We have been impressed recently with Enphase microinverters. These somewhat solve the mismatched panel spec/performance issue, but not the panel size issue, of course. If fit is a problem, a single panel/inverter pair can be eliminated and the rail cut short. You end up with a smaller system, but at least you don't have to deal with series/parallel and string sizing issues.
Of course, what if future Enphase inverters are not compatible to "daisy-chain" with current models? In that case, eliminating a module/inverter would be the only solution. Hopefully Enphase is thinking about this, because it would be a big help in this mismatch issue. Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar http://fafcosolar.com At 07:51 AM 2/25/2010, you wrote: >I have been very concerned that every time we settle on a module brand and >size for a project, the manufacturer switches production or design and >these "older" modules are replaced with a larger or totally different >module. We always try to hold back at least one extra module for future >warranty issues when we are forced to switch, but that could be very >expensive and take up lots of storage. The point is we are already seeing >many posts here from installers needing just a few modules to complete a >project using modules that are no longer being manufactured, or to expand >an existing system that needs to match, so what are we all going to do >when your older client base starts calling to order a replacement module >that was either physically damaged or perhaps suffered a thermal shock >glass break. And what will the manufacturer do to honor a warranty >replacement for a module that is no longer made - Send a credit voucher? > >In other words, will future solar arrays look like a patchwork quilt of >mis-matched modules as we try to keep a system operational using >replacement modules that do not match. This may not be an issue on a >ground mounted array in the woods, but what about a closely spaced roof >array and you cannot find a replacement module that fits the opening when >the damaged module is removed? And the same issue if the replacement >module you find fits the opening, but has a totally different volt-amp >rating? Do we just jumper over and leave the damaged module in place and >hope the array voltage is still in limits? Will your client consider that >an acceptable warranty solution? > >So will my collection of a few mis-matched modules of each brand and size >that are no longer manufactured turn into a future gold mine?? Oh well, >I can always dream................. > >Jeff Yago >DTI Solar _______________________________________________ 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
