Using Enphase micro-inverters with older panels

[SolarGainer]

I was hoping to be able to use micro-inverters with the Evergreen EC-115 watt panels (6) that I am buying (gently used for one season). However, it seems that the minimum input is about double what these panels produce. My question is whether I should be able to run two panels in series controlled by one micro-inverter. I realise that the major benefit of the micros are to maximize output from each panel but with my array starting with two panels and only growing to six this year I thought this might be cost-effective. Single inverters of 1KW or less are few (Sunny Boy is one). Any thoughts? Thanks, Angus....

[fromport]

My question is whether I should be able to run two panels in series controlled by one micro-inverter.

M190 specs are:

VOC max = 54 volt
Vmpp = 22-40 volt

If you would use these with enphase you should put them in series

Your cells:
Voc = 20 (x2 = 40 volt == within specs, even @ cold night with full moon )
Vmpp = 16.5 (x2 = 33 volt == within specs)

M190 are specs for 210 Watt DC input, you could be feeding them 230 Watt.
But when you "over feed" the enphase it will stop producing more energy at the AC side.

I say: yes, it will work: 6 panels with 3 micro inverters.

Hope this is the answer you were looking for.

[SolarGainer]

Thanks for the encouraging reply. I had a feeling that it might work. In any case I am going to give it a try with just two panels and one micro first. I sent a Query to Enphase and they said the numbers fit so that it MIGHT work and to keep them posted on the results. More encouragment. Also, I believe the recommended input for the M-190 is 230 watts - so better yet, although sometimes panels overproduce. I'm crossing my fingers. Thx, Angus.....

[trbizwiz]

I know nothing about solar other than what I have been reading. But I have heard from a few different places that evergreen is not compatible with Enphase. Now maybe that has something to do with low voltage high amperage panels with an inverter requiring high voltage and low amperes. If so you would have resolved that with two low voltage panels in series that also have low amperes. I don't know. But I am very interested. Make sure to keep us posted on your findings.

[Mike90250]

Somewhere, there should be specs for the micro-inverter, as to what voltage / amps / watts it requires to start, and max. The specs exist, and you can feed extra wattage (amps) to the inverter, and they auto limit their output to what the inverter is rated for. So as long as you don't exceed the input VOLTS, and supply enough AMPS to start the inverter, you should be fine

[SolarGainer]

I have the two panels mounted on my home made rack and am in the process of doing the wiring. Living in the middle of the prairies of Canada means that it takes time to get all of the components together. One of the items I needed was a set of adaptors to join the MC-3 connectors from the panels to the MC-4 on the Enphase Inverter (which also took time to get). I also needed an "installation kit". As far as I can tell, the reason that these panels are incompatible is that a single one does not produce enough "startup voltage" to turn on the inverter. Two panels in series, however, is right in the proper range - on paper.... The inverter should recognise them as one panel with all of the specs in the proper range. One downside is that if there is any shading on one panel, the overall output of both will be affected which negates one of the benefits of one inverter for one panel. Also, if I use the monitoring software, I won't get accurate data for each panel. If this works, though, I will be producing power for a fairly low entry cost. I'll keep posting my progress.

[fromport]

Somewhere, there should be specs for the micro-inverter, as to what voltage / amps / watts it requires to start, and max. The specs exist, and you can feed extra wattage (amps) to the inverter, and they auto limit their output to what the inverter is rated for. So as long as you don't exceed the input VOLTS, and supply enough AMPS to start the inverter, you should be fine

I have a mitsubishi 165 watt panel with not enough cells (voltage) according to specs on a m190 inverter. It starts a little bit later than the "approved" panels, and when it get's really hot, the voltage sometimes drops below the threshold and shuts off for 30 minutes in the afternoon. It's more of an experiment for me.