Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Mate3 programming issues

[jay]

Hi Roy and others,

A very worrisome situation.

I’m wondering if anyone who’s had this problem has not been using OpticsRE.
IE is the problem somehow related to RE?

Thanks

jay

peltz power


> On Dec 14, 2016, at 2:19 PM, Roy Rakobitsch  wrote:
> 
> Hello William, Its very frustrating to deal with this sort of thing. I have 
> been running a Mate3 with Optics and I have to say, Its gotten a lot better 
> than it was in the beginning! (however, there are still a few bugs, 
> specifically with 3.015.003.
> 
> I have been running 3.015.001 and its been mostly solid (with the exception 
> of small one or two hour windows of data that go missing. This doesnt always 
> happen, but every once in a while it does.  
> 
> When I ran 3.015.000 (If I recall)  That is when I had exactly what you 
> described: Upon plugging in (to reboot) Mate3, it would remove stacking 
> parameters and make multiple inverters Master. Ive seen it happen on my home 
> system. Upgrading to 3.015.001 seems to have fixed that issue for me. 
> 
> If you have your doubts about what firmware you should be running, I would 
> check out the Outback user forum, members seem pretty fast to make a stink 
> about new bugs and issues found. 
> 
> Good luck
> 
> RoyR
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Roy Rakobitsch
> NABCEP Certified Small Wind Installer®
> Certified Advanced Tower Climbing, Safety & Rescue
> Wind/PV Design Engineer
> Windsine LLC
> 631-514-4166
> www.windsine.org 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Tue, Dec 13, 2016 at 8:00 PM, William Miller  > wrote:
> Friends:
> 
>  
> I apologize for not reporting in sooner.  As most of you remember, we have 
> seen a few Outback systems with Mate3 controllers experience apparent 
> self-reprogramming.  I experienced it and several others reported on it.  
> Many have requested updates, on-line and off.
> 
>  
> I have discussed this at length with a couple Outback employees.  We have 
> reached no definite conclusions but we do have a theory:  About 2 weeks prior 
> to this failure, I had a Mate3 fail.  There are two in this system and of 
> course the more important of the two failed. 
> 
>  
> I swapped the less critical Mate3 for the failed unit.  We stored the 
> configuration of the failed unit onto the SD card and applied that 
> programming to the replacement unit.  We spot checked a few settings and 
> assumed the programming was good. It is possible that corruption occurred 
> during this process.  The system ran fine for about 2 weeks and then failed. 
> The failure mode was that 4 of the 8 inverters became Masters.
> 
>  
> The site is, of course, a long ways from my shop.  On my last visit I copied 
> the data from the card I thought was pertinent, but I find that to be 
> conclusive, I need the data from the other SD card.  Once I retrieve that 
> data, I can hopefully prove or disprove this theory.  I will keep you posted.
> 
>  
> There are a couple of Outback employees that are taking this seriously, and I 
> am most grateful to them.  In reading between the lines, it appears to me 
> that they don’t have a lot of support from management to pursue problems like 
> this.  It was never said directly, so I apologize if I misunderstood.  
> However, if this problem is causing more than one or two of us consternation 
> and inconvenience, we need to be vocal with Outback wo they can dedicate 
> resources.  I don’t fault Outback, we all have to set priorities.  As 
> consumers, we need to request higher priorities to issues if they are causing 
> serious problems.
> 
>  
> There is also other issues: “partially disconnected” systems, gaps in the 
> data and connection reliability issues..  The partial issue cropped up 
> recently.  There is a new firmware that supposedly deals with these issues.   
> Check It out.
> 
>  
> I was told that since Optics was a free service, there was limited 
> responsibility from Outback for reliability.  I can’t agree with this point.  
> We spent a lot of money on communications infrastructure and pay monthly for 
> internet to use this service.  I think Outback released the Optics system a 
> wee bit prematurely.  The pace of firmware upgrades confirms this.  I respect 
> Outback people and the product line, but I think expectations might have been 
> more realistic if Optics had been deemed a “beta” release when it first came 
> out.  The value and promise of the system is obvious and I will hang in there 
> with Outback and help any way I can to make the product better.  One way I 
> can help is remain optimistic that these problems will be solved.
> 
>  
> More soon.
> 
>  
> William
> 
>  
>  
> 
> Lic 773985
> millersolar.com 
> 805-438-5600 
>  
> 
> ___
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> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 
> 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Retrofit variable speed drive to old well pump? // Franklin products

[Windy Dankoff]

Dan,

I stand corrected on my advice. This Franklin document describes a MonoDrive 2W 
model. 2W stands for 2-wire pump! I didn’t know it existed. 

http://franklinwater.com/media/116400/225417101_m1560_sd_manual_05-13_web.pdf

Nevertheless, I would expect inferior results and would not use it to retrofit 
an old 2-wire pump if it may be on its last legs. However, it IS what you are 
asking for, to replacing the pump! It’s up to you to determine if it’s the BEST 
option in the short and long run.

I would run this by a very knowlegable Franklin distributor, as well as your 
local driller.

Keep Shining // Windy



> On Dec 13, 2016, at 1:39 PM, Windy Dankoff  wrote:
> 
> Hey Dan!
> 
> A 2-wire pump does not have a built-in capacitor. It has NO capacitor. 
> Starting any single-phase induction motor is like a one legged bicyclist. 
> Without a start winding and capacitor (and a device to switch it out), it’s a 
> LAME one-legged bicyclist. Only marketed for those who must have the cheapest 
> option (on grid power).
> 
> Now, you CAN use Franklin MonoDrive with a 3-wire single-phase pump, but that 
> is (in my understanding) far inferior to a true variable-speed drive combined 
> with a 3-phase pump. I imagine the only reason they make a single-phase 
> version is to retrofit existing 1-ph 3-wire pumps, and that’s fine … BUT if 
> replacing the WHOLE pump, why not do it right and go 3-phase. A 3-ph motor 
> requires no special starting circuit, so it’s much simpler and in general, 
> it’s cheaper than a 1-ph cap-start motor! Also, I expect the electronics for 
> V speed would be cheaper. So ...
> 
> I strongly suggest you get a quote on the Franklin 3-ph SubDrive system. It 
> will draw a gentle starting rise of maybe 2X … not really a surge at all. It 
> can work in either soft-start full-speed mode, to work like any conventional 
> pressure pump, or as a “constant pressure” pump. The latter will rack up many 
> hours running at reduced speed which is also reduced pumping efficiency. It’s 
> intended for using with tiny pressure tanks, but not so energy-efficient. I’d 
> recommend keeping the full-size normal p tank, and using full-speed mode.
> 
> Incidentally, 3-ph variable speed drive is at the heart of  solar pump 
> controllers made for conventional pumps. And those items are for non-battery 
> systems! They are only made for 3-ph motors. Nobody makes one for 1-ph. even 
> though there would be high demand. Above 2HP, all AC subs are 3ph. Solar 
> controllers are handling them PV-direct approaching 100 kW now!
> 
> I’ve been researching this whole topic for my book (Solar Water Pumping, 
> Taylor & Francis for 2017) and I think it’s the best advice for your 
> customer. Any of you other guys have experience with VS 3-ph and constant 
> pressure pumps?
> 
> Please tell me what you end up recommending, and how it works out!
> 
> RE John B’s previous comment:  "All the things us solar guys get involved 
> with ...” All I can say is:
> 
> Somebody’s got to do it.
> 
> Windy
> 
> or in my case:   Somebody’s got to write about it! 
> http://www.windydankoff.com
> 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback Mate3 programming issues

[Roy Rakobitsch]

Hello William, Its very frustrating to deal with this sort of thing. I have
been running a Mate3 with Optics and I have to say, Its gotten a lot better
than it was in the beginning! (however, there are still a few bugs,
specifically with 3.015.003.

I have been running 3.015.001 and its been mostly solid (with the exception
of small one or two hour windows of data that go missing. This doesnt
always happen, but every once in a while it does.

When I ran 3.015.000 (If I recall)  That is when I had exactly what you
described: Upon plugging in (to reboot) Mate3, it would remove stacking
parameters and make multiple inverters Master. Ive seen it happen on my
home system. Upgrading to 3.015.001 seems to have fixed that issue for me.

If you have your doubts about what firmware you should be running, I would
check out the Outback user forum, members seem pretty fast to make a stink
about new bugs and issues found.

Good luck

RoyR




Roy Rakobitsch
NABCEP Certified Small Wind Installer®
Certified Advanced Tower Climbing, Safety & Rescue
Wind/PV Design Engineer
Windsine LLC
631-514-4166
www.windsine.org




On Tue, Dec 13, 2016 at 8:00 PM, William Miller 
wrote:

> Friends:
>
>
>
> I apologize for not reporting in sooner.  As most of you remember, we have
> seen a few Outback systems with Mate3 controllers experience apparent
> self-reprogramming.  I experienced it and several others reported on it.
> Many have requested updates, on-line and off.
>
>
>
> I have discussed this at length with a couple Outback employees.  We have
> reached no definite conclusions but we do have a theory:  About 2 weeks
> prior to this failure, I had a Mate3 fail.  There are two in this system
> and of course the more important of the two failed.
>
>
>
> I swapped the less critical Mate3 for the failed unit.  We stored the
> configuration of the failed unit onto the SD card and applied that
> programming to the replacement unit.  We spot checked a few settings and
> assumed the programming was good. It is possible that corruption occurred
> during this process.  The system ran fine for about 2 weeks and then
> failed. The failure mode was that 4 of the 8 inverters became Masters.
>
>
>
> The site is, of course, a long ways from my shop.  On my last visit I
> copied the data from the card I thought was pertinent, but I find that to
> be conclusive, I need the data from the other SD card.  Once I retrieve
> that data, I can hopefully prove or disprove this theory.  I will keep you
> posted.
>
>
>
> There are a couple of Outback employees that are taking this seriously,
> and I am most grateful to them.  In reading between the lines, it appears
> to me that they don’t have a lot of support from management to pursue
> problems like this.  It was never said directly, so I apologize if I
> misunderstood.  However, if this problem is causing more than one or two of
> us consternation and inconvenience, we need to be vocal with Outback wo
> they can dedicate resources.  I don’t fault Outback, we all have to set
> priorities.  As consumers, we need to request higher priorities to issues
> if they are causing serious problems.
>
>
>
> There is also other issues: “partially disconnected” systems, gaps in the
> data and connection reliability issues..  The partial issue cropped up
> recently.  There is a new firmware that supposedly deals with these
> issues.   Check It out.
>
>
>
> I was told that since Optics was a free service, there was limited
> responsibility from Outback for reliability.  I can’t agree with this
> point.  We spent a lot of money on communications infrastructure and pay
> monthly for internet to use this service.  I think Outback released the
> Optics system a wee bit prematurely.  The pace of firmware upgrades
> confirms this.  I respect Outback people and the product line, but I think
> expectations might have been more realistic if Optics had been deemed a
> “beta” release when it first came out.  The value and promise of the system
> is obvious and I will hang in there with Outback and help any way I can to
> make the product better.  One way I can help is remain optimistic that
> these problems will be solved.
>
>
>
> More soon.
>
>
>
> William
>
>
>
>
>
> [image: Gradient Cap_mini]
> Lic 773985
> millersolar.com 
> 805-438-5600 <(805)%20438-5600>
>
>
>
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[RE-wrenches] Lua

[William Miller]

Friends:



I need to write some scripts in Lua for a Control-By-Web X600 controller. I
am wondering if anyone out there might be willing to answer an occasional
question, off-line.  I would be extremely grateful.  Please contact me
off-line.



William





[image: Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com 
805-438-5600
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Re: [RE-wrenches] sma -40 monitoring and tech support

[Peter Giroux]

Kirpal

  So glad to see you are not sugar coating it. New tech always means new 
challenges. There is always Fr-.
  - Original Message - 
  From: Kirpal Khalsa 
  To: RE-wrenches 
  Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2016 3:17 PM
  Subject: [RE-wrenches] sma -40 monitoring and tech support


  Friends!
  We have been installing  the SMA-40 inverters lately. We like the physical 
layout of the inverters.  They have built in wifi capabilities. On paper this 
sounds good.  In practice this part of the inverters have been working like 
crap.  We have multiple sites that are experiencing on going connectivity 
issues even with excellent wifi signals.  
  We have upgraded to the latest firmware 3 times in the last 3 weeks for 
inverters manufactured in late October.  Clearly they see they have issues, due 
to the frequency of firmware updates.  Even the latest firmware is proving 
useless.  Anyone else having trouble with these inverters?  We feel like we are 
their experimentation lab and doing their R on our dime.  Their tech support 
is minimum an hour wait on hold.  We have spent more time trying to resolve the 
communications issues than the actual installation of the whole solar system 
took, not just the inverters.  In fact I am typing this email as I am on hold.  
  Any one else having issues with this part of the inverters?  Advice on how to 
deal with SMA or resolve the issues with out resorting to their useless tech 
support?
  Thanks!


  Sunny Regards,
  Kirpal Khalsa
  Oregon LRT#25
  NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
  Oregon Solarworks LLC
  www.oregonsolarworks.com
  541-299-0402


--


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[RE-wrenches] sma -40 monitoring and tech support

[Kirpal Khalsa]

Friends!
We have been installing  the SMA-40 inverters lately. We like the physical
layout of the inverters.  They have built in wifi capabilities. On paper
this sounds good.  In practice this part of the inverters have been working
like crap.  We have multiple sites that are experiencing on going
connectivity issues even with excellent wifi signals.
We have upgraded to the latest firmware 3 times in the last 3 weeks for
inverters manufactured in late October.  Clearly they see they have issues,
due to the frequency of firmware updates.  Even the latest firmware is
proving useless.  Anyone else having trouble with these inverters?  We feel
like we are their experimentation lab and doing their R on our dime.
Their tech support is minimum an hour wait on hold.  We have spent more
time trying to resolve the communications issues than the actual
installation of the whole solar system took, not just the inverters.  In
fact I am typing this email as I am on hold.
Any one else having issues with this part of the inverters?  Advice on how
to deal with SMA or resolve the issues with out resorting to their useless
tech support?
Thanks!

Sunny Regards,
Kirpal Khalsa
Oregon LRT#25
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
Oregon Solarworks LLC
www.oregonsolarworks.com
541-299-0402
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Equipment for rapid shutdown NEC 690.12

[jay]

HI Matt,

How does UL deal with fixing this?  I seem to remember that on AC modules ( not 
sure what you call a SE/integrated module) that you had to replace the 
inverter/module as a unit.

Hopefully thats no longer the case.

jay
peltz power

> On Dec 14, 2016, at 7:51 AM, Matt Partymiller 
>  wrote:
> 
> August,
> 
> Great question.
> 
> Canadian Solar makes a module with SolarEdge optimizers integral.  Trina
> offers a similar product with Tigos integral.  I think both products would
> allow the string architecture you like while incorporating rapid shutdown.
> I have found these solutions to be less expensive than microinverters for
> systems over 4 kW though not necessarily less expensive than standard
> modules, strings inverters, and rapid disconnect enclosures.  We have been
> trying to specify these module-integral products.
> 
> Curious to hear how others are proceeding.
> 
> Matt
> 
> 
> 
> 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA 40 series DC disconnect

[William Miller]

Bill:



That is exactly my point.  Carports and ground-mounts do not need RS, but
any system requires safe means to disconnect DC.  So how do you accomplish
this with the 40 series?



Sure, using the DC connector is one way to disconnect the DC input to the
40 series electronics.  However, the service manual cautions against this.
Below is the verbatim text from the manual.



>From SMA Document SB30-77-1SP-US-40-AT-PU-SG-xx-11 Service Manual:



• If an external DC disconnecting switch is available, open the external DC
disconnecting

switch.

• If there is no external DC disconnecting switch, cover the PV modules
with opaque

material (e.g. foil).

• Ensure that there is no voltage on the DC conductors of the PV array.

• Wait five minutes before working on the inverter.

• Leave the *DC-in *connecting terminal plate plugged into the Connection
Unit and only

touch it on the black enclosure.



I was told that the term ‘foil’ is a poor translation from German, and
likely means a tarp.  In any event, this verbiage is quite unfortunate as
it precludes using the connector as a disconnect.  I wonder if there is
some criteria on what kind of connectors can be used as a disconnecting
means and which cannot.  I am sure it has something to do with ‘touch-safe’
requirements.  The DC connector in the 40 series may not meet this
criteria.  The external leads could possibly come free of the connector
body as they are just insert-connected.  I would be very reticent to send
out a technician to work on one of these without some serious consideration
of the implications.



SMA seems like they are interested in this conundrum and I am withholding
judgement pending receiving a response from them.  I just thought it very
curious that they moved the location of the disconnect in the DC power flow
scheme.   Seems to me like a fundamental change that flew under the radar.
See below for a rendering of the change in DC power flow:



Formerly:  PV--àIntegrated Disconnectàchassis separation



40 Series:  PV àchassis separation--àIntegrated Disconnect





William



PS:  I remember wasting an entire afternoon in a conference room in San
Diego arguing with Fronius about the same concept.  They too insisted that
to service the IG series inverter one had to just tarp the modules.  Let us
please put that myth to rest once and for all:  Tarping modules is not
viable.



Wm





[image: Gradient Cap_mini]
Lic 773985
millersolar.com 
805-438-5600



*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *billbroo...@sbcglobal.net
*Sent:* Wednesday, December 14, 2016 7:40 AM
*To:* 'RE-wrenches' 
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA $0 series DC disconnect



William,



I’m not sure you meant to imply this, but carports and ground mounts do not
need any RS equipment unless you were to bring the dc conductors into a
building, which would not be smart.



The 2017 NEC allows connectors to be used as isolation devices for
equipment as long as the circuit current is below 30 amps, which it always
is on individual strings. I realize California will not be on the 2017 for
3 years, but it will make installations cheaper, not more expensive.



Electronics are destined to become a bigger part of PV arrays in the
future—and not just because of rapid shutdown requirements. It just makes
sense in building applications for many reasons. The keys will be cost and
reliability.



Bill.



*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
] *On Behalf Of *William Miller
*Sent:* Tuesday, December 13, 2016 5:39 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches 
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] SMA $0 series DC disconnect



Friends:



I am taking a poll to see if any of you have noticed the change in the SMA
40 series DC disconnect as compared to earlier series inverters and how it
may be affecting your installations.  The DC disconnect is no longer in the
lower, connection box area, but in the electronics area.  This means it
will not de-energize the DC connections.  Certain jurisdictions will not
allow us to install this unit without an external disconnect.  The service
manual addresses the subject.



The Remote Shutdown Box unit may provide a means to de-energize PV sources,
but in a webinar today SMA claims it does not meet code, possibly in
regards to lock-out capability.  It actually looked viable to me, but that
is not based on any research.



Soon all or most building mounted PV arrays will require Rapid Shutdown.
This will add hundreds of dollars to the cost of an install, but safety is
safety.  What may sting is adding $400-500 of RS equipment to a carport or
ground mount where it may not otherwise be required.



SMA has concurred that the issue bears further discussion and I should hear
back from them soon.  In the meantime, I thought it might be useful to all
parties 

Re: [RE-wrenches] SMA $0 series DC disconnect

[billbrooks7]

William,

 

I’m not sure you meant to imply this, but carports and groundmounts do not need 
any RS equipment unless you were to bring the dc conductors into a building, 
which would not be smart.

 

The 2017 NEC allows connectors to be used as isolation devices for equipment as 
long as the circuit current is below 30 amps, which it always is on individual 
strings. I realize California will not be on the 2017 for 3 years, but it will 
make installations cheaper, not more expensive. 

 

Electronics are destined to become a bigger part of PV arrays in the future—and 
not just because of rapid shutdown requirements. It just makes sense in 
building applications for many reasons. The keys will be cost and reliability.

 

Bill.

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf 
Of William Miller
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 5:39 PM
To: RE-wrenches 
Subject: [RE-wrenches] SMA $0 series DC disconnect

 

Friends:

 

I am taking a poll to see if any of you have noticed the change in the SMA 40 
series DC disconnect as compared to earlier series inverters and how it may be 
affecting your installations.  The DC disconnect is no longer in the lower, 
connection box area, but in the electronics area.  This means it will not 
de-energize the DC connections.  Certain jurisdictions will not allow us to 
install this unit without an external disconnect.  The service manual addresses 
the subject. 

 

The Remote Shutdown Box unit may provide a means to de-energize PV sources, but 
in a webinar today SMA claims it does not meet code, possibly in regards to 
lock-out capability.  It actually looked viable to me, but that is not based on 
any research.

 

Soon all or most building mounted PV arrays will require Rapid Shutdown.  This 
will add hundreds of dollars to the cost of an install, but safety is safety.  
What may sting is adding $400-500 of RS equipment to a carport or ground mount 
where it may not otherwise be required.

 

SMA has concurred that the issue bears further discussion and I should hear 
back from them soon.  In the meantime, I thought it might be useful to all 
parties to see how much impact this change in design is having to other 
installers.

 

Thanks in advance for any input.  I will report back on what I learn.

 

William Miller

 

 


Lic 773985
millersolar.com  
805-438-5600

 

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Re: [RE-wrenches] Equipment for rapid shutdown NEC 690.12

[Matt Partymiller]

August,

Great question.

Canadian Solar makes a module with SolarEdge optimizers integral.  Trina
offers a similar product with Tigos integral.  I think both products would
allow the string architecture you like while incorporating rapid shutdown.
 I have found these solutions to be less expensive than microinverters for
systems over 4 kW though not necessarily less expensive than standard
modules, strings inverters, and rapid disconnect enclosures.  We have been
trying to specify these module-integral products.

Curious to hear how others are proceeding.

Matt



On Wed, December 14, 2016 10:20 am, August Goers wrote:
> Hi Wrenches,
>
>
>
>
> We are adopting the 2014 NEC in just a few weeks and will be installing
> NEC
> 690.12 rapid shutdown compliant systems for all permits pulled on or after
>  Jan 1 2017. I thought I’d take a quick poll to see what equipment you
> are all planning on using to comply with rapid shutdown for your
> residential systems. Some of you are operating in states where you’ve been
> rapid shutdown for the last couple of years so you might have valuable
> insight as well.
>
>
>
> We have historically had the best reliability results with string
> inverters and have tried to continue to use them. However, multiple forces
> are drawing us towards microinverter systems (or AC modules) and optimized
>  systems like SolarEdge. For one, our sales reps and designers prefer the
>  design freedom that these types of systems offer. The module level
> monitoring is also a big plus. Secondly, we are installing a lot of
> SunPower Equinox AC module systems and the install times are smokin’
> fast. Lastly, these systems are rapid shutdown compliant with little or no
>  additional effort.
>
>
>
> I really like SMA inverters but their rapid shutdown solution seems
> clunky, especially when paired with their new US-40 series inverters which
> have three trackers. The rapid shutdown box only has two separate tracker
> capability so we would need to install two rapid shutdown boxes to make
> use of the three trackers. Other string inverter options like Fronius
> might be a little easier to design around.
>
>
>
> So, for now we are offering SunPower’s Equinox AC system and SolarEdge
> for an alternative. I like many aspects of Enphase’s microinverter system
> but still feel gun-shy because of all the failures we’ve had. Maybe their
> newer generation products have solved their reliability problems.
>
>
>
> What are you all using?
>
>
>
>
> Best,
>
>
>
>
> August
>
>
> Luminalt
>
>
> San Francisco
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Matthew Partymiller
Solar Energy Solutions LLC
(877) 312-7456
m...@solar-energy-solutions.com


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[RE-wrenches] Equipment for rapid shutdown NEC 690.12

[August Goers]

Hi Wrenches,



We are adopting the 2014 NEC in just a few weeks and will be installing NEC
690.12 rapid shutdown compliant systems for all permits pulled on or after
Jan 1 2017. I thought I’d take a quick poll to see what equipment you are
all planning on using to comply with rapid shutdown for your residential
systems. Some of you are operating in states where you’ve been rapid
shutdown for the last couple of years so you might have valuable insight as
well.



We have historically had the best reliability results with string inverters
and have tried to continue to use them. However, multiple forces are
drawing us towards microinverter systems (or AC modules) and optimized
systems like SolarEdge. For one, our sales reps and designers prefer the
design freedom that these types of systems offer. The module level
monitoring is also a big plus. Secondly, we are installing a lot of
SunPower Equinox AC module systems and the install times are smokin’ fast.
Lastly, these systems are rapid shutdown compliant with little or no
additional effort.



I really like SMA inverters but their rapid shutdown solution seems clunky,
especially when paired with their new US-40 series inverters which have
three trackers. The rapid shutdown box only has two separate tracker
capability so we would need to install two rapid shutdown boxes to make use
of the three trackers. Other string inverter options like Fronius might be
a little easier to design around.



So, for now we are offering SunPower’s Equinox AC system and SolarEdge for
an alternative. I like many aspects of Enphase’s microinverter system but
still feel gun-shy because of all the failures we’ve had. Maybe their newer
generation products have solved their reliability problems.



What are you all using?



Best,



August

Luminalt

San Francisco
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