Apollo 80 Comments - now OutBack FLEXmax 80 [RE-wrenches]

[John Raynes]

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At 01:42 AM 11/12/2007 -0700, you wrote:

>Hello Christopher,
>
>The new FLEXmax 80 sounds like a great product.  A controller that we 
>really need now (IMO) is one that can charge from a 300 to 550 volt 
>array.  Are the technical obstacles to producing this too great?
>
>Drake
>

I agree strongly.  Heck, even 250-300 max Voc would be a big step forward.

I guess I don't understand all the push for higher output 
currents.  Paralleling 40-60 amp controllers has always been relatively 
easy, and now all of the new models can coordinate their operation over 
some type of communications bus if desired.  And with multiple controllers, 
not all solar production is lost if one of the units goes down.

Not only is the solar panel market driven almost entirely by high voltage 
grid tie applications, but there is little continuity as to what models are 
available.  I often find it more of a challenge these days in off-grid 
designs, to hit my total wattage, array voltage, and racking layout target 
windows all at the same time.  Not impossible, but definitely more 
challenging, especially for those of us that need to stay away from 72 volt 
nominal arrays because of low temperature Voc concerns.  At least with the 
MX60 we can use in-between array voltages.

Another factor is that the cost of copper has risen enough to move the 
optimum line-loss cost tradeoff point a bit.  Higher voltage arrays on 
remotely located pole tops conserve precious copper.   Higher voltage 
designs reduce wiring costs across the board (less array home runs and 
breakers, smaller and simpler combiner boxes, smaller array wire all 
around, less connections, etc).

I've heard rumors that at least one higher voltage CC may be in the works, 
but I'm not convinced it's for real, not just yet.  Sure hope so.

John Raynes
RE Solar
Torrey UT


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