SMA String VS Solar Edge with Power Optimizers

[drmtesta]

So now we have a third option, which is LG 305 panels with micro inverters. The thing is, we could include thermal pool heating and a variable speed pump for the same price as the other systems.

Option 1: 32 SP 327 Panels with Solar Edge
Option 2: 32 SP 327 Panels with 1- 10,000 SMA Inverter
Option 3: 34 LG 305 Panels with Enphase Micro Inverters, Pool thermal and variable speed pump included for same price as above.

What to do???

[solar pete]

I don't think you can get the Secure Power outlet on the larger inverter. That outlet provides power in the event of a grid outage; it's a feature unique to SMA but you have to make sure it's included. But again it only seems to be available on the smaller SMA inverters. You should also check and see what the SMA monitoring software is like and the info it provides. Obviously you won't get the individual panel info that you get with the Solar Edge system. TBH, nearly three years in, I find my frequency of checking production numbers has dropped off dramatically. YMMV.

Without the Secure Power outlet, the single SMA inverter really offers no advantage (other than SMA's lengthy business history) so I'd be inclined to go with the Solar Edge system.

Hi All,

I for one would be going with 2 x SB5000 you get two power outlets in the event of a black out, and I believe SMA lengthy business history is precisely why they should be considered. Solar Edge might be ok but no one can tell you of an example of one that has been working for 15 + years, I can with SMA.

[Ian S]

So one of the competing companies came back with a matched offer using an SMA 10,000 inverter rather than 2 - 5,000 inverters. Does this change anything or is Solor Edge still the way to go? Any disadvantages to a single larger inverter. Both systems would have 20 year warranties.

I don't think you can get the Secure Power outlet on the larger inverter. That outlet provides power in the event of a grid outage; it's a feature unique to SMA but you have to make sure it's included. But again it only seems to be available on the smaller SMA inverters. You should also check and see what the SMA monitoring software is like and the info it provides. Obviously you won't get the individual panel info that you get with the Solar Edge system. TBH, nearly three years in, I find my frequency of checking production numbers has dropped off dramatically. YMMV.

Without the Secure Power outlet, the single SMA inverter really offers no advantage (other than SMA's lengthy business history) so I'd be inclined to go with the Solar Edge system.

[drmtesta]

Don't be afraid to supervise the work and make sure it gets done right. Ask questions on here during the process. As long as the install is done correctly (and really that means proper roof attachment and proper wiring) then there really isn't much else at risk if the company does go under. You'll have manufacturer warranties if the super small chance that something does malfunction in the future.

Good to know. . .thanks!!!!

[HX_Guy]

We had a bad experience with the company providing the Solar Edge system. They pulled hard sell technique, sign by tomorrow thing we didn't like. They apologized and we are dealing with a different rep. The company my wife likes was overall much more professional and detailed in their approach. We asked them to come close in price and they did. Bottom line is all of these installers are young companies. Even if they are attached to an older, larger company. They are divisions that can be shut down and my sense is the larger company would not be liable. Feels like the risk is essentially the same with whoever you choose (meaning risk of going under). IDK.

Don't be afraid to supervise the work and make sure it gets done right. Ask questions on here during the process. As long as the install is done correctly (and really that means proper roof attachment and proper wiring) then there really isn't much else at risk if the company does go under. You'll have manufacturer warranties if the super small chance that something does malfunction in the future.

[drmtesta]

Any reason why the "good" company can't do SolarEdge?

That will be my conversation tomorrow . . . great minds!!

[silversaver]

Any reason why the "good" company can't do SolarEdge?

Because the company hasn't yet established a reliable track record.

[HX_Guy]

Any reason why the "good" company can't do SolarEdge?

[drmtesta]

What does she like about that company vs the one offering SolarEdge? I can help do some convincing maybe.

We had a bad experience with the company providing the Solar Edge system. They pulled hard sell technique, sign by tomorrow thing we didn't like. They apologized and we are dealing with a different rep. The company my wife likes was overall much more professional and detailed in their approach. We asked them to come close in price and they did. Bottom line is all of these installers are young companies. Even if they are attached to an older, larger company. They are divisions that can be shut down and my sense is the larger company would not be liable. Feels like the risk is essentially the same with whoever you choose (meaning risk of going under). IDK.

[HX_Guy]

What does she like about that company vs the one offering SolarEdge? I can help do some convincing maybe.

[drmtesta]

One inverter is probably better than two...less to fail, but I'd still go SolarEdge 100% without doubt.

I mean how can you say no to this?

Nice!! My wife likes the company with the single SMA inverter. I like Solar Edge. . .we'll see how that works out LOL

[HX_Guy]

One inverter is probably better than two...less to fail, but I'd still go SolarEdge 100% without doubt.

I mean how can you say no to this?

[drmtesta]

The Installer might just be adjusting system losses for inverter and panel mismatch in PVWatts.

Comparing local systems on PVOutput.org, I have noticed the SE systems do outperform traditional string arrays by a pretty good margin, even when there is no/minimal shading. A more efficient inverter and eliminating panel mismatch losses probably explains some of the difference.

So one of the competing companies came back with a matched offer using an SMA 10,000 inverter rather than 2 - 5,000 inverters. Does this change anything or is Solor Edge still the way to go? Any disadvantages to a single larger inverter. Both systems would have 20 year warranties.

[ericf1]

Something doesn't add up here: you have systems with the exact same panel giving pretty much the same power except than one of the systems does it with one less panel.

The Installer might just be adjusting system losses for inverter and panel mismatch in PVWatts.

Comparing local systems on PVOutput.org, I have noticed the SE systems do outperform traditional string arrays by a pretty good margin, even when there is no/minimal shading. A more efficient inverter and eliminating panel mismatch losses probably explains some of the difference.

[drmtesta]

The efficiency rating of the SMA is 97.0% CEC/97.6% Max while the SolarEdge is 97.5% CEC/98% Max...not sure that small of a percentage is enough to compensate for 1 less panel...I guess the math could be figured out though.

The system output is a bit smaller with the Solar Edge. . .10.79 for SMA and 10.4 for the Solar Edge. I guess it make sense then.