Inverter options for Sunpower e20 327w ?

[Quinten]

Originally I was given a proposal with 32 Sunpower e20-327w panels and SolarEdge Technologies SE 240V optimizers/inverters for a 10.46kW system. This would be configured in two arrays (18 panel S facing, 14 panel W Facing). Today I received the following 'update'

After reviewing the schematics of the solar energy system, my project manager has informed me that because there is no issue or concerns with shading on the property, the best inverter system would be the SMA system which would keep each panel operating at its optimal level of output and production. Because the Sun Power 327W panels have such a high efficiency rating in the Maxion Cell, the solar edge inverters would not be beneficial for this particular system as a whole.

The shade is not a concern now, but maybe in future years (smaller trees now)... that was why I wanted micro inverters. The proposed inverter is the SMA (sunny boy) SB 5300tl.

Searching for inverters and Sunpower panels brings up some perhaps outdated information on what micro inverters can handle the higher power panels as there didn't seem to be many options a year or so ago. I'm looking for any current information on what would be the best solution.

As a matter of cost... What would/should be the difference between the two inverter systems?

I did reply back that I wasn't pleased with the change... Perhaps reconfiguring the system with two 16 panel arrays and running 4 8 panel strings would be an option. Not sure if that would be a wise option though?

This is located in the southwest - Las Vegas

[Ian S]

The less electronics you have on the roof in the hot southwest the better. If you have no shade issues, then a string inverter is fine and should save on installation costs. SMA inverters are tried and true. They may even offer some power in the event of the grid going down but that depends on the model.

[J.P.M.]

Originally I was given a proposal with 32 Sunpower e20-327w panels and SolarEdge Technologies SE 240V optimizers/inverters for a 10.46kW system. This would be configured in two arrays (18 panel S facing, 14 panel W Facing). Today I received the following 'update'

After reviewing the schematics of the solar energy system, my project manager has informed me that because there is no issue or concerns with shading on the property, the best inverter system would be the SMA system which would keep each panel operating at its optimal level of output and production. Because the Sun Power 327W panels have such a high efficiency rating in the Maxion Cell, the solar edge inverters would not be beneficial for this particular system as a whole.

The shade is not a concern now, but maybe in future years (smaller trees now)... that was why I wanted micro inverters. The proposed inverter is the SMA (sunny boy) SB 5300tl.

Searching for inverters and Sunpower panels brings up some perhaps outdated information on what micro inverters can handle the higher power panels as there didn't seem to be many options a year or so ago. I'm looking for any current information on what would be the best solution.

As a matter of cost... What would/should be the difference between the two inverter systems?

I did reply back that I wasn't pleased with the change... Perhaps reconfiguring the system with two 16 panel arrays and running 4 8 panel strings would be an option. Not sure if that would be a wise option though?

This is located in the southwest - Las Vegas

I can't add anything to what Ian wrote except maybe to confirm the likely lower cost, and fewer failure points, at least as high a reliability during what is an admittedly shorter warranty period and IMO, a better design. What's not to like ? SMA's are built like tanks. Pay your money, take your choice and look for a deduct w/ string inverters.

[Quinten]

Thanks for the info...

From what I can tell with online pricing, the SMA 5000tl (2) would be about $1,700 less than the Solaredge se6000 with 32 optimizers. Does that seem about right?

The SMA 6000tl is about $220 more (for two) and has the cooling feature. These are the transformerless inverters. Would it be worthwhile to press for the 6000tl with cooling? I will see what they want to do for a price adjustment.

Are my figures in line?

The SMA was quoted with a 15 year warranty verses the twelve year for the Solaredge.

[J.P.M.]

Thanks for the info...

From what I can tell with online pricing, the SMA 5000tl (2) would be about $1,700 less than the Solaredge se6000 with 32 optimizers. Does that seem about right?

The SMA 6000tl is about $220 more (for two) and has the cooling feature. These are the transformerless inverters. Would it be worthwhile to press for the 6000tl with cooling? I will see what they want to do for a price adjustment.

Are my figures in line?

The SMA was quoted with a 15 year warranty verses the twelve year for the Solaredge.

Cant speak to pricing specifics, as they are somewhat area dependent. Since most electronics don't like heat much, if it was me, I'd go for the forced cooling. Just listen to one running to make sure noise levels are not offensive.

[Ian S]

Thanks for the info...

From what I can tell with online pricing, the SMA 5000tl (2) would be about $1,700 less than the Solaredge se6000 with 32 optimizers. Does that seem about right?

The SMA 6000tl is about $220 more (for two) and has the cooling feature. These are the transformerless inverters. Would it be worthwhile to press for the 6000tl with cooling? I will see what they want to do for a price adjustment.

Are my figures in line?

The SMA was quoted with a 15 year warranty verses the twelve year for the Solaredge.

With your system being 10.5 kW, you don't need two 6000tl's. You could probably get by with two 5000tl's although a 6000tl for the south array and 5000tl for the west array might be fine too. The former setup might see a little clipping on cool clear spring days on the south array. To be clear, although clipping sounds bad, the amount we're talking about might amount to a loss of some tens of kWh's per year - almost in the "noise."

[Grace Gu]

Reply to: Inverter options for Sunpower e20 327w

I konw a little about the difference of the two kind inverters,share with you,any incorrect,pls forgive me.
Micro inverter:
1.Advantage:high efficiency just because ecah inverter has a MPPT;high stability,if there is a shadow,only influence one inverter,don't affect the whole generating capacity.
2.Disadvantage:Cost is high.Both inverter cost and repair cost.
Grid-tied inverter
1.Advantage:Just for your requested 10.46kw system,you can choose 12 kw inverter or 2 pcs 6kw inverter,without shadow problem,it cost less than micro inverter and efficiency is also high if you choose good quality inverter.And if you choose 2 pcs 6kw inverter,if shadow on one solar panel,it only affect one inverter,will not affect the whole system.
2.Disadvantage:If there is shadow,will affect the generating capacity.
In fact,grid-tied inverter is higher cost-performance.As you said,there are some trees,maybe affect you in the future,I think if its affect,you can cut the branch of the tree.This is just personal opinion,only for your reference.

[HX_Guy]

It seems people are confusing the SolarEdge optimizers with micro-inverters...they are not the same thing.

As for the email from the installer..."the best inverter system would be the SMA system which would keep each panel operating at its optimal level of output and production. Because the Sun Power 327W panels have such a high efficiency rating in the Maxion Cell, the solar edge inverters would not be beneficial for this particular system as a whole."

How do they figure that the SMA inverter will keep each panel operating at it's optimal level and output? That is actually what the optimizers would do, not a single or dual inverter setup which will find the best average voltage for all panels in that array, but not best for each panel.

If they are going with two standard inverters, is there really a cost savings vs the SolarEdge optimizers/inverter setup?

[Quinten]

If they are going with two standard inverters, is there really a cost savings vs the SolarEdge optimizers/inverter setup?

That is what I'm trying to determine... At first I thought there was, but when compared from the same site, not so much so.

So the micro inverter is able to regulate each panel, but there are more components to fail, the string inverter will be setup with 4 strings, so that helps mitigate power loss from one panel bringing the entire array down to more or less only effect 1/2 the array (2 16 panel arrays, 8 panels per string).

I'm not sure which would be the better solution and what (if any) is the cost difference. What I don't want is to get the least expensive option at the more expensive pricing so I'm trying to sort out the differences.

The difference in parts alone form one supplier is less than $500...

Am I off base here or are the two inverter systems relatively comparable in price (10 - 15%)?

[HX_Guy]

Power optimizer, not micro inverter!!

With the SolarEdge setup, you're going to need 32 of the P400 optimizers ($78.20/ea or $2502.40 total shipped) and a SE1000A-US inverter ($2200 shipped), so the total is $4702.40.

The SMA 5000TL is $2247.12 each shipped, or $4494.24 total for two. The price really is about the same. Warranty wise the SMA comes with 10 years from what I'm seeing online: http://ressupply.com/store/solar-inv...us-22-inverter
The SolarEdge has a 12 year inverter warranty and 25 year optimizer warranty...though I think SMA is a more established brand so that could hold more weight.

Personally, I really like the SolarEdge stuff. I love the panel by panel monitoring aspect of it, so that's what I would go with.

[Quinten]

I believe for some reason thay had two Solar Edge SE5000a inverters rather than one (one on each array south & west). I guess I think of the power optimizers as micro inverters as opposed to a string inverter.

The SMA is a 15 year warranty.

I will work on getting some *final* specs once the inspector/installer comes out for a look see...

I just want to be informed and hopefully come to the 'better' solution with respect to costs/warranty/performance.