How did you decide? Microinverter vs Optimizer & PV Inverter

[entgegnen]

Thanks everyone!

This is exactly the sort of discussion/debate I was hoping for. I find myself changing my mind a few times here.

1. As to "longevity" on the roof: solaredge vs enphase. I see the incremental labor argument as individual micro inverters fail 10, 15, 20 years from now. But I also see the same argument attaching to the "optimizer," right? And if an optimizer fails, don't I lose more than just a single panel (unlike he micro-optimizer)?

Moreover, while he solaredge inverter might be conveniently located on a garage wall... Isn't a change-out a substantial job for an electrician due to the voltage?

2. I had been attracted to he solaredge type option because I could potentially get an "AC" outlet at the inverter for use during daylight, in emergency situations (ca is earthquake country). Might never use... But would be grateful to have if I needed it.

3. I too had thought about clipping... Hence wondering if I'd need a 10000 unit over a 7600... But it seems that I'd be unlikely to recoup the $1000 difference between the units even if I avoided substantial levels of clipping....

4. The 315 v 320 is a good point. I'll compare the cost between the two. But if I am within a few pennies, I'll probably go 320.

5. My best (2) quotes are 3.28/watt and 3.35/watt... At that point, I'm just working out who I think will do the best job on the roof.

[ButchDeal]

The difference would be very modest though ( 320 vs 315 ). Just the slight more production on the curve on the steep parts of the curve before slipping. is the cost difference worth the slight more production??
With shadows there would be a bit more difference.

Of course SolarEdge would be cheaper than enphase and not have the clipping.

[sensij]

Wouldn't you get some clipping with the enphase, since you don't have any shade?

You would probably get the same output with the 315 w version and save some money if you choose enphase

No, this is false. The 320 W panels will outperform 315 W even with clipping at 280 W. The amount of energy lost to clipping is much less than the extra energy produced during every non clipped hour of the day.

[solarix]

I keep saying, when it comes to choosing inverters, the key criteria is reliability. Putting electronics on your roof, especially in hot climates, is fundamentally a reliability problem and when the time comes to have to start replacing electronics on your roof - you'll be sorry. I know they have25 years warranties - that doesn't mean the stuff will last 25 years - just that they will replace them when they fail (and they don't pay for whose ever labor has to do that). Do you really want your installer (if they are still in business) to keep coming back years from now to replace your microinverters one by one as they fail?

[huge]

Wouldn't you get some clipping with the enphase, since you don't have any shade?

You would probably get the same output with the 315 w version and save some money if you choose enphase

[jetsurgn]

How much /watt? Any difference on price between the two?

With the Enphase you will need a Envoy to monitor.

I would say both SolarEdge and Enphase both have good monitoring. I think its a draw in imho.

Do you have a nice cool place to locate the solaredge inverter?

[easye]

1- A good installer wont show anything on your roof other than panels and a bit of rails. Micro vs opti? Either works fine. Neither has a 25 year track record so who really knows? If you have zero shade why do either?
2 - 7600 would be plenty for a system up to 8.5 IMHO.

[entgegnen]

Hi everyone,

1. I am really close to pulling the trigger on a home system. At present, I am pretty confident about the panels (22-24) LG320s for 7.04 (10,842 @ 1.54) or 7.68kWh (11,827 @ 1.54) system.
1a. My annual usage is right in-between. I'd probably go with the (24) panel system.
2. My big point of indecisiveness is whether to go with Enphase (S280) or Solaredge (optimizers)
2a. The Micro-converters seem to offer a rather clean install in the existing utility box, no less. But I'm a two story with basically "zero" shading issues. And it seems that I'd need an extra piece of hardware in order to actually monitor things.
2b. The optimizer and Inverter route with Solaredge seems to offer better monitoring (which may not really matter once the novelty wears off?) and does seem to need a space on the wall for the inverter... and perhaps an extended warranty to take it till 25 years... but as I drove the neighborhood today... I saw lots of each type of system...

Is it really a coin flip? I've had two installers out...so far... each has said I could go either way... I suppose that sometimes this is true...

Questions:

1. Would one or the other system require fewer "runs" between the meter and the panels on the roof? Or can multiple runs be in the same line of conduit? Thinking at this point in terms of cosmetic appeal...

2. If I went with the optimizer/inverter route, how do I know if I have enough inverter? E.g. would a 7600 be enough - for either the 22 or the 24 panel version? I am guessing it would be.... Or do I have to jump all the way to the 10000? (with a substantial component cost as well).

Thanks.

Jason