[RE-wrenches] Enphase inverters

[Allan Sindelar]

Wrenches, here's a followup question and answer about the new Enphase
inverters:

----- Original Message -----
From: "Allan Sindelar" <allan at positiveenergysolar.com>
To: "Scott King" <sking at enphaseenergy.com>
Subject: RE: Enphase Energy - Further Info
Scott, 
Thank you for your clear answers, which I today forwarded to the Wrenches
list. 
One additional area of concern I have, please: Is the Enphase listed as an
AC module inverter, or is it listed as just a grid-tie inverter? My
understanding of the UL standard is that an AC module inverter must be
integrated with the PV array as an assembly - i.e. sold pre-mounted to the
PV module - and that this is why no DC disconnect is required for it since
there is no field wiring of the DC circuits. 
>From what I have seen on the Enphase datasheets and manuals, the type of
listing it has is not discussed. Since you are selling it as a separate unit
from the PV array it would seem that it is just listed as a grid-tie
inverter and therefore would require an accessibly DC disconnect for each
inverter (ugh). This seems like a major issue if they are actually only
listed as a grid-tie inverter. Can you clarify? 
Thanks, Allan

Hi Allan,
Regarding NEC 690.6... Though not a traditional "string" inverter, Enphase
-at the present time- is not listed as an "A/C Module", though it is closer
in-concept. In this regard, it is treated as a regular, grid-tied inverter.

Regarding NEC 690.33... "The connectors shall be of the latching or locking
type. Connectors that are readily accessible and that are used in circuits
operating at over 30 volts, nominal, maximum system voltage for DC circuits,
or 30 volts for AC circuits, shall require a tool for opening." Enphase
offers both the MC-3 (non-locking) and MC-4 (locking) connector options on
its Micro-inverters. In California, the 2008 rules won't be mandated until
January 2011, and at the time of this writing, the majority of the deployed
PV in the marketplace is of the non-locking variety. We have already had
several AHJs across different counties pass inspection and approve this
method for D/C Disconnects.

And just to close the loop on the last, pending item we had, I wanted to let
you know that Enphase has now posted the terms of its "Replacement &
Reimbursement" policy on our public website. Details of this policy can be
found at:

http://www.enphaseenergy.com/Support/Support-RMA.php

Thanks again for the great questions. Let me know if I can help clarify
anything else about our product offering.

Best Regards,
Scott King
Enphase Energy,
Customer Support
Ph. (877) 797-4743, ext. 7026
sking at enphaseenergy.com
http://www.enphaseenergy.com





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