[RE-wrenches] String Vs Micro

[Jason Szumlanski]

After swapping a major manufacturer string inverter 4 times over a two
year period, and not knowing why, I can say unequivocally that I don't
want to deal with that again. Talk about customer frustration... At
least in a micro installation, the system remains functional when one
microinverter goes down, and as you mentioned, people want to know
what's going on!

 

One other factor is permitting and inspection. AHJ's seem much more
comfortable dealing with AC branch circuits. Calculating voltage drops
(although still important for the installer in an AC micro installation)
is far less important than DC voltage drop issues in the mind of the
plan reviewer. The major factors AHJs look at in a micro installation
are string quantities, interconnection wiring and circuit protection,
and grounding.

 

I do agree with your smaller roof comment, too. We have mostly hip roofs
on newer homes and they are all cut up into small pieces, especially in
upscale neighborhoods where people have money to spend on solar energy
products.

 

Jason Szumlanski

Fafco Solar

 

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Keith
Cronin
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 2:00 AM
To: RE-Wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] String Vs Micro

 

As I look out on the market place here, it must be close to 100 to 1,
micro inverter installations vs string on residential systems.

 

Don't know what the primary reason is, but I sense simplicity, as there
are less "wrenches" out there, so to speak.

The electricians and mechanical type folks I work with seem to get into
a groove and just go for it.

Sure, sometimes their biggest challenge seems to be interference due to
the communications signals, but that appears to be the only hurdle.

 

The more companies I work with or talk to, say the additional cost of
micros is worth it, as opposed to training someone on string sizing and
the concern for DC wiring mistakes.

Perhaps its also due to the fact that we have smaller roofs and the need
to be on multiple roofs, where other places around the country can put
the system on one roof and be done?

 

The perception of people that have micros seem to be bullish on the
ability to know what is going on and when things are or aren't working
and receive status.

 

Alot of the leasing companies seem to be shying away from micros and
perhaps its cost or the future liability of sending wrenches out to swap
devices?

 

What are wrenches seeing elsewhere?

 

Regards, Keith

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