[RE-wrenches] central vrs string inverters

[Jason Szumlanski]

I don't have anything in terms of advice on the Tri-Power, but I have done
microinverters on straight 208V three-phase and also 480V with a step-down
transformer. While there are more potential points of failure, future
service is straightforward. There are lots of capable people who can swap a
micro. We have been called out to several 20-100kW central inverters that
were essentially unserviceable due to obsolescence, bankruptcy, parts
availability, and lack of qualified personnel. That could be a function of
the crummy Florida commercial solar market, but it's something to consider.
Lifetime service and replacement costs need to be considered in the ROI
analysis, and despite micro's higher initial cost, there is a good argument
to be made...

On the other hand, while I have never used a Tri-Power, SMA's Sunny Boy's
have been rock solid around here in demanding conditions.

Jason Szumlanski


On Fri, Jun 26, 2015 at 9:26 AM, Allen Frishman <amfrish at aeonsolar.com>
wrote:

> Hi Wrenchers,
> I am considering using 8 SMA Tri-power Inverters for a project with a 3
> phase 208V Grid which means I have to add a step down transformer (480V to
> 208V).    I am comparing this option to a central inverter.    I have done
> many of the central inverter systems at the 208V but have yet to try the
> 20+ KW string inverters with the addition of a step down transformer.
>
> I know that both systems have there own pros and cons and I will really
> appreciate some feedback from those that have experience doing both types.
>
>
> For the central inverter there are fewer inverters to malfunction however
> when one does the entire system is down.   In my experience the Central
> Inverters that I have used have been very reliable.
> - Anyone seeing reliability issues with the SMA Tri-power 20KW and 24KW
> string inverters?
>
> Note:   My project is under NEC 2008.
>
> All feedback is appreciated.
>
> *Al Frishman*
> AeonSolar
>
> *(917) 699-6641 <%28917%29%20699-6641> - cell*
> *(888) 460-2867 <%28888%29%20460-2867>*
> *www.aeonsolar.com <http://www.aeonsolar.com/>*
>
>
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