SMA String VS Solar Edge with Power Optimizers

[HX_Guy]

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.

[drmtesta]

I don't see why you wouldn't go with the SolarEdge. $600 is peanuts in the grand scheme of the whole system plus as you said, it comes with double the warranty so there is value in that alone. Inverters will fail sooner or later and it looks like you have 2 SMA's, which means 2 to replaces probably outside of warranty. The panel level monitoring is also fantastic. Aside from the gee-wiz neat factor, it's actually useful in knowing if a panel isn't working correctly or maybe has a huge bird crap on it.

Thanks for the reply. Do you see any issue with dropping a panel in the Solar Edge system. . .they are claiming it will generate essentially the same kWh.

[drmtesta]

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. That said, does the SMA system include the power outlet option that will provide some power when the grid is down and the sun is shining? That would likely be the only reason for going with that system. If there's any shading, the Solar Edge would obviously be preferable. And the pricing on the latter is very attractive.

Your question about power is one of the reasons I posted the question. He said the efficiency of the Solar Edge system compensates for the dropped panel. Does that make sense?

[Ian S]

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. That said, does the SMA system include the power outlet option that will provide some power when the grid is down and the sun is shining? That would likely be the only reason for going with that system. If there's any shading, the Solar Edge would obviously be preferable. And the pricing on the latter is very attractive.

[SleepingDragon]

Hi all,
First, thanks for all the good advice it is much appreciated.

I've been reading but can't seem to find a simple answer as to which is the better way to go . . .SMA or Solar Edge.

We are down to two systems it appears with the specs below. The Solar Edge system is only $600 more than the SMA system and produces the same kWh with one less panel. I also like that Solar Edge has a 20 year warranty on the inverter (upgrade included in price) vs 10 for SMA (appx $2,200 to extend warranty), there is only one of them and you get some micro inverter benefits such as individual panel monitoring. Both systems produce about 5% more than our current usage and we want that extra production.

What say you based on below? Thanks in advance!! Please let me know if you want any further information.

SMA System:
9.468 AC (18,599 kWH system production)
33 Sun Power SPR 327 NE-WHT-D Panels
2 SMA SB5000TL-US Inverters



Solar Edge System:
9.36 AC (18,561 kWh system production)
32 Sun Power SPR 327 NE-WHT-D Panels
Solar Edge SE10000A-US Interver
Solar Edge Power Optimizers (32)

If those are the only 2 choices, I would go with B for the nice monitoring.

[HX_Guy]

I don't see why you wouldn't go with the SolarEdge. $600 is peanuts in the grand scheme of the whole system plus as you said, it comes with double the warranty so there is value in that alone. Inverters will fail sooner or later and it looks like you have 2 SMA's, which means 2 to replaces probably outside of warranty. The panel level monitoring is also fantastic. Aside from the gee-wiz neat factor, it's actually useful in knowing if a panel isn't working correctly or maybe has a huge bird crap on it.

[drmtesta]

Hi all,
First, thanks for all the good advice it is much appreciated.

I've been reading but can't seem to find a simple answer as to which is the better way to go . . .SMA or Solar Edge.

We are down to two systems it appears with the specs below. The Solar Edge system is only $600 more than the SMA system and produces the same kWh with one less panel. I also like that Solar Edge has a 20 year warranty on the inverter (upgrade included in price) vs 10 for SMA (appx $2,200 to extend warranty), there is only one of them and you get some micro inverter benefits such as individual panel monitoring. Both systems produce about 5% more than our current usage and we want that extra production.

What say you based on below? Thanks in advance!! Please let me know if you want any further information.

SMA System:
9.468 AC (18,599 kWH system production)
33 Sun Power SPR 327 NE-WHT-D Panels
2 SMA SB5000TL-US Inverters



Solar Edge System:
9.36 AC (18,561 kWh system production)
32 Sun Power SPR 327 NE-WHT-D Panels
Solar Edge SE10000A-US Interver
Solar Edge Power Optimizers (32)