Solaredgr, if one down all down?

[dannieboiz]

From what I read, solaredge are string invert or so does that ,if one goes down, all goes down?

[thejq]

From what I read, solaredge are string invert or so does that ,Ean if one goes down, all goes down?

Yes, it's string inverter, but unlike other string inverters, if one panel is down (due to shading or defect etc), the rest of the solaredge system keeps working as if nothing happened. The difference is the optimizer which is installed with each panel collectively tracks the MPPT. Similarly you can add additional panels just as easy, as long as the inverter can handle the total load.

[dannieboiz]

Solar essentially, they will work very siMilan to enphase inverters unlike the straight string conveters?

[inetdog]

But if one of the optimizers fails, there is a chance that it will take the whole string out of use. It depends on the method of failure. If you disconnect the panel from the optimizer it should have not effect on the string other than to lower the string power by the contribution of the one panel.

[dannieboiz]

So does that mean enphase is superior? I'm torn between the two and can't decide. Solaredge would be paired with LG 305 and enphase would be with Sw280.

[solar_newbie]

So does that mean enphase is superior? I'm torn between the two and can't decide. Solaredge would be paired with LG 305 and enphase would be with Sw280.

There are pros and cons for each solution. String -- hybrid (solar edge) - micro inverter . You would make decision your self.
Some choose solaredge, some choose enphase , some choose string...

I went with enphase due to their clean, future energy idea on total energy management and easy to expand if I want to add more on rack in the future myself. It is your decision.

[ButchDeal]

But if one of the optimizers fails, there is a chance that it will take the whole string out of use. It depends on the method of failure. If you disconnect the panel from the optimizer it should have not effect on the string other than to lower the string power by the contribution of the one panel.

Micros are in a string as well, it is just an AC string. The same could be said of micros, there are conceivable failure modes of a micro that short out the whole string...

[inetdog]

Micros are in a string as well, it is just an AC string. The same could be said of micros, there are conceivable failure modes of a micro that short out the whole string...

Micros are in a parallel string. One going open does not affect the rest. One shorting out would.
Optimizers are in a series string. One going open stops the whole string, one shorting out would not.
Totally different situations and types of "string".

PS: Old fashioned large Christmas tree lights were in a parallel string. Miniatures and LEDs are in a series string. Big difference, yes?

[solar_newbie]

Micros are in a parallel string. One going open does not affect the rest. One shorting out would.
Optimizers are in a series string. One going open stops the whole string, one shorting out would not.
Totally different situations and types of "string".

PS: Old fashioned large Christmas tree lights were in a parallel string. Miniatures and LEDs are in a series string. Big difference, yes?

Wonderful explanation It is much easy to understand the different on the 2 strings. I just wonder if the parallel string is short out, it will burn and disconnect right? Like the light bulb?

[inetdog]

Wonderful explanation It is much easy to understand the different on the 2 strings. I just wonder if the parallel string is short out, it will burn and disconnect right? Like the light bulb?

It will typically blow a fuse or circuit breaker rather than burning out, but yes, that is the idea.
In the case of micros there will be overcurrent protection (fuse or breaker) as part of each unit.
And there will be a breaker where the AC trunk cable connects to the house wiring so that the grid cannot burn up the wiring harness if it shorts out.

[solar_newbie]

It will typically blow a fuse or circuit breaker rather than burning out, but yes, that is the idea.
In the case of micros there will be overcurrent protection (fuse or breaker) as part of each unit.
And there will be a breaker where the AC trunk cable connects to the house wiring so that the grid cannot burn up the wiring harness if it shorts out.

Ok in that case you will see either fuse blow or breaker jump off. It is easy to watch.

[dannieboiz]

boy, this make me feel like the HD DVD vs Blu Ray days.... If any of these technology goes away we'd be pretty screwed.

[sensij]

boy, this make me feel like the HD DVD vs Blu Ray days.... If any of these technology goes away we'd be pretty screwed.

Yes... to me, this in particular is the biggest risk with SolarEdge. Their system is completely proprietary, neither the inverter nor the optimizers will work without the other. (Aside... they had developed a standalone optimizer at one point for the European market, but never launched it here... not hard to guess why). At least microinverters all work on AC and should be interchangeable between brands (even if the connectors and monitoring / communication are not). "Simple" string inverters are the most universal, future proof solution.

[dannieboiz]

Yes... to me, this in particular is the biggest risk with SolarEdge. Their system is completely proprietary, neither the inverter nor the optimizers will work without the other. (Aside... they had developed a standalone optimizer at one point for the European market, but never launched it here... not hard to guess why). At least microinverters all work on AC and should be interchangeable between brands (even if the connectors and monitoring / communication are not). "Simple" string inverters are the most universal, future proof solution.

Now I just learned something new about SolarEdge. 1 more point for Enphase... I think I found more roof space should I ever need more panels.

[thejq]

Now I just learned something new about SolarEdge. 1 more point for Enphase... I think I found more roof space should I ever need more panels.

Let's hope that never happens, since, like many people here, I have SE installed. But at this point, I'd be more concerned about Enphase's survival by looking at their stock and financial performance. At $200M cap, -1.45% margin, -$3.18M cash flow and 21% short interest, it doesn't look good