Solar Edge Vs Enphase Power optimizers

[steel_3d]

Can SolarEdge handle wildly different panels? Let's say I wanted to add a few panels 5 years down the road when some awesome new high efficiency 400W panels come out?

I know with Enphase you can combine different models of inverters in a system, like this guy: http://www.laaudiofile.com/la_solar_install.html. Can they be mixed and matched even on the same string?

[ButchDeal]

Can SolarEdge handle wildly different panels? Let's say I wanted to add a few panels 5 years down the road when some awesome new high efficiency 400W panels come out?

I know with Enphase you can combine different models of inverters in a system, like this guy: http://www.laaudiofile.com/la_solar_install.html. Can they be mixed and matched even on the same string?

Short and long answer: yes, no problem at all. You can even mix solarEdge optimizers on the same string.

[solar_newbie]

Can SolarEdge handle wildly different panels? Let's say I wanted to add a few panels 5 years down the road when some awesome new high efficiency 400W panels come out?

I know with Enphase you can combine different models of inverters in a system, like this guy: http://www.laaudiofile.com/la_solar_install.html. Can they be mixed and matched even on the same string?

Just make sure your inverter can handle couple more KWs from day one and make sure you are not max out your strings.

[steel_3d]

Perfect. Thanks, guys.

Do you guys know if you can mix and match Enphase inverters and panel wattages on one string?

[solar_newbie]

Perfect. Thanks, guys.

Do you guys know if you can mix and match Enphase inverters and panel wattages on one string?

Why don't you try it and let us know.

[sensij]

Perfect. Thanks, guys.

Do you guys know if you can mix and match Enphase inverters and panel wattages on one string?

Yes, you can mix and match as you'd like. You just need to keep the total string rating less than what is protected by the PV breaker in your service panel.

[inetdog]

Perfect. Thanks, guys.

Do you guys know if you can mix and match Enphase inverters and panel wattages on one string?

Since the Enphase trunk cable basically provides the connection between multiple micros and grid, there is no reason not to match different micros on the same trunk cable.
Just be aware that you might not be able to connect as many high wattage units as low wattage units to a single "low power" trunk cable if Enphase actually provides different size wires in different trunk cable kits. I do not think that they do, but it pays to double check.

[steel_3d]

Good info, tx!

[Deep_blue]

Very educational. Thank you.

[Naptown]

Yes, you can mix and match as you'd like. You just need to keep the total string rating less than what is protected by the PV breaker in your service panel.

Actually at 75% of the breaker in the panel.
The engage cable is rated at 20 Amps so a maximum output of the inverters can be no more than 16 amps.

[sensij]

Actually at 75% of the breaker in the panel.
The engage cable is rated at 20 Amps so a maximum output of the inverters can be no more than 16 amps.

I think you meant 80%, not 75% (16 / 20 = 0.8). And yeah, that is why I used the phrase "protected by", but it is good you clarified that for those who might not know.

[Naptown]

You are correct it is 125% of the maximum output or 80% of the OCPD.