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Re: [RFI] Noise from Generac Solar controllers?

To: Rfi List <rfi@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [RFI] Noise from Generac Solar controllers?
From: Tony <73guddx@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 2021 01:31:10 -0500
List-post: <mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
Ken:

I know of several hams who are experiencing RFI caused by Generac home solar. In each case, the interference turned out to be emanating from a neighbors installation. In one particular case, Mark N1UK, experienced RFI from a neighbors system located 400 feet from his home. His neighbor had the system installed mid-summer I believe and I don't know if the issue was resolved. You can find Mark's contact info on QRZ.

Most home solar systems share like-components so they all have the potential to cause RFI regardless of the brand. At least one company specifically warns against installing solar panel systems near ham radio installations and that's SolarEdge. The quote below was taken from a SolarEdge document titled:  "Installing a SolarEdge System near an Amateur Radio System".

It says in part:

"/due to the afore-mentioned factors and to the higher sensitivity and physical layout of HAM radio equipment, we have seen in the past installations where the noise level measured by HAM radio operators was above the urban ambient noise especially, in the 6M band and lower frequencies, while having a much lower noise level on the 2M band. *Therefore we do not recommend the installation of SolarEdge systems at sites where HAM radio equipment is installed. *
/
/
/
For what it's worth, I contacted Generac on N1UK's behalf and the gist of the conversation was that their equipment meets all FCC requirements which is the standard answer you'll get from most if not all solar equipment manufacturers. I'm sure you'll get the same answer if you ask your Generac salesmen about RFI.

Best of luck,

Tony -K2MO/
/
/
/







On 12/16/2021 12:06 AM, Ken Bandy, KJ9B wrote:
Hi all.  I am contemplating having a “PowerHome Solar” power system
installed at my house, and am a little concerned about possible RF noise
generation from the system.  This system uses a Generac controller.  Does
anyone have any experience with a system using a Generac controller?  I know
early inverters were often RF noisy, but I’m hoping that the later models
have addressed noise generation.

Any input is appreciated.

73,
Ken, KJ9B


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