PV Display System Grounding

[johnnyelectricity]

Hey,

We have designed a prototype single cell solar photo voltaic system for our school and received a grant to build. The 198W PV collector is used with an automatic battery charger to charge a single 12 volt battery. We are also feeding a 300W AC inverter with a built in receptacle to power a standard lamp with a 60W bulb. We are using disconnects between the PV collector and charger, and the battery and charger.

We would like to know if it is possible to build this system on a portable cart which could be moved for demonstration and testing purposes. We are worried about the obvious grounding issues or lack thereof with this. Any input on how this could be done safely would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dereckbc]

Built in the manner in which you describe and the voltages involved there are no grounding requirements or safety issues involved. Proper use and installation of over current protection devices between the solar panel and charge controller, and between the battery and inverter would be wise, prudent, and ethical design practice.. But since thie is not a NEC issue in your case there is no requirement to do so. I do have one suggestion though. Since the scope of this project is renewable energy and conservations, I would think using a CFL light would make a better statement than a low efficiency incandescent light bulb not to mention extend the run time.

In this case ground serves no purpose or function what so ever.

 

[tesla fan]

I agree, a lil off yer pv issue, in my area we are installing wind turbines at all the schools, government grants funded it all and we are installing them on our own time (were just nice guys : ) ) you may want to look into wind power for your schools. The science dept has the kids help us and we put the wireless module in the science classroom so they can see the output of the turbine, cool stuff------ they are using the skystream 3.7 made by southwest wind power