<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN">
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<META NAME="Generator" CONTENT="MS Exchange Server version 6.0.4630.0">
<TITLE>Inverter for Switch to GT</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<!-- Converted from text/rtf format -->
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">Wrenches,</FONT>
<BR><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.</FONT></P>
<P><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.</FONT></P>
<P><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.</FONT></P>
<P><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.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">What will work with these existing arrays, please?</FONT>
</P>
<P><FONT FACE="g">Allan Sindelar</FONT>
<BR><A HREF="mailto:allan@positiveenergysolar.com"><U></U><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" SIZE=2 FACE="g">allan_(at)_positiveenergysolar.com</FONT></U></A>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="g">NABCEP certified solar PV installer</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="g">Positive Energy, Inc.</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="g">3225A Richards Lane</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="g">Santa Fe NM 87507</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="g">505 424-1112</FONT>
</P>
</BODY>
</HTML>