I would like to wire 6 x 215 W VE panels in parallel. Should I or should I not mount additional blocking diodes to the panels or are the panels sufficiently protected against reverse currents with the diodes in the box? I am never sure about that.
asked
blocking diodes in 6 parallel VE Panels. need it or not!?
You will need to put diodes (or fuses) in the pos and neg lead of every panel.
Should one panel have a fault, the other five panels will dump all of their energy into the faulty panel, setting it on fire.
Please check what is the max. allowed reverse current of these panels and then install DC fuses with a bit less rated current instead of such diodes. The diodes always cause a power loss and can heat up to a dangerous value. There are some youtube guys that had almost burning MC4 diodes on their roof, - not that funny...
Thank you for your prompt response. So you mean that if the panels have a short -circuit current of 6.3a ISC, I should install a 6a backup.
I have the same question.
You should find out the allowable reverse current through the module. Isc is the max short current that the module can produce by itself.
I searched a little bit with the data you gave us, and I guess it is this module: SPM042152400 right?
Unfortunately I was not able to find this information within 5 min, but in general I would recomment to choose a fuse that is rated a little above Isc as the allowable reverse current should be normally higher.
Please check this type: OEZ Minia 41850.
This is a DC Fuse/Breaker with 8A and should fit into your application. Nevertheless it would be good to get a value for the max. allowable reverse current to be sure on that.
