Nice thread... inverter pros/cons is something I spend a fair amount of time pondering, since they are the weak link in the grid-direct installation.
Overall, I like them both (PVP and SMA). Performance: On page 44 of the Dec/Jan issue of SolarPro, there is a list of specifications for grid-direct inverters. Current PVP and SMA inverters have similar CEC weighted efficiency ratings. Some of the older PVP inverter models (1100, 2000, 2800, 3000) have slightly lower efficiency. Reliability: I like that the PVP inverters have no moving parts, whereas the SMA inverters use a fan to assist with the cooling. PV Powered does a lot of marketing around their reliability efforts, for whatever that's worth. Customer Service: I have not needed to utilize PV Powered customer service. I've found SMA customer service techs to be easy to reach and knowledgeable. Other issues: I like that PV Powered inverters are made in the USA. I also find the hardware and manuals to be easier to work with, most likely because they're produced in the USA for our market. The PVP inverters ship with a full-size mounting template which comes in handy, especially when planning the rough-in wiring and support framing during new construction. I have a preference for the PVP inverters, and use SMA occasionally if it's a better design fit. I agree with Wayne Irwin's comment about the durability of the inverters with the heavy transformer designs, as opposed to the newer "light-weight" designs (including the newest SMA products). I just feel that in the long run, lower counts for electronic components is a good thing. I'm not an expert on component reliability, but I know from my somewhat limited experience that capacitors dry up and transistors are susceptible to a variety of failure modes. The fewer of these things, the better. Also from a reliability standpoint, I prefer to put inverters inside in a well ventilated area, if possible. My gut feeling is that over the long haul, any inverter will be better off in a location that is protected from moisture and large ambient temperature swings. -Hans ________________________________ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Keith Cronin Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 1:04 PM To: RE-Wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV Powered vs SMA Hi colleagues Do any of you have a preference, PV Powered vs SMA in the residential space- 2k-5k grid tie inverter zone? Comments on performance/reliability/customer service etc? Any feedback on their monitoring vs SMA's webbox? Thanks Keith _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: [email protected] Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
