The ATESS PV-CB8M is an 8-way photovoltaic (PV) combiner box designed for robust solar power installations. Built for outdoor use with an IP65 environmental rating, it ensures high protection against dust and water. It supports a maximum input voltage of 1000 VDC, can handle input string short-circuit currents (Isc) up to 20 A, and outputs up to 160 A through a single output channel. It comes equipped with lightning protection, fuse-based over-current protection, and an RS485 communication interface for smart monitoring. An optional string-monitoring feature enhances performance tracking.
Features & Benefits
- Efficient System Protection: Combines input strings safely via individual fuses and protects against lightningโminimizing risk to wiring, inverters, and equipment.
- High-Voltage Capability: Supports high-voltage arrays up to 1000 VDCโideal for scalable, modern installations.
- Simplified Maintenance: The RS485 interface, along with optional string-level monitoring, ensures easy diagnostics and performance tracking.
- Adaptable Configurations: Options for 8 or 16 inputs suit a range of system sizesโfrom medium-sized rooftop arrays to larger ground-mounted systems.
- Rugged and Weatherproof: Designed for challenging environmental conditions thanks to IP65 enclosure, making it well-suited for outdoor PV systems in Tanzania.
Use Cases
- Commercial or Utility-Scale Solar Installations: Aggregates multiple PV module strings into a single output, streamlining connections to central inverters or battery systems.
- Off-Grid Communities: Ideal for solar + storage projects in rural or remote areas lacking grid accessโsupports DC coupling setups and ensures reliable power distribution.
- Village Electrification & Remote Pumping Systems: For water pumping or community electrification, this combiner box enables dependable string integration and system protection.
- Large Rooftop Systems on Institutions or Industries: Fits institutional solar rooftops or commercial applications that require efficient and secure combiner solutions.
Value Propositions
- Reliability and Longevity: Heavy-duty design, surge and fuse protection ensures system stability over time.
- Enhanced Monitoring: RS485 communication and optional string analytics improve uptime, maintenance efficiency, and performance insights.
- Scalable and Customizable: Choose between 8 or 16 input designs to match system expansion needs or project-specific layouts.
- Cost-Effective Deployment: Streamlines wiring, reduces maintenance frequency, and aids in proactive fault detectionโall beneficial in markets with limited technical support.
- Outdoor-Ready Design: With IP65 protection, itโs engineered for the African climateโresisting dust, rain, and harsh elements.
Local Market Positioning โ Tanzania
Strong Fit for Tanzanian Solar Needs: With growing demand in commercial, agricultural, and rural solar applications, the ATESS PV-CB8M offers a solid all-in-one solution for safe and expandable combination of PV strings.
Competitive Edge:
- Better Monitoring Capabilities: Few local or imported alternatives offer integrated RS485 support; this gives ATESS a clear differentiation.
- Scalability: Being available in both 8- and 16-input variants meets diverse project needs.
Supply & Service Considerations:
- Emphasize availability through regional distributors or local electric/equipment firms that can manage installation, support, and alignment with Tanzanian electrical safety standards.
- Highlight total cost-of-ownership benefitsโdurability, better diagnostics, and protection can reduce operation costs long-term compared to generic alternatives.
Application-Specific Pitch:
- Focus especially for off-grid deployments, agro-solar projects, and community solar initiatives where reliability and minimal maintenance are key.
- Promote its utility for DC-coupled hybrid systems, common in hybrid solar + battery setups in rural electrification.
Technical Specifications:
Model | Atess PV-CB8M โ 10-ATT-0803 |
Category | PV Combiner Box |
Number of Input Strings | 8 |
Maximum Input Voltage | 1000 VDC |
Max String Short-Circuit Current (Isc) | 20 A per input |
Number of Output Channels | 1 |
Maximum Output Current | 160 A |
Overcurrent Protection | Fuse protection for each input string |
Surge Protection | Integrated lightning protection |
Monitoring Interface | RS485 communication (optional monitoring) |
Enclosure Rating | IP65 โ dustproof and waterproof |
Available Versions | PV-CB8M (8-input) / PV-CB16M (16-input) |
Application | Solar PV systems (commercial, off-grid, utility) |