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<TITLE>Re: [RE-wrenches] Inverter for Switch to GT</TITLE>
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<FONT SIZE="4"><FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>Hello, Allan.<BR>
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I’m actually just sitting at my desk looking at a grid-direct string inverter guide we’re going to publish in the first issue of <I>SolarPro</I> magazine. <BR>
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The SMA 700, of course , is three inverters in one box. It looks to me like you’d be operating it in the middle setting w/ 9 modules in series. You’d have 675Wstc in to a 600W inverter w/ a MPPT range of 100-200Vdc. The smallest Fronius inverter has a MPPT range of 150-450. <BR>
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There are actually two string inverter products with MPPT ranges between these devices:<BR>
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</SPAN></FONT></FONT><OL><LI><FONT SIZE="4"><FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>the Kaco 1501xi has a MPPT range of 125-300Vdc
</SPAN></FONT></FONT><LI><FONT SIZE="4"><FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>the PV Powered 1100EVR (extended voltage range) has a MPPT range of 115 –450Vdc<BR>
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Maybe one of these works for you?<BR>
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Mick Abraham’s idea about using the Enphase micro-inverter (1 per every 2 modules) is very interesting and worth exploring. This device has a MPPT range of 25 – 40Vdc and is rated at 175 watts continuous. These inverters are shipping, so maybe we’ll get some installer feedback.<BR>
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Regards,<BR>
<BR>
David Brearley, Technical Editor<BR>
<I>SolarPro</I> magazine <BR>
NABCEP Certified PV Installer ™<BR>
david.brearley@solarprofessional.com<BR>
Direct: 541.261.6545<BR>
Fax: 541.512.0343<BR>
<B><BR>
</B>Visit our Web site at solarprofessional.com<BR>
<BR>
On 8/6/08 9:55 AM, "Allan Sindelar" <allan@positiveenergysolar.com> wrote:<BR>
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</SPAN></FONT></FONT><BLOCKQUOTE><FONT SIZE="4"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'><FONT FACE="Arial">Wrenches,</FONT><FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"> <BR>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Arial">Occasionally, but more frequently recently, we get requests to turn off-grid systems into grid-tie systems. Usually this involves sale of a property to a new owner, and either grid is brought in to facilitate an easier sale or the new owner brings it in. Once grid is in, the off-grid-based system is of limited utility, as the equipment won't sell back. Most of these new owners want a maintenance-free batteryless system.<BR>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><BR>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Arial">Unfortunately, most off-grid arrays don't easily convert, as the string sizing doesn't match. Here's my question: I have two of these requests right now. Both are systems we installed in the late 90s. One has ten BP 275s, one has twelve. These are standard 12V 75W modules common to that time. I need advice on inverters that will work with these strings.<BR>
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</FONT><FONT FACE="Arial">The Sunny Boy 700, which is the only small inverter model SMA still offers, will handle one string of up to nine of these in our temperature range. Larger models require higher string voltage. Fronius also requires higher voltage.<BR>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><BR>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Arial">You know, it's a real problem to have to explain to new green-oriented homeowners that there's nothing I can do with their ten-year-old PV system to make it spin their new meter backward. It doesn't do much for the mainstream perception of PV for these folks.<BR>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><BR>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Arial">What will work with these existing arrays, please?</FONT><FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"> <BR>
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Allan Sindelar <BR>
<FONT COLOR="#0000FF"><U>allan_(at)_positiveenergysolar.com</U></FONT> <a href="mailto:allan@positiveenergysolar.com"><mailto:allan@positiveenergysolar.com></a> <BR>
NABCEP certified solar PV installer <BR>
Positive Energy, Inc. <BR>
3225A Richards Lane <BR>
Santa Fe NM 87507 <BR>
505 424-1112 <BR>
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