[RE-wrenches] PV Powered vs SMA

[Drake Chamberlin]

In the past I have seen a lot of issues with PVP inverters.  There 
was a period, when I was subcontracting, where a half dozen or more 
of the units had to be replaced within a short time.  Although I like 
many features of PVP, I've avoided them since.  Have others found 
these units to be reliable or problematic?


At 07:30 PM 12/1/2009, you wrote:
>Nice thread... inverter pros/cons is something I spend a fair amount of time
>pondering, since they are the weak link in the grid-direct installation.
>
>Overall, I like them both (PVP and SMA).
>
>Performance: On page 44 of the Dec/Jan issue of SolarPro, there is a list of
>specifications for grid-direct inverters. Current PVP and SMA inverters have
>similar CEC weighted efficiency ratings. Some of the older PVP inverter
>models (1100, 2000, 2800, 3000) have slightly lower efficiency.
>
>Reliability: I like that the PVP inverters have no moving parts, whereas the
>SMA inverters use a fan to assist with the cooling. PV Powered does a lot of
>marketing around their reliability efforts, for whatever that's worth.
>
>Customer Service: I have not needed to utilize PV Powered customer service.
>I've found SMA customer service techs to be easy to reach and knowledgeable.
>
>Other issues: I like that PV Powered inverters are made in the USA. I also
>find the hardware and manuals to be easier to work with, most likely because
>they're produced in the USA for our market. The PVP inverters ship with a
>full-size mounting template which comes in handy, especially when planning
>the rough-in wiring and support framing during new construction.
>
>I have a preference for the PVP inverters, and use SMA occasionally if it's
>a better design fit. I agree with Wayne Irwin's comment about the durability
>of the inverters with the heavy transformer designs, as opposed to the newer
>"light-weight" designs (including the newest SMA products). I just feel that
>in the long run, lower counts for electronic components is a good thing. I'm
>not an expert on component reliability, but I know from my somewhat limited
>experience that capacitors dry up and transistors are susceptible to a
>variety of failure modes. The fewer of these things, the better. Also from a
>reliability standpoint, I prefer to put inverters inside in a well
>ventilated area, if possible. My gut feeling is that over the long haul, any
>inverter will be better off in a location that is protected from moisture
>and large ambient temperature swings.
>
>-Hans
>________________________________
>
>From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
>[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Keith Cronin
>Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 1:04 PM
>To: RE-Wrenches
>Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV Powered vs SMA
>
>
>Hi colleagues
>
>Do any of you have a preference, PV Powered vs SMA in the residential space-
>2k-5k grid tie inverter zone?
>
>Comments on performance/reliability/customer service etc?
>
>Any feedback on their monitoring vs SMA's webbox?
>
>Thanks
>
>Keith
>
>
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Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric
OH License 44810
CO License 3773
NABCEP TM  Certified PV Installer
Office - 740-448-7328
Mobile - 740-856-9648  
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