Anyone used LeadSolar microinverters?

[Mesechinus]

I received a proposal for 5.76 kW system with 18 Canadian Solar panels and 9 LeadSolar LS600 microinverters (you may have seen my other post about this, but probably posted in the wrong place for this question). The LeadSolar microinverters are dual input. The specs are on LeadSolar's website. My concern is that I cannot find any information regarding anyone's long or short term experience with these microinverters. Does anyone have any experience with these? The proposal is from a very reputable local company in LA (LA Solar Group) and it would be reasonable if I had confidence in the microinverters.

[sensij]

Only 10 year warranty... What is the difference in cost relative to Enphase, or dual panel micros from APS? Their web page is nice enough, but I'd have a hard time feeling confident on the basis of the testimonials shown there.

What is your panel layout? With any microinverter, I would want a roof that is relatively safe to work on, and all panels accessible without having to remove others in the way.

[Mesechinus]

I have plenty of southwest facing roof at an 18.4 degree pitch (it's new construction). No matter which system I get, I plan it to be two rows of panels, so all the panels and micro inverters should be easily accessible.

The price would be on the order of $1000 less than Enphase.

Regarding the warranty, the website says "up to 25" years", which is unclear, but the installer says it is 25 years. In any case, the installer has its own warranty of 25 years including labor as well as parts if needed.

Although Enphase has a 25 year warranty, it will, in effect, be only a few months long warranty, as their financial situation is absolutely dire, and without a miracle, they will be gone by the end of 2017. Although the installer will still warrant the system, unless Enphase finds a buyer and keeps operating, the Enphase monitoring system might no longer work.

Of course, the installer could go out of business as well. So the best bet is to try and install reliable equipment the first time. I will ask about the APS dual microinverters. I know that LeadSolar manufactures microinverters that are sold under another brand, but by spec comparison, it appears not to be APS (although they could have a separate line for the ones sold by another company).

[sensij]

Interesting feedback on both APS and LeadSolar in this post

https://www.solarpaneltalk.com/forum/solar-panels-for-home/solar-panels-for-your-home/351517-extensive-system-failures-on-grid-tie-system-with-aps-yc500a-microinverters?p=351524#post351524

[Mesechinus]

Thanks. The article in GreenTechMedia seems to indicate LeadSolar may have less than optimal quality control. APS also seems problematic, although APS claims their microinverters were being pushed far beyond specs in the application referenced in the article.

I suppose I'd better stick with Enphase. Even if they go out of business and their warranty is no longer usable, hopefully the installer will hang around a few more years to provide their own warranty service.

[ButchDeal]

Thanks. The article in GreenTechMedia seems to indicate LeadSolar may have less than optimal quality control. APS also seems problematic, although APS claims their microinverters were being pushed far beyond specs in the application referenced in the article.

I suppose I'd better stick with Enphase. Even if they go out of business and their warranty is no longer usable, hopefully the installer will hang around a few more years to provide their own warranty service.

Why not consider solaredge?

[Mesechinus]

Solaredge is a possibility as well. The installer's quote for the same setup with Solaredge optimizers and inverter was about $250 more than the setup with the LeadSolar Optimizers. Now that I'm giving up on the LeadSolar or APS microinverters, I'm going to get a quote with Enphase microinverters for appropriate comparison.

Enphase really seems to be in major financial hot water and supposedly will burn through their cash by the end of this quarter unless they can get more financing (but they probably will find a way). Solaredge is in much better shape. If Enphase goes under without someone picking up the technology, their monitoring platform may no longer be usable. Since the house is still in framing, I'm still at least 8 weeks away from roofing, so I have plenty of time to wait and see what happens.

[sensij]

If Enphase goes under without someone picking up the technology, their monitoring platform may no longer be usable.

You can always monitor Enphase locally, regardless of what happens with the cloud platform.

[Six4KilowWatt]

If you go micro inverter, consider the DYI route...If your roof isn't at a scary slope and you have a few friends to help. It should take a day or half day to get the racking and panels up. Then get the electrician to tie in the wiring to your existing power supply...Doing it that way you will save thousands.

Enphase the only and best option for micro. If you are going to get a stand alone inverter, go with SMA...industry standard and highest quality on the market.

Enphase will have spare parts for many years...so you should be able to get a 10 year service life out of the micros. This 20 year warranty stuff is stupid considering capacitors are going to fail at some point, be it string or micro.

I think in a small DIY install you can't beat Enphase. However if you are paying somebody to install the system, don't waste time with non players in the industry. Go with SMA, they are the best of the inverter world.

[Mesechinus]

Yes, I figure I will be paying $5k to $7k more to have it installed. But it's going to be two stories up, with no access but ladder. I decided it's worth it not to take a risk. If it were a single story and more accessible, or on the ground, I'd definitely do it myself.

I figure if Enphase disappears and a microinverter fails, there won't be any way to repair it. I would just get a different microinverter (presumably from China by then).

[Six4KilowWatt]

Good luck, look into the SMA inverters. They have a secure power supply for when the grid goes down. It won't be enough to save yourself for the end of the world, but it will have enough juice for laptops, phones and small stuff etc. It's a nicer feature to have for the money.