Photovoltaic array combiners (solar panel combiner boxes) are commonly used to combine several solar panels (or strings of panels) into a common bus. They are basically junction boxes that are specially designed for the types of wiring used in PV systems. Array combiners are usually needed for larger systems, but even in small PV systems it can make wiring, monitoring, and future troubleshooting much easier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protection Devices:

MCB

It automatically switches off the electrical circuit during abnormal condition

of the network means in over load condition as well as faulty condition.

The fuse does not sense but Miniature Circuit Breaker does it in more

reliable way. MCB is much more sensitive to over current than fuse.

Handling MCB is more electrically safe than fuse.

 

Only one disadvantage of MCB over fuse is that this system is more costlier

than fuse unit system.

 

Dc Isolators

Isolator is used to allow maintenance of the PV convertor, means of isolating the PV convertor from the d.c. side and the a.c. side must be provided.Many PV inverters are now supplied with a means of DC isolation. The majority of these are conventional rotary isolators built into the body of the inverter, though SMA inverters utilise the slightly different ESS system. Inverter manufacturers have taken this step so as to provide PV installers a simple and straightforward means to meet the requirement to fit an isolator.

DC rated isolators are available from 600VDC TO 1000VDC up to 500A. DC circuit switching is an arduous switching duty.

 

Surge Arrester

A surge arrester is a product installed near the end of any conductor which is long enough before the conductor lands on its intended electrical component. The purpose is to divert damaging lightning-induced transients safely to ground through property changes to its varistor in parallel arrangement to the conductor inside the unit. Also called a surge protection device (SPD) or transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS), they are only designed to protect against electrical transients resulting from the lightning flash, not a direct lightning termination to the conductors.