Question on vintage panel replacements

[brycenesbitt]

A lot has changed since 2019 when the OP first posted. I for one would rather spend the money on a modern UL1741SA inverter.

I appreciate that perspective.

In my area repairing the inverter is fine, but an inverter upgrade risks a code upgrade which means microinverters or optimizers and a lot more trouble.
That could tip the balance.

For myself, I'd rather have the most modern SMA system that support SPS (the "grid down sun up power outlet"), which is otherwise not really available with optimizers and current NEC.

[oregon_phil]

I appreciate that perspective.

In my area repairing the inverter is fine, but an inverter upgrade risks a code upgrade which means microinverters or optimizers and a lot more trouble.
That could tip the balance.

For myself, I'd rather have the most modern SMA system that support SPS (the "grid down sun up power outlet"), which is otherwise not really available with optimizers and current NEC.

Newer SMA inverters don't support SPS when used with rapid shutdown devices. There have been quite a few threads on this in the past year or so.

[brycenesbitt]

Newer SMA inverters don't support SPS when used with rapid shutdown devices. There have been quite a few threads on this in the past year or so.

Exactly. That situation sucks.
But if I just replace the inverter on an older system permitted before the rapid shutdown requirement... perhaps it's possible to get that feature. As long as the AJH permits a partial upgrade...

[oregon_phil]

If it's called a repair (and using used/compatible form-function parts) does that trigger updating to current standards ? You may have to ask your inspector. When you change a water heater in your house, it doesn't trigger changing all the shower heads to low flow.

Replacing failed inverter, without increasing the exported power, in my mind, should not trigger a demand to update all to current code, again the AHJ would know, but if they will tell is another story.

brycenesbitt , Now I see what you are saying. My experience with AJH is like what Mike says above. My AJH said inverter replacement is maintenance and didn't require permits or bringing my system up to current code. Just don't call an inverter replacement an upgrade; it's maintenance. I sat down with AHJ, wrote down discussion findings with name, date and time.. just in case. My net metering agreement with POCO details every piece of solar equipment involved. As long as maintain my system with like pieces of equipment, I'm good with POCO too.

For my inverter RMA and install, I opted to upgrade my system from NEC 2014 to NEC 2018 anyway because I didn't like SMA's NEC 2014 rapid shutdown box.

[brycenesbitt]

[QUOTE=oregon_phil;n433308]

brycenesbitt , My AJH said inverter replacement is maintenance and didn't require permits or bringing my system up to current code. Just don't call an inverter replacement an upgrade; it's maintenance./QUOTE]

My AHJ wants a permit for replacement parts in a covered system. The code upgrade is a thornier question, and depends...