Installation FAQ

Does the DCMax Require Earthing? No. DO NOT EARTHPE should never enter the housing of the DCMax under any circumstances including when supplying AC power to the DCMax 1000 series

Does the DCMax have any alarms? No. The DCMax is a DCU. A DCU is NOT a PCE for the purposes of AS/NZS 5033 and no alarms are required. In other jurisdicitons this may not be the case, so please check with local authorities. As the DCMax is passivley safe, any faults simply automatically shut down the relay function. With the relay function disabled, the DCMax will continue to operate as a simple conductor for String A (always connected) unless a excess current fault has caused the MCB or fuses to trip. Either way there is no immediate action required for safe operation or shut-down.

Is the LCD Display Required? No. The LCD unit is for information only and does not have to be connected during normal operation. The LCD is required in order to set the maximum output level during commissioning and an Installer LCD kit is available from Galkam Solar. The installer kit LCD can be safely removed from the unit after setup is complete.

Is the Wi-Fi unit Required? No. The Wi-Fi unit is not required for normal operation. It is a helpful diagnostic tool for installers who will be able to remotely monitor the function of the system. However in most applications, the monitoring tools for popular inverters is sufficient to determine correct operation of the DCMax. Users and installers wanting long term and diagnostic information about the performance of individual strings in the system may purchase a subscription for the DCMax monitoring service. Only short term data is maintained for DCMax with Wi-Fi units without a subscription.

Do I need to have 4 strings? No. The DCMax (V9 and later) support 2 to 4 parallel strings, but the choice of configuration depends on roof space, orientation and peak charge costs. String A is the "always connected" string and must be configured such that its maximum contribution is less than the inverters overrating limit (1.3x Inverter Rating). All other string must be the same size as string A (within the specifications margins). At least 1 other string is required - this is typically configured as String B. Strings C and D are optional and depend on the available roof space and minimum inverter voltage efficiency. In complex roof designs with many smaller surfaces (eg multi-storey buildings), 4 strings helps maximuse the use of the smaller footprint. 4 strings may also work for fully East-West orientations to give even production, but 1 East and 2 West can be more economic to take advantage of afternoon peak costs (even if actual production is lower). Typical deployment includes 3 mid size strings with 2 North + 1 West (southern hemisphere) or 2 South, 1 West (northern hemisphere) orientations. Maximum economy for overrating multiple parallel strings has been cited at around 2.5 - 2.75, so aiming for 3 strings, where no other limiting factors apply will likley provide the best return on investment.