PV Inverters module strings [RE-wrenches]

[Joel Davidson]

Kent - We understand that you can not endorse specific solar modules, but (like
mount manufacturers) you can make a list of modules that work with your
inverters and the number of modules in series. You can caveat the list however
you feel necessary. Here's a start with the first 2 modules from this on-going
discussion.
Siemens SR100 - 24 modules
BP Solar BP2150 - 12 modules
Siemens SP75 - ? modules
BP Solar BP-585UL - ? modules
ASE Americas ASE-300 - ? modules
Astropower AP-120 - ? modules
Astropower APX-75 - ? modules
Kyocera KC120-1 - ? modules
Photowatt PW1000-95 - ? modules
Energy Photovoltaics EPV-40 - ? modules
Solarex MST-43 - ? modules
Solarex MSX-120 - ? modules
United Solar SSR-128 - ? modules
United Solar US-64 - ? modules
Other modules ?



Kent Sheldon wrote:

> William, yes I work for the former Trace Technologies, now called Xantrex
> Distributed Industrial and Utility Markets Business Unit. I am the POC for
> applications questions on the PV series inverter line. Unfortunately, being
> that we manufacture inverters, we do not specify specific PV panels, or
> arrangements to use with our inverters. This is the job of the system
> integrator. What we have done is to specify an allowable voltage operating
> window for the inverter. The type or design of the PV module is not
> important, as long as the input voltage constraints are met. You must decide
> what configuration of PV works best for your application, orientation,
> regional location, code requirements, etc. The calculations are rather
> straightforward, but require much information specific to the site
> installation. I believe Bill Brooks walked you through a possible solution,
> which may or may not be adequate for your application.
>
> Regards,
>
> Kent Sheldon
> Product Manager - Photovoltaic Engineering Group
> Xantrex/Trace Technologies Inc.
> 925 245 5463/925 245 1022 Fax
> kentsheldon at tracetec.com  www.xantrex.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: William Miller [mailto:wrmiller at slonet.org]
> Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 12:28 PM
> To: kentsheldon at tracetec.com
> Cc: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> Subject: RE: PV Inverters module strings [RE-wrenches]
>
> Kent:
>
> Thanks for your reply.  I understand you work for Trace Technologies, the
> designer and builder of the PV series inverters.  If you don't have
> specific application knowledge, is there someone in your company who does?
>
> I need to know how many SR100 panels to use with a PV5 and a PV10 for a
> given climate.  Please correct me if this is not an appropriate question to
> ask of a manufacturer.
>
> I would assume this type of question is fundamental to the support of a
> product you manufacture and I would be disappointed if Trace Technology
> could not give me very precise data to allow me to purchase and use a
> product in their line.
>
> Thanks,
>
> William Miller
>
> At 11:57 AM 3/28/01 -0800, you wrote:
> >William, sorry to take so long to get back to you. I am inundated right
> now.
> >Unfortunately, I rarely get involved in the PV array sizing calculations.
> >The only advice I can give you is to make sure the peak power voltage stays
> >between 330 to 600. NEC drives most of the voltage window constraints,
> >however the manufacturer temperature deratings for the specific PV model
> >will also impact the calculations. A side note, the inverter will not power
> >track below the minimum allowable DC level. So if your PPTV is lower than
> >minimum, the power tracker will back off and continue power production at a
> >less efficient point on your array curve. Right now the minimum DC
> operating
> >voltage is around 328. We are putting some new software through UL which
> >will allow the minimum bus voltage to be a function of the AC line voltage,
> >allowing for operation below 300Vdc. It will be a few months before this is
> >available.
> >
> >Please contact me if you have any further questions.
> >
> >Kent Sheldon
> >Product Manager - Photovoltaic Engineering Group
> >Xantrex/Trace Technologies Inc.
> >925 245 5463/925 245 1022 Fax
> >kentsheldon at tracetec.com  www.xantrex.com
> >
>
> __________________________________________________________________
> William Miller
> SLO Communications: Communications and Power Systems Consulting
> PO Box 50, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
> Voice :805-438-5600             Fax: 805-438-4607       VMail: 805-546-4875
> email: wrmiller at slonet.org
> License No. C-10-773985
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> __________________________________________________________________
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