Replying to Avatar Bill Cypher

So much misinformation out there about #hamradio and solar system interference. Some systems create horrible interference and some don't. I decided to add a little bit of real test based first hand knowledge to the world instead of the usual rumors and gossip.

I recently got to go on site at a 30+ panel install using silfab panels and enphase iq8 micro inverters to test.

Strung up a spark plug gear end fed wire antenna and attached it to my #x6100 radio. Radio and antenna wire less than 50ft from the solar system. Set it to rf gain of 50 and checked every supported band, 6m to 160m. Testing was done mid afternoon on a clear sunny day and the owner confirmed that the system was running at about peak output, which by my reasoning should make any interference as loud as possible.

Background noise was S3 or quieter across all bands except 160m which was S4.

I consider that confirmation that those specific panels and inverters are not noisy when properly installed and grounded. Confident enough that I'll be getting a similar system installed on my home.
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The Beave 6mo ago

One thing that is incorrect. That is the least amount of work for the microinverters. Shade, especially from passing clouds will push the system harder and require a lot more. Also, when tapering down as batteries are full is a much more processing intensive thing to do.

Just FYI.

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Bill Cypher 6mo ago

Least work in full sun makes sense when you point it out.

I'm not sure if that makes more or less interference though.

I guess that depends where the interference comes from, which seems to be in dispute. Is it the processors or the power or the feed lines?

I may go back and test again on a shady day for more info.

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The Beave 6mo ago

The Microinverters are still using something akin to MPPT to get the most out of each panel. Of the maximum power point doesn't require calculating a new tracking tracking point due to very little short delta irradiance changes, it doesn't need to do anything and that means that the output and possibly interference generated from required changes would be very, very minimal.

Also, not driving any inductive loads is kinda cheating since it is grid tied and exporting and not directly handling possibly dirty loads from the local use.