Choosing an Inverter (Extended Warranties & Monitoring options)

[jennifermehl]

Hi there,

We are in the design phase of our residential PV project/purchase (permitting is next, install will hopefully be end of Nov/early Dec). There will be 24 x REC255PE(BLK) panels, system size 6.12 kW DC. (2 strings of 12 connected to a central inverter - south facing roof).

Originally, we were looking at the FRONIUS USA: IG PLUS 6.0-240 INVERTER. However, we also have an option for the slightly more expensive Aurora Power One (I'm not sure of the exact model number).

Can anyone help with comparing the two brands/models? Reliability? Efficiency? Options for remote monitoring? (We were originally quoted a Locus monitoring package with the Fronius, but I'd really like something that we can utilize an iPhone/iOS App if at all possible vs. a website.

We are also planning to purchase the extended warranty on the inverter (to total of 15-20 yr warranty) so the cost of the extended warranty can be factored in as well.

Thanks for any and all advice!

[SoCalsolar]

From memory...

From memory the Fronius is 96% vs 96.5% and the ex warranty is about $1200 for Power one and Fronius is like $1200 as well each for 10 extra years of warranty.

[jennifermehl]

So, sounds like not a huge difference between the inverters.

It comes down to differences in monitoring options. Does anyone have experience with the Fronius Solar.web iOS/iPhone app, the Aurora monitoring, or the Locus monitoring systems?