SE5000H inverter undersized for 6.885kW panels??

[sti_lin]

I just finished design phase with my solar installer and they spec'd out a Solar Edge SE5000H-US inverter for my system. The panels I am getting are 17 ea REC 405W for a total size of 6.885kW. I feel like this inverter is undersized but wanted to check with you all. I am in Inland Empire, Souther California so lots of sun. Estimated annual production for system is 11,600 kWh for the first year. I read online that the max DC input power at 240v is what I need to compare to panel system size. In this case the SE5000H has max DC of 7750. I sort of feel like the installer is trying to eek out any profit they can since the loan/funding has already been established. I was worried about clipping etc so is this inverter size worth fighting about or is it fine for the application?

[SunEagle]

The size of the inverter is really based on the amount of wattage that be inputted at the same time. If solar panels are pointed in different directions then the total wattage going in will be less. The maximum amount of wattage will be based on how many panels are on the same string pointed in the same direction.

So if the inverter is good for 7750watts and the total panel wattage is only 6885W then everything should be ok.

[Ampster]

The specs say that the AC capacity of that inverter is 5000 Watts so 6885 Watts of panels Isa DC to AC ratio of 1.38 to 1. That manufacturer allows a maximum DC to A C ratio of 1.55 to one. It is common to have DC to AC ratios greater than one to one. I am sure your installer feels the inverter is not undersized. You can always ask about the cost of a larger inverter. The efficiency curve of modern GT inverters is pretty flat so there should be no efficiency difference between the two different size inverters. Others with more knowledge about that issue may have more data.
Without knowing more about your orientation it is hard to predict if you will see any clipping. The relationship of estimated total output based on that system size seems reasonable.

[sti_lin]

Ok thanks for feedback. The system is mostly on the ideal facing roof section with 5 of the 17 total panels going on a less ideal area of roof. I had quotes from other installers who all specified se7600h inverter so just wanted to be sure I wasn’t getting bamboozled with this smaller unit.

[SunEagle]

Ok thanks for feedback. The system is mostly on the ideal facing roof section with 5 of the 17 total panels going on a less ideal area of roof. I had quotes from other installers who all specified se7600h inverter so just wanted to be sure I wasn’t getting bamboozled with this smaller unit.

I believe the smaller inverter will just work more efficiently being loaded up then a larger inverter. You should be ok even if there is minimal clipping on some summer days.

[scrambler]

The price difference between the 5000 and the 7600 is minimal, I for once would ask for the 7600. No clipping and room to grow....

[heimdm]

I would definitely look at jumping up to the 7600. Being in the inland empire of CA, lack of sun is not your issue. Give yourself some room to grow.

[PugPower]

I have a 6.7kW system installed on my roof in Southern Ca, in 2019. We have a Solaredge SE6000H-US inverter. We rarely hit 6kW and therefore have had only a few days of intermittent clipping since installation. But we routinely go over 5kW during the spring and summer. I would definitely get the 6000 inverter. Oversizing the inverter to the 7600 may be good for future expansion, but may cost you in low light production using your current panel numbers. It is my understanding that the ideal setup is a panel to inverter ratio of approx. 1.2.