Generating electricity using Solar panels is a clean and green way of energy production as it involves no release of emissions into the atmosphere. Over the recent years, Solar energy applications have gained momentum and will continue to do so in the upcoming days.
Installation of Solar panels at the workplace, residence, or industry certainly helps combat the rising electricity bills and dependency on fossil fuels. In this blog, you will discover what a Solar Distribution Box is and what role it plays in a Solar power plant installation.
For the installation of a Solar power plant (rooftop system) the Direct Current Distribution Box (DCDB) & Alternative Current Distribution Box (ACDB), are the two pivotal functioning components of a Solar power grid. Why? you might ask. To understand this, let us dive deeper into the science behind it.
Is a Direct Current Distribution Box (DCDB) the heart of a Solar Panel?
A Direct Current Distribution Box also referred to as (DCBD), acts as an interlink between the Solar panels and the inverter. When the Solar panels convert the Solar energy to DC, in such a case, we use the DCDB to control the received DC from it.
The output of the DCDB is an input for the inverter. Besides, it also acts as a protective device as it contains an SPD (Surge Protection Device), MCB (Miniature Circuit Breakers), and Fuse. Moreover, the fuse is installed internally to avoid voltage spikes by directing the excess charges to the ground. Thus, it protects the Solar panel strings and Solar inverter from incurring damage. DCDBs come in different sizes based on the load.
Functioning of a DCDB:
- To begin with, based on the number of strings of solar panels used in a solar plant, DCDBs are customizable for multiple configurations.
- The enclosure of a DC distribution box is typically a thermoplastic IP65 rated (Polycarbonate).
- In general, input for the DCDB includes incoming positive and negative DC cables from a DC combiner box, further connected to the MCB and SPD.
- Whereas, the output for DCDB includes outgoing positive and negative DC cables to the inverter. Sometimes, a DC isolator may be used instead of a DC circuit breaker. For controlling the DC power at output, suitable capacity of MCB or MCCB must be utilized.
How Different is an AC Distribution Box from a DC Distribution Box?
Unlike DCDB, the ACDB receives the AC power from the Solar inverter and directs it to the AC load via the distribution board. In essence, it divides the primary power information and converts it to the adjacent power units. Within the enclosure of ACDB, we have a Surge Protection Device and MCB to protect the inverter from voltage spikes or any damage. ACDB comes in different sizes; based on the load and the inverter capacity.
The modern solar ACDBs are capacitated with a technology that enables us to monitor power consumption from the solar plant.
Functioning of an ACDB:
The enclosure of an AC distribution box is also a thermoplastic IP65 rated (Polycarbonate).
The input for the solar ACDB includes an incoming (single-phase or a three-phase) cable from the solar inverter, which is then connected to the MCB and SPD. On the other hand, the output for ACDB includes a set of outgoing cables to the AC distribution panel.
Mounting Options:
Since clients’ requirements are dynamic, both the solar ACDB & DCDB boards are designed with various mounting options such that the client’s needs are met. Mounting options such as Indoor Type (Standing), Outdoor Type (Standing), Wall Mounting, Pole Mounting, etc. are widely popular today.
General Specifications of Solar Distribution Boxes:
1. AC Distribution Box:
- Tested & Verified as per BIS, IEC & IS Standards.
- Available in ABS or Polycarbonate or CRCA enclosure for reliability against adverse weather conditions.
- Multifunction meter with current, voltage, power, frequency, etc.
- MCCB/AC disconnector is inbuilt for protection.
- Rated IP 55/65/66/67.
- Fully customizable based on customer requirements.
- Input & Output: Single Phase, Three Phase
2. DC Distribution Box:
- Tested & Verified as per BIS, IE & IS Standards.
- Fully customizable based on customer requirements.
- DC Switching: DC isolator / DC circuit Breaker for DC disconnection purpose.
- Available in CRCA or Polycarbonate or FRP Enclosure for reliability against adverse weather conditions.
- Rated IP 55/65/66/67.
- Input & Output: 1 in 1 out, 2 in 2 out, 3 in 3 out, etc up to 10 in 10 out.
Need More Help with the Solar Distribution Boxes?
Choosing the right Solar Distribution Boxes based on a company’s requirements, specifications, and quality can be quite challenging. Being the key manufacturer of solutions for utility-scale projects since the inception of our company has provided us with expertise to engineer the best-in-class Solar AC Distribution Box for the Solar panel needs of enterprises.
VNT is here to assist you in providing the best advice for your business and sophisticated products in the field of Solar technology, Telecom, Fire safety, Lightning & Surge Protection, etc.
For more information about VNT India’s Products and services, visit https://vnt.in/.
