Replacing Single String Inverter

[nichabbott]

Hello everybody,

I need to offer a replacement for a Solectria PVI-5300 string inverter (1 of 5). I figured it would be as easy as ordering a new one but Solectria didn't only discontinue this product, they also discontinued their whole residential inverter line. I'm wondering if any of you have had any experience with replacing a single string inverter with one from a different manufacturer, and if so, how seamless (or how much of a mess) was it to deal with?

Here are some system specifics:

5 Solectria PVI 5300
30kW system
32 panels/branch
190W panels

Any information on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[solarix]

I recommend SMA Sunnyboy. Its an ungrounded, transformerless type so make sure the old array is not grounded.

[PVAndy]

I recommend SMA Sunnyboy. Its an ungrounded, transformerless type so make sure the old array is not grounded.

The Solectria is a transformer isolated inverter. I highly suspect that the array is grounded and not compatible with any transformerless inverter, Those older panels probably require grounding to not have significant degradation. In the systems we'd had to replace we were able to find new old stock transformer inverters on eBay.

Andy

[nichabbott]

The Solectria is a transformer isolated inverter. I highly suspect that the array is grounded and not compatible with any transformerless inverter, Those older panels probably require grounding to not have significant degradation. In the systems we'd had to replace we were able to find new old stock transformer inverters on eBay.

Andy

Thanks Andy, I appreciate your input. And you are correct that it is a grounded system.

I'll have a look on Ebay to see what I can find.


Nick