Are you planning to install a modern photovoltaic installation? To use solar energy, the photovoltaic installation must be connected to the building's electrical installation. The basis for the safe and proper operation of the photovoltaic system is the photovoltaic switchgear - dedicated to the PV installation. Which photovoltaic switchgear will meet the requirements of your project? Let's check!
Check out photovoltaic switchboards at the Onninen wholesaler
What is the difference between a photovoltaic switchgear and a regular one?
The PV switchgear is the basic element of the photovoltaic system. It allows the installation of inverters of various powers - up to over 60 kW. Thanks to the switchgear, roof-mounted photovoltaic panels and inverters (inverters) can operate safely and with maximum efficiency. The protective equipment in the switchboard (switches, converter fuses, arresters, etc.) protects the PV panels and the inverter against overvoltages in circuits and short circuits caused by lightning.
An important place in a photovoltaic switchgear is also occupied by distribution, control and measurement equipment. Control equipment ensures management of circuits and coordination of their operation. The main task of the measuring equipment is to collect and analyze data regarding the operation of the PV system and the amount of energy generated and fed into the grid. To enable remote control of photovoltaics, the PV switchgear is equipped with communication equipment.
It is worth knowing that switchboards are intended for use inside or outside the building, depending on the IP tightness class or the degree of mechanical strength. However, each PV switchgear from our offer is suitable for outdoor installation.
What types of photovoltaic switchboards are there?
Photovoltaic switchboards available on the market differ in many parameters. You can choose from AC, DC or DC/AC switchboards with various configurations and equipment. The basic variant is PV panel switchboards, mounted on a panel or on a building wall, requiring direct current. The second type is switchboards intended for mounting a DC/AC converter, also mounted on the wall, but powered by alternating current from the converter.
The most important parameters of switchboards intended for photovoltaic installations include:
- number of strings (a string is a separate electrical circuit consisting of photovoltaic panels connected in series),
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number of rows and modules, - assembly method,
- type of connectors and gland type,
- tightness class,
- protection class,
- degree of mechanical strength,
- rated voltage,
- operating temperature range,
- dimensions (should correspond to the type and quantity of equipment installed in the switchgear and the requirements of a given installation),
- housing material (usually it will be a UV-resistant material, e.g. ASA, less often aluminum),
- door closing system,
- design.
Photovoltaic installers also pay attention to other elements - important for the efficient and safe operation of a specific photovoltaic system.
How to choose a photovoltaic switchgear for the installation?
The photovoltaic switchgear must be adapted to the parameters and safety requirements of a given PV installation, so its selection should be entrusted to specialists, e.g. the company responsible for the delivery and implementation of photovoltaics in your home. An experienced electrician will familiarize himself with the home installation, check its power, and then select not only the appropriate switchboard, but also mounting elements, modular equipment and the cable connecting to the inverter. He will also ensure that the photovoltaic installation is properly connected to the main switchboard. A well-suited PV switchgear, containing appropriate overcurrent and overvoltage equipment, will provide reliable protection of strings, photovoltaic panels and inverters against overvoltages and short circuits.
What should you remember when installing a PV switchgear?
It is best to plan the PV installation at the stage of building the house. Thanks to this, you will avoid seeing the installation elements on the wall, install the switchgear in the right place and prepare a point for connecting the inverter. The inverter should be located no more than 10 meters from the main switchboard. If the inverter is more distant, it is necessary to use additional protection (on the AC side).
Photovoltaic switchboards in the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen installation wholesaler you will find a wide range of photovoltaic switchboards with various configurations and equipment options. We offer modern solutions, equipped with appropriate security measures and a solid plastic housing, ensuring a very high degree of protection IP65 and a degree of mechanical strength IK07. Choosing a PV switchgear in Onninen is an investment in the safety, efficiency and service life of the photovoltaic installation.
Check out photovoltaic switchboards at the Onninen wholesaler