[RE-wrenches] Future module mis-match

[Jason Szumlanski]

We have been impressed recently with Enphase microinverters. These
somewhat solve the mismatched panel spec/performance issue, but not the
panel size issue, of course. If fit is a problem, a single
panel/inverter pair can be eliminated and the rail cut short. You end up
with a smaller system, but at least you don't have to deal with
series/parallel and string sizing issues.

Of course, what if future Enphase inverters are not compatible to
"daisy-chain" with current models? In that case, eliminating a
module/inverter would be the only solution. Hopefully Enphase is
thinking about this, because it would be a big help in this mismatch
issue.

Jason Szumlanski
Fafco Solar
http://fafcosolar.com

At 07:51 AM 2/25/2010, you wrote:
>I have been very concerned that every time we settle on a module brand
and 
>size for a project, the manufacturer switches production or design and 
>these "older" modules are replaced with a larger or totally different 
>module.  We always try to hold back at least one extra module for
future 
>warranty issues when we are forced to switch, but that could be very 
>expensive and take up lots of storage.  The point is we are already
seeing 
>many posts here from installers needing just a few modules to complete
a 
>project using modules that are no longer being manufactured, or to
expand 
>an existing system that needs to match, so what are we all going to do 
>when your older client base starts calling to order a replacement
module 
>that was either physically damaged or perhaps suffered a thermal shock 
>glass break.  And what will the manufacturer do to honor a warranty 
>replacement for a module that is no longer made -  Send a credit
voucher?
>
>In other words, will future solar arrays look like a patchwork quilt of

>mis-matched modules as we try to keep a system operational using 
>replacement modules that do not match.  This may not be an issue on a 
>ground mounted array in the woods, but what about a closely spaced roof

>array and you cannot find a replacement module that fits the opening
when 
>the damaged module is removed?   And the same issue if the replacement 
>module you find fits the opening, but has a totally different volt-amp 
>rating?  Do we just jumper over and leave the damaged module in place
and 
>hope the array voltage is still in limits?  Will your client consider
that 
>an acceptable warranty solution?
>
>So will my collection of a few mis-matched modules of each brand and
size 
>that are no longer manufactured turn into a future gold mine??   Oh
well, 
>I can always dream.................
>
>Jeff Yago
>DTI Solar