[RE-wrenches] Side-by-side microinverter, maximizer, and conventional inverter comparisons

[Joel Davidson]

Wrenches,

A few years ago, we compared conventional and MPPT charge controllers and 
found power production improvement in only in unique conditions and rarely 
over 15%. Now Microinverter and DC maximizer companies are claiming "as much 
as 25%" increased electricity production and a booming market. See 
http://www.interpv.net/market/market_view.asp?idx=401&code=401&part_code=01

I've been comparing grid-connected microinverters since 1994 when Henk came 
out with his OK4U and am not impressed in full-sun (no shade) comparisons. 
In 2005, I compared a side-by-side 200 kW system with two 100 kW Xantrex 
inverters with a 200 kW system with 74 SMA inverters and saw no difference 
in kW or kWh.

Have any wrenches made side-by-side comparisons? Are the claimed 
improvements hype or real?

Joel Davidson