In some cases it is easier to locate the Envoy closer to the array and run a long Cat5 cable to the router. Every situation is different. We have even mounted the Envoy outside in a NEMA 4X box. I agree that the Powerline Ethernet Bridge is a good tool, and sometimes wireless makes sense. The IT part of the installation can definitely be a time drain in some places, especially large homes.
Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Nick Soleil Sent: Friday, November 05, 2010 3:32 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] enphase AC carrier length Hi wrenches: One thing to keep in mind is that a 15 inverter string contains 78' of #14 just on the inverters output cables. Depending on the homerun length, it can be further. Additionally, you will have the AC run back to the distribution panel, and then the additional residential wiring (#12 or #14) to the jack nearest to the router. This can easily become 200' to 300' of wiring between the last inverter and the Envoy. However, steps can be taken to minimize the issues, and I have always found a resolution to my communication issues. Breaking the string into two 7-8 module parallel strings (and then paralleling them at a j-box) can reduce the distance and voltage drop from the Enphase inverter output cables. I have installed many systems that have had communication issues between the Envoy and the inverters. In the past, I have installed new receptacles or run CAT 5 from the Envoy to the router. That is time consuming, and there is a much easier way to deal with it. I have resolved most of my communication issues by installing the 'Ethernet Bridge' which is a 2nd power line carrier modem and its receiver. This product enables the Envoy to be located away from the router (and closer to the array.) The 'Ethernet Bridge' is a product offered by Enphase. Nick Soleil Project Manager Advanced Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC PO Box 657 Petaluma, CA 94953 Cell: 707-321-2937 Office: 707-789-9537 Fax: 707-769-9037 ________________________________ From: Drake <[email protected]> To: RE-wrenches <[email protected]> Sent: Thu, November 4, 2010 2:31:36 PM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] enphase AC carrier length I was told 300 feet by an Enphase Rep. We have a system that is at least that far from the Envoy. At 11:14 AM 11/4/2010, you wrote: >HI All, > >Is there a max length to the AC carrier signal for Enphase? > >I thought I did hear about a length, and in checking the website >could find no mention of it. > >Anybody know? > >thx, > >jay > >peltz power >_______________________________________________ >List sponsored by Home Power magazine > >List Address: [email protected] > >Options & settings: >http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > >List-Archive: >http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > >List rules & etiquette: >www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > >Check out participant bios: >www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: [email protected] Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
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