[RE-wrenches] Power One Micro inverters

[August Goers]

Hi Roland,



We’ve installed around ten Power-One micro systems with mostly good
results. All in all, I’d say the installation is very similar to an Enphase
M215 based system if you are familiar with those. As William mentioned on a
separate post, the cabling is a bit expensive but otherwise similar to
Enphase’s trunk cabling. I’m not too thrilled with the termination cap you
need to use at the end of the trunk cable but it isn’t a big deal. You need
to run a GEC to these units unlike the new Enphase M250s. The monitoring
system is different from Enphase’s in a couple of regards. First,  the CDD
which is the central data logger connects to the micros wirelessly rather
than over powerline communication. So, you need to make sure that the CDD
is relatively close to the solar array or you might need to run the
optional antenna between the CDD and roof. Secondly, you need to plug a
laptop directly into the CDD while on site to commission the system. The
system won’t operate until you do so. The interface is a little clunky but
we’ve had no problem getting our systems online with a couple hours’ work.



We have had one micro failure – for some reason the micro inverter lost
communication with the CDD and so we had to replace it under warranty with
Power-One.



Good luck! It brings up a good debate about whether power optimizers or
micros are a better technology. I suppose the most important factors are
performance and reliability and only time will tell.



Best,



August



Luminalt Energy Corporation



*From:* re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:
re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Roland Shackelford
*Sent:* Wednesday, December 11, 2013 11:05 AM
*To:* re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Power One Micro inverters



Aloha Wrenches,



Any experience and recommendations using Power Ones Aurora Micro?



I am designing a system using Panasonic 240W modules (72-Cell). This is a
high end home that needs all the power I can fit on its roof. There are
multiple roof pitches, orientations along with shading. I feel either micro
inverters or string inverters with maximizers are necessary. Although the
only space acceptable to mount string inverters would be the attic.
Therefore Power Ones micro inverter seems to be a good fit. Look forward to
your insight.




Mahalo,



Roland Shackelford

Vice President

NABCEP CERTIFIED INSTALLER

Renewable Energy Services (RES), Inc.

P.O. Box 278

Paauilo, HI 96776

Office:   808-775-0852

Fax:      808-775-9768

Mobile:  *808-938-9239 <http://808-938-9239>*

E-Mail:  roland at renewablenergy.com

www.renewablenergy.com
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