MicroInverters Problems So Far ?

[albert436]

We have a lot of discussion about the merits of string vs. micro inverters vs. the latest, Solaredge inverters on this forum.

The main rap against microinverters is of course, more complex parts that can fail, difficulty in getting to them up on the roof, underneath the panels and so forth.

I'm wondering, how long have these been in widespread use, and of those on this forum who have had them installed, have any experienced failures thus far ?

[sdold]

What would be handy to know are failure rates of the currently-available microinverters. Unfortunately there is a lot of speculation and arm-waving based on failure rates of a popular inverter that is no longer in production.

[albert436]

Can you be more specific on that ? I'm trying to remember about that.

[solarix]

Without going back through my files to add it all up, I'll just say that the failure rate I've had with the early version of SolarEdge is horrible. Haven't had any problems (yet) with the redesigned version though. And I say this with sadness, because I really like the SolarEdge design and features. I fully expect to have to replace, one by one, all the hundreds of early model SolarEdge powerboxes we ever installed (and the inverters too).
Emphase always scared me as too big of a risk in our hot climate so never installed those (but have replaced a few of them). I fully expect all their early versions (that used electolytic caps) to die off in the next few years and cause a big black eye for the solar industry.

[albert436]

It seems like a lot of people feel that way about the Enphase and my natural tendency would be to feel exactly the same way. The only thing is that I haven't seen anyone posting about their Enphase failing, as far as I can remember. I do realize I'm talking very short term here at this point.

When was the Solar Edge redesign ? That's too bad, are they honoring any kind of warranty for parts/labor ?

I don't understand the difference in a "powerbox" and inverter, not sure what the powerbox was.

Anyway thanks for posting about this, it is always nice to hear first hand experience, as sdold says we tend to conjecture or surmise in lieu of knowing the facts, well what else can we do.

[inetdog]

It seems like a lot of people feel that way about the Enphase and my natural tendency would be to feel exactly the same way. The only thing is that I haven't seen anyone posting about their Enphase failing, as far as I can remember. I do realize I'm talking very short term here at this point.

When was the Solar Edge redesign ? That's too bad, are they honoring any kind of warranty for parts/labor ?

I don't understand the difference in a "powerbox" and inverter, not sure what the powerbox was.

Anyway thanks for posting about this, it is always nice to hear first hand experience, as sdold says we tend to conjecture or surmise in lieu of knowing the facts, well what else can we do.

Powerbox = optimizer = the DC to DC converter located at each panel.

[Naptown]

Been using solar edge for about a year. Probably have 3 or4 hundred installed. So far 1 failure and it was an MC4 connector to a panel so can't determine which side was bad as both ends were bad when we took it apart.
M190 emphase we have replaced hundreds and continue to replace them at 1-2 per week.
M215 maybe 1 or 2 out of about 300
M250 never used got sick of the failure rate on the 190 and bailed out on Enphase.

[Shaun]

Been using solar edge for about a year. Probably have 3 or4 hundred installed. So far 1 failure and it was an MC4 connector to a panel so can't determine which side was bad as both ends were bad when we took it apart.
M190 emphase we have replaced hundreds and continue to replace them at 1-2 per week.
M215 maybe 1 or 2 out of about 300
M250 never used got sick of the failure rate on the 190 and bailed out on Enphase.

Oof... I was considering micros, but this gives me serious pause. That and I also discovered today that Solar Edge offers a 25 year extended warranty for peanuts; warranty was primarily what drove me toward micros. Time to ask for some revised quotes!

[SunEagle]

Oof... I was considering micros, but this gives me serious pause. That and I also discovered today that Solar Edge offers a 25 year extended warranty for peanuts; warranty was primarily what drove me toward micros. Time to ask for some revised quotes!

There are a few more people in the mix making micro inverters. ABB is one that comes to mind.

I have neither hands on experience or any financial connection with ABB but if you are going to get additional quotes you may want to also look at a few different manufacturers besides just SE.

[Shaun]

Sorry, I meant a SE string inverter and optimizers. But good point

[albert436]

Thank you Inet, Naptown, great info ! ! !

Seems like the feeling about micros does have some basis.

What do you think about that rate of failure on the 215, ie 1 or 2 out of 300 ? Pretty much unacceptable or within reason ?

Who bears the burden of replacement, parts/labor/repair when one of those goes bad ? Is Enphase standing behind them and paying for all that ? Or is it up to the individual contract ?

[solarix]

1 or 2 out of 300 in just a couple years is going to turn into a nightmare long before the 25 year warranty is up.
Enphase will give you a replacement, but us poor installers don't get paid for the labor doing the reinstall anymore.

[albert436]

I'm surprised installers are still putting them in .

What do you suppose is their rationale ?

[Naptown]

The rationale is they will most likely fold the business once the big dollars of installs are over with the tax credits.
No longer their problem. I predict there will be very few folks installing after 2016 if the tax credits expire as they are scheduled.
PV is pretty maintenance free but all those inverters out there will create some work replacing them. Just not for free to the consumer.

[SunEagle]

The rationale is they will most likely fold the business once the big dollars of installs are over with the tax credits.
No longer their problem. I predict there will be very few folks installing after 2016 if the tax credits expire as they are scheduled.
PV is pretty maintenance free but all those inverters out there will create some work replacing them. Just not for free to the consumer.

Sounds like a new market for solar experienced people to think about getting into.

Almost like a handy man that fixes small projects like door bells and sprinkler systems.