Suggestions for inverters that can take 700+V input

[choob]

I have an array that outputs 630V according to my pump controller. The output according to the data sheet is 565V. The array is 18x 265W Jinko panels with a Vmp of 31.4V.

All the inverters I can find seem to have an input cut-off of 500-600V. Based on the data sheet will a 600V limit be ok? for example with the SMA Sunny Boy?

If not I would appreciate if you could point me towards inverters that can handle the voltage. Output power needs to be 240V and at least 1.5kVA.

Thank you!

[emartin00]

Anything over 600V is not allowed for residential ues, so you won't find many small inverters. 1000V is allowed for commercial solar, but I'm not sure how small of an inverter you will find.
You would be better off to split your array into 2 strings and find an inverter with 2 MPPT inputs.

[choob]

Would that be 2 strings in parallel? I'm not sure that's possible because some days we will need to change over the array to run a 3 phase pump.

We have no limit on voltage in my country.

[Mike90250]

If you apply 630V to a 600v inverter, it will log the overvoltage and void any warranty. It might continue to work for some time, or it may shut down instantly.

[choob]

If you apply 630V to a 600v inverter, it will log the overvoltage and void any warranty. It might continue to work for some time, or it may shut down instantly.

Agreed. What I find strange is that if I had gone off the paper specs for the array I'd have assumed it was at 565V.

I don't know much about this kind of inverter, what brands are good etc.

[Mike90250]

Agreed. What I find strange is that if I had gone off the paper specs for the array I'd have assumed it was at 565V.........

That's only true for one temperature, 75F. As temps go lower, the voltage goes up. And the Voc voltage is always about 15% or more, higher than Vmp.. Voc is the killer voltage on cold mornings.

[neweclipse]

I'm not sure that's possible because some days we will need to change over the array to run a 3 phase pump.

If wanting to avoid ever having to "change-over" any array to run that 3 phase pump, you may find it advantageous to run that 3 phase pump from a VFD that takes a 230VAC single phase input and outputs the required 3 phase 230VAC automatically. This VFD option will have limitations on available kW capacity, but I suspect perhaps your 3 phase pump could be within the ranges available.
Other benefits would be gained using the VFD option, such as pump ramping up slowly, rather than normal across the line start-up in-rush currents and does sits idle when pressure switch is open...plus many built in additional control options are available...

I found this option to be great in another way for myself by changing my 4" submersible deep well pump to having a 3 phase motor over from the standard single phase motor and avoided an expensive soft start manufactured submersible pump.

[choob]

If wanting to avoid ever having to "change-over" any array to run that 3 phase pump, you may find it advantageous to run that 3 phase pump from a VFD that takes a 230VAC single phase input and outputs the required 3 phase 230VAC automatically. This VFD option will have limitations on available kW capacity, but I suspect perhaps your 3 phase pump could be within the ranges available.
Other benefits would be gained using the VFD option, such as pump ramping up slowly, rather than normal across the line start-up in-rush currents and does sits idle when pressure switch is open...plus many built in additional control options are available...

I found this option to be great in another way for myself by changing my 4" submersible deep well pump to having a 3 phase motor over from the standard single phase motor and avoided an expensive soft start manufactured submersible pump.

The pump is running on a 415v 3 phase vfd. I want 240v ac when I'm not running the 3 phase pump so we can run a single phase 240v pump/standard electrical equipment.

(we're not on a 110v single phase system like the USA)

[neweclipse]

The pump is running on a 415v 3 phase vfd. I want 240v ac when I'm not running the 3 phase pump so we can run a single phase 240v pump/standard electrical equipment.

(we're not on a 110v single phase system like the USA)

I see, not a 240vac, but higher at 415vac.
My idea could still work if you could change 415vac motor to be 240vac.

Nowhere in my above suggestion did I make any reference to USA 115vac.???

[choob]

I see, not a 240vac, but higher at 415vac.
My idea could still work if you could change 415vac motor to be 240vac.

Nowhere in my above suggestion did I make any reference to USA 115vac.???

AFAIK there are no single phase pumps that can replace the 3 phase pump, it would also be very expensive to buy a new pump and VFD.

[neweclipse]

AFAIK there are no single phase pumps that can replace the 3 phase pump, it would also be very expensive to buy a new pump and VFD.

I understand and agree with costs involved...so changing array configuration for the higher voltage as required surpasses any changing to a seamless automatic operation.

[neweclipse]

AFAIK there are no single phase pumps that can replace the 3 phase pump, it would also be very expensive to buy a new pump and VFD.

Wait a minute, not saying any single phase 240vac motor... Everything I spoke of is 3 phase motor. Just 415 vac to a 230vac...or is 3 phase 240vac motor uncommon there?

The single phase 240vac PV goes into a clever VFD and THEN the 3 phase comes out auto-magically to a 3 phase 240vac motor.
The single phase 240vac PV output can remain forever unchanged . Now, what price is that worth?

[choob]

230v 3 phase isn't available here at all. I think I might have to bite the bullet and get a bigger one.

[neweclipse]

230v 3 phase isn't available here at all. I think I might have to bite the bullet and get a bigger one.

Which costs more? Biting the bullet so to speak or importing a 3 phase 240vac motor to do as I suggested?

I'm not sure you have the full grasp of what I'm describing. The VFD I'm refering to doen't require any 240vac 3 phase service...it would PRODUCE 240vac 3 phase from your existing single phase 240vac PV output...you could forget 700+ Input.