could someone explain what the readings are that flash up on the screen please. Readings taken at 3pm today

Have tried googling these terms but no joy

Inverter is SB3800 connected to 16 x 240 sanyo panels.

PAC 2381w

VPV 334v

Also do these figures look OK
Thanks in advance

 

[yellowvanman]

PAC - is the ac power coming out of your inverter at that specific time.

VPV - Is the DC voltage on your array - I would guess you've got 2 strings of 8 feeding into the inverter.

Without knowing the specific model number of the panels can't comment on the actual VPV value.

 

[Gary K]

PAC - is the ac power coming out of your inverter at that specific time.

VPV - Is the DC voltage on your array - I would guess you've got 2 strings of 8 feeding into the inverter.

Without knowing the specific model number of the panels can't comment on the actual VPV value.

Panels are 16X HIT-N240SE10

 

[FB.]

Hi all, I don't usually get a chance to check the inverter whilst it is running but today I had a chance.
Could someone explain what the readings are that flash up on the screen please. Readings taken at 3pm today

Have tried googling these terms but no joy

Inverter is SB3800 connected to 16 x 240 sanyo panels.

PAC 2381w

VPV 334v

Also do these figures look OK
Thanks in advance

It suggests that your 3.8kW of panels were only outputting 2.4kW of AC power. Was the sun directly facing them at the time, or was it off to the side, or hazy sun, or was the sun quite low in the sky?

Additionally, the 334v equates to 20.9v per panel if one string, which is quite low for those panels unless the MPPT had some reason to run the panels well off their maximum potential voltage. My inverter usually runs the panels within a few volts of their Vmp and if mine is anything to go by, the 334v reading from yours suggests that you were looking at one of two strings, with the 334v being generated by a string of about ten panels and that there may be a further string of six panels in a second array.

I would say that further information from you is required - the time the readings were taken, the weather conditions at the time, the direction/pitch of the panels and whether the panels are one or two strings.
With the low-ish voltage, I'd do some further investigation.

 

[GaryM]

Have tried googling these terms but no joy

http://www.sma.de/en/products/solar...pe=281&cHash=43f615c00326373427e758b2c23189b9

 

[Gary K]

It suggests that your 3.8kW of panels were only outputting 2.4kW of AC power. Was the sun directly facing them at the time, or was it off to the side, or hazy sun, or was the sun quite low in the sky?

Additionally, the 334v equates to 20.9v per panel if one string, which is quite low for those panels unless the MPPT had some reason to run the panels well off their maximum potential voltage. My inverter usually runs the panels within a few volts of their Vmp and if mine is anything to go by, the 334v reading from yours suggests that you were looking at one of two strings, with the 334v being generated by a string of about ten panels and that there may be a further string of six panels in a second array.

I would say that further information from you is required - the time the readings were taken, the weather conditions at the time, the direction/pitch of the panels and whether the panels are one or two strings.
With the low-ish voltage, I'd do some further investigation.

We face about 15% east of due south and the pitch is 42 degrees. This figure was taken about 3pm when the sun was about at the 1 oclock position in relation to the panels. I know the SB3800 only has 1 MPPT so I assume the reading is for all the panels although they are split into 2 strings. we have had wall to wall sunshine today and have generated 19.4kwh so I would be amazed if anything is seriously wrong.

 

[yellowvanman]

Panels are 16X HIT-N240SE10

vmpp of your panels is 43.7, so with 8 in a string should expect 349.6, so a 4% difference from expected. About right!

You've obviously got 2 strings in parallel.

 

[Gary K]

vmpp of your panels is 43.7, so with 8 in a string should expect 349.6, so a 4% difference from expected. About right!

You've obviously got 2 strings in parallel.

So if 2 string are in parallel the volts are the same but you double the amps?

 

[GaryM]

So if 2 string are in parallel the volts are the same but you double the amps?

Yes, that's correct.

 

[Gary K]

Ta all.
should have picked up that PAC was what the output was on the sunny beam.
Live and learn. LOL