[RE-wrenches] SMA GFDI Err Tip was PV Powered vs SMA

Thu Dec 3 07:28:57 PST 2009

We have had the same issue with the SMA GFDI err. To fix the problem, before commissioning we remove the fuse, squeeze the GFDI fuse holder a little tighter and clean the contact ends of the fuse. Fires right up.

Wayne Irwin EE

Pure Energy Solar International Inc. 
State Licensed Solar Contractor

License # CVC56695 

Wayne at PureEnergySolar.com 

http://pureenergysolar.com 

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From: atruitt at gmail.com
Date: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 21:17:54 -0500
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV Powered vs SMA

Last I used a PVP was in 2005 and we had multiple failures.  I've never had an SMA fail but there has been a disconcerting glitch on some units lately, where the inverter displays a GFDI fuse error for about a 1/2 hour after commissioning, and then kicks in.  Still the best dependabilty and fit and finish of any of the major inverters in my humble opinion.

To me its Ford vs. BMW.  America makes some damn fine equipment but when it comes
to precision engineering and lifetime performance I would argue that
the Germans have an edge on the rest of the world right now.  

Andrew Truitt
Standard Solar Inc.

On Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 9:29 AM, Drake Chamberlin <drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org> wrote:

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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