The SolShare is the world’s only behind-the-meter solar sharing hardware unlocking solar for multifamily buildings
Technical Information
Technology
The SolShare is a world first, paving the way for apartment solar across the world.
As the first of its kind, an entirely new product category had to be created: A Power Division Control System (PDCS).
The function of a PDCS is to share a single source of energy generation to multiple, separately connected units, behind the meter, while conforming to all safety and network regulations. Here, we’ll go into a deeper dive into the technical aspects of the world’s only PDCS, the SolShare.
Introduction
A PDCS is a device used to control the division of alternating current (AC) from a single supplementary power source to multiple loads, each of which have a parallel supply from the electricity grid.
The most common usage for the SolShare is to be supplied power by a grid-connected inverter as part of a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system on a multi-unit building like an apartment building or multi-office/retail building.
The SolShare delivers AC energy from this shared power source downstream of a unit’s retail electricity meter, and monitors each unit’s power draw from the electrical grid to inform the dynamic distribution of AC energy among the connected units.
Position within the system
When installed in conjunction with a PV system, a PDCS sits on the AC-side of a grid-tie inverter and connects to multiple, independent units on the load side of their retail electricity meter.
The behind-the-meter solution requires no change to smart meter infrastructure and is intuitively designed to make the installation process as simple as possible for solar installers.
Information on how to design a SolShare system can be found by requesting Allume’s ‘SolShare System & SLD Design Rules’ document.
Input and ouput
Three-phase applications
For three-phase applications, the SolShare receives a three-phase power input, typically from a grid-tied inverter. Three phases, earth and neutral are connected.
Outputs consist of multiple, three-phase outputs, with each output being connected to either one three-phase unit or three single-phase units. The output phase of the SolShare must match the phase of the grid supply of the connected unit.
Split-phase applications
For split-phase applications, a SolShare will receive a split-phase or 2-wire input, typically from a grid-tied inverter. Two live, earth and neutral are connected.
Outputs consist of multiple, split-phase or 2-wire outputs, with each output being connected to either both lines of a single unit, or to a single line of two separate units.
Optimized power division
The SolShare monitors the connected units’ demand and instantaneously directs the supplied power to optimize power delivery to the units. It achieves this by monitoring two key data points: the total solar power that’s available to be delivered; and each connected unit’s demand from the grid. It monitors both of these with the use of current transformers. As these readings fluctuate, the SolShare’s algorithm determines which power delivery configuration will create the optimum use of available power. The optimum power delivery utilizes the most amount of power on-site and minimizes power export to the grid.
Installation Requirements
- Power input from single-phase grid-connected inverters
- Number of connections:
- – 6 or more single-phase outputs
- Co-located smart meters and main switches
- Cable access between SolShare unit and central main switchboard
- Installation must be carried out by a licensed electrician
- SolShare must be kept free of dust and water ingress during installation
Technical data
General Specifications
| Parameter |
|---|
| Dimensions |
| Weight |
| Max number of connections per unit |
| Install environment |
| Operating temperature range |
| Metering accuracy |
| Value |
|---|
| 36.2 x 19.1 x 10.6 in (H x W x D) |
| 83.8 lbs |
| 10 single-phase (one line) or 5 (two lines) |
| Types 3R, 4 |
| -20 – 50°C |
| ± 2% |
Electrical Specifications
| Parameter |
|---|
| Max nominal current (per line) |
| Voltage range (phase to neutral) |
| Voltage drop (I is nominal current) |
| Mains frequency range |
| Overcurrent rating |
| Max power input at 230V (recommended) |
| Input Power Factor |
| Value (at 25°C) |
|---|
| 72 A |
| 228 – 252 VAC (L-L); 114 – 126 VAC (L-N) |
| 2.8 V |
| 50 – 60 Hz |
| 30 kA |
| 16.4 kW |
| 1 |
Safety Certification
| The SolShare is certified with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) |
|---|
| 1741 listing |
|---|
