some quality transformer inverters are now available at a reduced price, typically for about half of what a transformerless one costs. so if i could buy a transformer inverter for about $750 vs. a transformerless one for $1500, is it worth saving the $?
transformer inverter vs. transformerless inverter - worth the savings?
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You'll have to add additional external equipment to meet current codes. Not worth the savings IMO. -
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What electrical code? This is not meant to be insult but if you do not know the protections that might be missing from said old stock inverters being dumped into the market, you probably shouldn't be using.Comment
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it includes a dc disconnect that disconnects under load (if needed) and it has AFCI. so it doesn't really seem to be lacking much. i started off asking about a choice between two inverters one with transformer, and one without. you said to avoid the transformer inverter. fair enough. so, what external equipment might be missing? and no, i'm not familiar with a transformer inverter.Comment
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Transformerless are not near as robust and good as ole Boat Anchor Transformers. With a Transformer you have Galvanic Isolation which can save your home and life. Each has pros and cons.MSEE, PEComment
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the panel might support both. i checked the manual and saw the replacement of the gfci fuse in the panel. the advertising shows afci. it meets 2011 nec.
the consideration of transformer inverter is for the second array to be finished next year & the third array in 2019.Comment
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the only thing i don't like about the transformer inverter design is the grounding of the pv modules (+dc or -dc) to ground.
it seems that some say the grounds (a/c and d/c) can be connected (in common), but this really bothers me. it seems 'bad practice' to have a hot dc potential sitting on ground shared by a/c circuitry.
before buying a transformer inverter, i would want to make certain the AHJ will approve separate grounding (a/c and d/c separate).Comment
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it seems that some say the grounds (a/c and d/c) can be connected (in common), but this really bothers me. it seems 'bad practice' to have a hot dc potential sitting on ground shared by a/c circuitry.before buying a transformer inverter, i would want to make certain the AHJ will approve separate grounding (a/c and d/c separate).
MSEE, PEComment
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i live in florida and am told it is still under 2011 nec.
the first pv system build uses micro-inverters. i don't want to use them again. i just found 'a deal' on these 2011 nec transformer strings & am asking for input on using them. since they support both GFCI & AFCI, it seems like 'a deal'?
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