Xantrex PV versus Sunny Boy [RE-wrenches]

[max Balchowsky]

I've got 18 AEI inverters in the field. - 4 failures. 4 Xantrex in the field - 1 failure and 3 sub performers (compared to another manufacturer) and 1 Xantrex system failure due to faulty factory wiring and mis-information provided to field tecks over the phone while troubleshooting a system problem. 52 SMA inverters ( no failures and great performance ) - guess what I'm using exclusively now...........
I like the idea of using multiple 2500 watt inverters - redundancy adds protection against losing an entire system to inverter malfunction............A little more labor some would argue, but overall, I think it makes for a better, more reliable system........( we get 120 degree heat in the summer in Palm Sprimgs but most of out systems have inverters installed in a air-conditioned enviroment)....

Max Balchowsky

SEE Systems

100 S. Sunrise Wy #285

Palm Springs, Ca. 92262

Phone - 760-403-6810

Fax   - 760-406-4230

 

 

"Building a Lasting Future For the Next Generation"


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <mlafferty at universalenergies.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2003 6:12 PM
Subject: RE: Xantrex PV versus Sunny Boy [RE-wrenches]


> Marco wants to know (paraphrased):
> 
> What's better for a triple orientation, 30 kW PV System?  12 Sunnyboys
> or Xantrex PV Series?
> 
> David B recommends (paraphrased):
> 
> Go with the Sunny Boys. Mppt better, 1 failure not 100% failure,
> Isolation X-frmer losses 1-3% kWH AC, AC & DC Wiring smaller, faster,
> cheaper, etc.
> 
> All:
> 
> Great question for this list.  My experience leans strongly toward
> David's point of view, especially when in higher ambient temps....Like
> Hawaii.
> 
> The Mppt window of SB's vs. PV's strongly favors the SB.  In addition,
> SB's posted efficiency #'s (CEC list) can be believed.  PV's #'s don't
> include the iso transformers, based on the data I have.  Of note is the
> fact that the SB's overall DCV-ACV headroom at 208 VAC is greater,
> yielding higher but undocumented (to my knowledge) kWH.  First
> multi-system/multi-site 12 month Sacramento kWH/Capacity Factor data on
> 208 due in soon.... E-mail me OFFLIST at the end of August if you are
> interested in the data.
> 
> Combining the triple orientation and related lower Vmpp associated with
> it will further enhance the SB's Mppt advantage over the PV for the
> described application. 
> 
> So far, the issues mentioned are more "Customer Satisfaction" related
> than "Contractor Related".... Read this as "Easier to meet Customer
> expectations with a clean conscience leads to reduced bad press and more
> sleep!"  Or Surfing, as the case may be....
> 
> Additional factors are the NEC / UL realities of Combiners and DC
> Fusing.  By using Square D Discos, 12 SB's will only require 4, 1 per
> orientation, without a combiner (depending on the modules used). (Cost
> of larger DC Disco, Longer DC Runs, Combiner(s), Fusing, Wiring, Conduit
> & Labor is higher with the PV option.....Based on experience)
> 
> Using a 120/208 Sub-Panel with breakers as individual AC Disconnects
> with a single larger AC Disco as the Utility Disconnect (If required -
> You should know that if anybody does...) is most likely a slight cost
> disadvantage to the SB.  When you factor in the minimum two AC Discos
> required for the PV... One each side of the Iso X-frmer under Commercial
> NEC requirements... (often overlooked) and the associated Wire, Conduit
> & Labor, it's not as bad as it looks at first glance.
> 
> Array equipment grounding should be a wash.... 30 kW @ 208 is 30 kW @
> 208, after all. 
> 
> Combine all the factors....Throw in a SB Control and you are sure to
> have a "Go Big Red" answer for this application.
> 
> Pray for Sun!
> 
> Matt Lafferty
> Universal Energies Institute
> mlafferty at universalenergies.com
> (916) 422-9772
> (916) 628-7694 Cell
> (916) 914-2247 Fax
> www.universalenergies.com
> 
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> 
>
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