Solar Edge Vs Enphase Power optimizers

[solarix]

Really, it's the electrolytic capacitors that ARE used in enphase micros and ONLY ceramic caps that are used in SE optimizers.

Electrolytic caps have a fluid in them that dries out with temperature and ceramic caps do not have anything that would dry out.

I believe that Enphase's new product dispensed with the electrolytics, which is good because all their early stuff is doomed I say.
Don't get to carried away thinking SolarEdge is much better, we've seen a bad failure rate with them as well.

[NMB333]

I believe that Enphase's new product dispensed with the electrolytics, which is good because all their early stuff is doomed I say.
Don't get to carried away thinking SolarEdge is much better, we've seen a bad failure rate with them as well.

HOw bad is the failure rate that you have observed with the Solaredge?

[solarix]

I really fell for the SolarEdge design when it first came out and installed them almost exclusively for about 18 months until they started to drop like flies. Out of the 30 systems I've got out there (including one on my place), so far I've had 3 inverter failures (2 absolutely blow up inside), and about 20 Powerbox (they call them optimizers now) failures. Of course, these were the early product and we're in hot Arizona. They have redesigned everything and the new stuff is doing well - so far. I knew from the beginning the danger of SolarEdge being a startup company but took a chance on them anyway and got burned. I still use SolarEdge for jobs that have real shading problems but now that we have SunnyBoys with dual MPPT inputs, I rarely need to.

[NMB333]

I really fell for the SolarEdge design when it first came out and installed them almost exclusively for about 18 months until they started to drop like flies. Out of the 30 systems I've got out there (including one on my place), so far I've had 3 inverter failures (2 absolutely blow up inside), and about 20 Powerbox (they call them optimizers now) failures. Of course, these were the early product and we're in hot Arizona. They have redesigned everything and the new stuff is doing well - so far. I knew from the beginning the danger of SolarEdge being a startup company but took a chance on them anyway and got burned. I still use SolarEdge for jobs that have real shading problems but now that we have SunnyBoys with dual MPPT inputs, I rarely need to.

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.

[kevcor620]

Look at solar stocks in general over the last few months. As goes oil, so goes solar.

I'm thinking that now may be a good time to buy stock in enphase? the expected plummet in oil prices once the Iran deal is ratified will tank stocks in the energy sector, but I can't believe the long term outlook for solar is going to be anyting but continued growth.

[J.P.M.]

I'm thinking that now may be a good time to buy stock in enphase? the expected plummet in oil prices once the Iran deal is ratified will tank stocks in the energy sector, but I can't believe the long term outlook for solar is going to be anyting but continued growth.

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.

FWIW, I don't intend to return to R.E. stocks, etc. until at least early 2016. As far as continued growth, R.E. will find a niche that may ebb/flow w/ politics, other energy sources and however public opinion can be manipulated.

[donald]

The commodity nature of solar seems to limit the upside for any single company. Considering the efficiency of inverters today, the future seems to be decreasing price. The reason larger electronics companies have not entered the market is likely the lack of opportunity for good returns.

[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.

[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 !

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.