Request for CT advice/Information

[007 RED]

Current System:

 

Sofar 3kW grid tied inverter connected in series to 6 x 415W panels which are facing South on the carport roof. 

 

Historical daily use is approximately 10 units per day, comprising 7 units during the day and 3 units at night. 

 

System provides 85% (plus) of our electricity needs during the day when in export mode, and approximately 40% during the day when in no export mode.

 

The system logs clearly indicate that we tend to use most units during the early part of the morning particularly when my better half does the washing (or at least the machine does).

 

Proposal:

 

Add a second system comprising a 2kW grid tied inverter connected in series to 4 x 415W solar panels which will be mounted on top of the washing room roof which faces East and gets good sunlight during the early part of the morning.  Both inverters will be located quite some distance apart from each other.

 

My hope is to have the two GTI systems, both constantly in no export mode (so that the meter never runs backwards), and provides sufficient power to meet our daytime needs, particularly during the early part of the morning when the washing machine is working.

 

Questions:

 

The existing GTI is connected to a CT which is located on the incoming Live supply from the pole to the house.  A simple on/off light switch connected in series between the CT and the inverter allows me to switch between export and no export modes, as required.

 

Q1.  Do I need a separate CT for the second GTI, or can I connect the existing CT to both inverters?

 

Q2.  If the answer to the above is that I need a separate CT for each GTI, can they be located next to one another, or do they have to be physical separated from each other in order to avoid any undue influence from each other?

[Crossy]

Yes, you need a second CT.

 

Yes, they can sit next to one another without interference. We were running like this (with the CTs less than an inch apart on the cable) for some months and everything worked just fine.

 

Based upon Crossy's Theorem™ which states "You can never have too much solar", and assuming space and budget allow, I'd go for 6 panels and a 3kW inverter. You will start generating earlier and keep generating later.

[007 RED]

46 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Yes, you need a second CT.

 

Yes, they can sit next to one another without interference. We were running like this (with the CTs less than an inch apart on the cable) for some months and everything worked just fine.

 

Based upon Crossy's Theorem™ which states "You can never have too much solar", and assuming space and budget allow, I'd go for 6 panels and a 3kW inverter. You will start generating earlier and keep generating later.

Thanks... I thought that would be the answer.  Not a problem.

 

As much as l would like to have more panels, the space on the washroom roof will only allow 4 panels.  I might up the size though.

[lom]

I would probably replace the 6x415 panels with 6x550 to get more power for the day when PEA switches your meter to a digital one. I would then install a small battery to cover the nightly consumption but not until you get a digital meter. 4 of the old panels can be used for the washroom.