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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">The 2nd problem with the Envoy besides
cost is that it isn't always reliable. Communication through
power lines is not a new or fresh idea, and has Always been
problematic. Once you install something you are expected to make
it work, and that can be a nightmare on say an 8 module system
that keeps losing communication to one or two modules. I've had
this exact case, and confirmed multiple times that each micro was
working, but the Envoy had other ideas.<br>
This rush to mega data acquisition makes sense for larger PPA
systems, but can just add tons of call backs and the resulting
financial losses and frustrations for small systems.<br>
I've spent as much time messing with SCADA, as I have with the
entire install itself; now that's ridiculous. This isn't new
either: I had SCADA systems back in the 90s, that had great
promise, but ultimately were extremely hard to implement, and the
customer never used after anyway......<br>
The question is: <br>
What does the customer really need to operate the system vs.
"bells and whistles".....<br>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760</pre>
On 9/29/2014 12:12 PM, August Goers wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote
cite="mid:d11d64ab12ad13f6614b31051c1da220@mail.gmail.com"
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546a">Hi
Bill,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546a"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546a">One
of the largest benefits of the microinverter system, in my
opinion, is the ability to monitor each module individually.
It might seem like ~$500 is a lot for the Envoy but I think
it is well worth it when you think about the 25 year
warranty period and included ongoing monitoring. We’ve had
enough Enphase failures that I would personally really want
to be able to keep my eye on each micro individually.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546a"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546a">
Just a thought, August</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span
style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546a"> </span></p>
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<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #b5c4df
1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span
style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"">From:</span></b><span
style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"">
RE-wrenches [mailto:<a moz-do-not-send="true"
href="mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org">re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>]
<b>On Behalf Of </b>frenergy<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Sunday, September 28, 2014 2:26 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> RE-wrenches<br>
<b>Subject:</b> [RE-wrenches] Metering</span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">CA wrenches,</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> I'm trying to (for the sake of my
monetarily impaired customers) figure out a less expensive
way to meter/monitor small enphase systems. One of my local
utilities will allow me to just use a remanufactured
utility-grade meter (ala AEE) These meters are inexpensive,
robust and accurate but only display total production. </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> The Envoy retails for over $5
bills. Most of my customers are not interested in checking
their PV system on the internet, well not after a couple
weeks. I can't seem to find any requirement from
PG&E other than in Section 5.1 of the guidebook: " All
systems receiving an EPBB incentive must install a
production meter accurate to +- 5% of actual system
output...." which is pretty vague. plus the is no CSI
incentive anymore.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> Anybody have a suggestion that is
different from the remanu utility meter?....and possibly
gives current wattage output, and is "approved" by PG&E
interconnection?</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">TIA</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bill</p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img id="_x0000_i1025"
src="cid:part2.06020301.00020103@solarray.com"
height="103" width="306"></p>
</div>
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