We've got panels in the 400-450w range now, where are the matching micro-inverters?

[chrissilich]

My roof isn't that big, so using 15 panels at ~400w would be much better than using 24 panels at 225w. The price per watt is pretty similar, and you'd save on racking, wiring, install time, etc.

Why isn't Enphase (or anyone else I know) making a ~400w micro-inverter?

EDIT: Please someone correct me if such a micro-inverter exists (not interested in full size inverters).

[Naptown]

Have you considered that the 400W panels are almost twice as large as a 225W panel?
This is not to say that they may not fit better each roof is different.
I believe Enecys makes a higher power micro but they are a new comer relatively to the market so I have no experince with them.
You can go up to a 260W on the Enphase M215

[chrissilich]

Have you considered that the 400W panels are almost twice as large as a 225W panel?

Oh.... now I feel dumb. I just assumed they were the product of new tech that got the cell density up or something.

You can go up to a 260W on the Enphase M215

Of course, but that means your production is capped at 215w per panel, so it's just a waste right?

[Naptown]

Of course, but that means your production is capped at 215w per panel, so it's just a waste right?

Well Yes and no
Yes the 215 is the limit (although I have seen higher from them) however once you go through all the derate factors dirt etc etc and the fact that even under ideal conditions a panel MAY produce maximum power for a few minutes a day the excess (Called clipping) is not very much or for any length of time. A 260W panel will spend most of its life producing far less than that.

[bonaire]

PowerOne has a 300W microinverter. Since Enphase 190s clip at 199W and 215 clip about? 225W - I suppose PowerOne can go to 320W (contact them to ask).

A new 400W panel will only put out that wattage during perfect sun, cold day, etc. So, consider something like the newer higher wattage microinverters out there. 400W panels also will have loss to their output every year so they're only 400W the year you buy them.