question

skydog avatar image
skydog asked

Shared DC & AC grounding in an off grid farmhouse.

Hi everyone,

I'm installing a system with a MPII, Pylontech batteries, pv array etc. My pv array is 35 metres away and the panel frames are all interconnected with its own ground spike 50cm away. From this spike, back to he house, I'm running an underground 35mm2 bare copper cable to another ground spike just outside the house. I'll have another bare copper cable from this spike to feed into the house.

Can this ground be shared with the solar equipment (MPII, MPPT, batteries etc) as well as the AC distribution box that feeds the house?

Thank you in advance.

Grounding
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3 Answers
Alexandra avatar image
Alexandra answered ·

@Skydog

It will probably be a good idea to review this chapter in wiring unlimited.

But you also need to follow local regulations.

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skydog avatar image skydog commented ·

@Alexandra

Thanks for that. I have read through it and will have to study this closely. In the country I'm in, fortunately I don't have to pay too much attention to local regs as the moment one is off grid, there are no inspections etc.

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Alexandra avatar image Alexandra ♦ skydog commented ·
There re probably regulations in existence. (Even if they aren't enforced.)

Its also good to compare to countries close by. Same issue where we live.

I am mostly for the safety aspect. Compliance is not really what I am pushing for.

One is the pv ground it is done a little differently off grid.

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skydog avatar image
skydog answered ·

@Alexandra

I agree 100% regarding safety. How is the pv ground done off grid?

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Alexandra avatar image Alexandra ♦ commented ·

Off grid system grounding.

If you have grounded just the frames and the panel frames but not the (positive or negative) it should be ok. Mentioned in the link above.
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skydog avatar image skydog Alexandra ♦ commented ·
Yes, that's the plan. The frames and panels only. Thanks again @Alexandra
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skydog avatar image
skydog answered ·

@Alexandra do I need to ground the negative at the dc distribution bus?

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skydog avatar image skydog commented ·

@Alexandra I need to study the link you sent me.

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Alexandra avatar image Alexandra ♦ skydog commented ·
In short for the system to function - no.
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