Solar Edge Vs Enphase Power optimizers

[SunEagle]

Ya, the rapid shutdown rule will be a major advantage for the distributed type inverters. That code rule has not achieved widespread adoption yet but will be yet another major p.i.t.a when it does.
It has always seemed to me that there is a lot more interest by the authorities in being able to shut off the "evil" solar power six ways to Sunday, instead of making sure our clean, renewable resource becomes widely available.

The newest NEC has never been immediately adopted by every state. It sometimes takes years to get it followed because by law they are allowed to review it before just adopting it.

Believe me when I say the rapid shutdown requirement is not a tool for the "evil" power company to cut your power generation but a rule to provide SAFETY for the first responders that are trying to put out a fire and save your home.

With out that shutdown function someone can easily be exposed to DC voltage high enough to kill you.

Of course the first repsonders can just protect themselves and just let the house burn but then you would be pissed off at them instead of your POCO.

[bcroe]

Ya, the rapid shutdown rule will be a major advantage for the distributed type inverters. That code rule has not achieved widespread adoption yet but will be yet another major p.i.t.a when it does.
It has always seemed to me that there is a lot more interest by the authorities in being able to shut off the "evil" solar power six ways to Sunday, instead of making sure our clean, renewable resource becomes widely available.

There is no problem for a ground mounted system. Bruce Roe

[solar_newbie]

Some installers cover labor. My installer warranty covers enphase micros for 20 years labor in addition to the 25 year manufacturer warranty on parts.

I got an installer provide 25 years labor coverag. The question is if he is still alive in 25 years...

[tehan]

Ya, the rapid shutdown rule will be a major advantage for the distributed type inverters. That code rule has not achieved widespread adoption yet but will be yet another major p.i.t.a when it does..

Last time I checked it was a little more than half of all states have implemented NEC 2014. But many of the biggest solar markers (e.g. CA, FL) have not, so the impact on the solar industry is less than that might otherwise suggest.

[solarix]

Ya, the rapid shutdown rule will be a major advantage for the distributed type inverters. That code rule has not achieved widespread adoption yet but will be yet another major p.i.t.a when it does.
It has always seemed to me that there is a lot more interest by the authorities in being able to shut off the "evil" solar power six ways to Sunday, instead of making sure our clean, renewable resource becomes widely available.

[tehan]

I believe most of the string inverter manufacturers are scrambling to provide a device that meets the NEC 2014 "rapid shut down" requirements that is located up on the roof within 10 feet of the array.

Most of them have something now, either self-developed or third-party, but all of these solutions are quite expensive. I found that once you added this cost into the mix, SolarEdge ended up a bit cheaper than any of the string inverters.

[SunEagle]

Yeah, that is a problem with string inverters in NEC 2014 areas... Fronius sells one, although I don't know what it costs.

I believe most of the string inverter manufacturers are scrambling to provide a device that meets the NEC 2014 "rapid shut down" requirements that is located up on the roof within 10 feet of the array.

[sensij]

One small downside....SMA do not yet comply with the rapid shutdown requirement, but promise availability towards the end of this year. They currently recommend a 3rd party solution.

Yeah, that is a problem with string inverters in NEC 2014 areas... Fronius sells one, although I don't know what it costs.

[dust999]

One small downside....SMA do not yet comply with the rapid shutdown requirement, but promise availability towards the end of this year. They currently recommend a 3rd party solution.

[donald]

Here is a Youtube video on the SunnyBoy TL. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fc7ESijXTM

Introduced about 18 months ago, its about all I use anymore.
Dual MPPT inputs handle almost any roof situation (except serious shading), and the exclusive Secure Power Outlet will produce up to 12 amps during a utility outage as long as the there is enough sunshine (without any batteries!). Also with its transformerless design (that's the TL) is more efficient than the old model, has a wider input voltage range, and is a lot lighter too. German designed - made in Denver, so far very reliable. Available with extended warranty - what's not to like?

Has SMA said what they are doing for batteries? The dual MTTP should work well in most situations.

[lanb]

Here is a Youtube video on the SunnyBoy TL. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fc7ESijXTM

Introduced about 18 months ago, its about all I use anymore.
Dual MPPT inputs handle almost any roof situation (except serious shading), and the exclusive Secure Power Outlet will produce up to 12 amps during a utility outage as long as the there is enough sunshine (without any batteries!). Also with its transformerless design (that's the TL) is more efficient than the old model, has a wider input voltage range, and is a lot lighter too. German designed - made in Denver, so far very reliable. Available with extended warranty - what's not to like?

Thanks for the fast reply, solarix.

[sensij]

what's not to like?

The communication options are not great. The Webconnect card requires the use of an external device like a Pi if you want to do anything with your data other than looking at it through Sunny Portal. The Webbox is expensive.

Unless you are in love with the SPS, if you want a string inverter, I would suggest checking out the Fronius Primo series. It appears to be technically equivalent to the SMA inverters, with much better data monitoring included. No SPS, though.

[solarix]

Solarix - Can you elaborate about the Sunnyboy option (either via a post here or a PM). Thanks !

Here is a Youtube video on the SunnyBoy TL. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fc7ESijXTM

Introduced about 18 months ago, its about all I use anymore.
Dual MPPT inputs handle almost any roof situation (except serious shading), and the exclusive Secure Power Outlet will produce up to 12 amps during a utility outage as long as the there is enough sunshine (without any batteries!). Also with its transformerless design (that's the TL) is more efficient than the old model, has a wider input voltage range, and is a lot lighter too. German designed - made in Denver, so far very reliable. Available with extended warranty - what's not to like?

[lanb]

Thanks a lot for the information. I have been strongly considering a system with the SolarEdge 7600 inverter with their power optimizers for my home in San Diego.

I got a decent quote with a similar setup as well.

Solarix - Can you elaborate about the Sunnyboy option (either via a post here or a PM). Thanks !

[kevcor620]

Not if it goes belly up. I'd expect some consolidation if/after tax credits expire. That may be the future of Enphase, but it'll have the albatross of failure liability to reduce the selling price.

I'm not totally sold on the expectation that expiring ITC will have a huge impact. Enphase has taken on a lot of debt, but it has done so in positioning itself for global growth. Their business model extends well beyond the US border. That very well may be the smartest business move yet in anticipation of slowed momentum due to reduced US incentives.