Switch for solar panel circuit

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

Just a reminder to everyone, if the sun is out there is voltage on the panel leads. Once you open the disconnect that voltage will go up to Voc. If you are working on the panel side of any disconnect (including wiring said disconnect) either cover your panels or understand how to work on hot wiring.

" hot" might be a bit of an over statement

Dave

[CarinaPDX]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

" hot" might be a bit of an over statement

That was my first reaction.

But if the panels are in series for an MPPT controller it is quite possible to get the voltage up to dangerous levels. Even in parallel 200W+ @18V could provide some serious sparking/heating. So the warning seems justified (to me, at least).

Greg

[sparrowhawk1]

I can say my wind generator which only puts out 2 amps in 12 knots of wind gave me a good shock when I was working on the wires and forgot to tie it off. And with 12 volt unlike AC if the voltage is high enough you can't let go. that's the reason why trains or were wired for only 36 volts.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by CarinaPDX

That was my first reaction.

But if the panels are in series for an MPPT controller it is quite possible to get the voltage up to dangerous levels. Even in parallel 200W+ @18V could provide some serious sparking/heating. So the warning seems justified (to me, at least).

Greg

Not really, sparking comes from short circuits like from a voltage source. A PV panel doesn't react them way

Dave