[RE-wrenches] SMA Core 1 Inverter

[Kelly Larson]

Good to know, Darryl!  

Thanks for posting,
Kelly

> On Nov 6, 2017, at 3:18 PM, Darryl Thayer <darylsolar1 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi i was at a SMA lecture and they said the boards are replaceable, so
> hopefully a perdon never has to replace the complete unit
> 
> On Nov 6, 2017 10:08 AM, "Kelly Larson" <solarwrench at asis.com> wrote:
> 
>> …especially replacement!  The inverter weighs in at 185 lbs, so
>> replacement likely will require the use of a crane on multi-story flat
>> roofs.
>> 
>> I am in complete agreement with you that putting inverters on the roof is
>> not ideal.  Not only is servicing and replacement an issue, but there is no
>> doubt that the inverter will run hotter sitting in the sun.  But this is
>> one way to satisfy the 2014 rapid shutdown requirements, so I assume we
>> will be seeing more of it.  Compared to other commercial roof rapid
>> shutdown solutions that employ a contractor it seems important to consider
>> rooftop inverters, as they provide potentially more reliable system
>> operation in the long run.  Maybe we should be looking at lower DC/AC
>> ratios for these systems?
>> 
>> I am still wondering if anyone on the list has installed these SMA Core1
>> inverters.
>> 
>> Thanks for the comments!
>> Kelly
>> 
>> PS:  I didn’t design or install the system, but am inspecting and
>> commissioning it.
>> 
>> 
>>> On Nov 2, 2017, at 2:30 PM, William Miller <william at millersolar.com>
>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Kelly:
>>> 
>>> I see one problem:  the inverter on the roof.  Makes servicing and
>>> replacement a real pain.
>>> 
>>> William
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Lic 773985
>>> millersolar.com
>>> 805-438-5600
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
>>> Behalf Of Kelly Larson
>>> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2017 12:36 PM
>>> To: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] SMA Core 1 Inverter
>>> 
>>> Dear estemed Wrenches,
>>> 
>>> I will be inspecting a system with SMA’s new Core 1 inverters and am
>>> wondering: What experience do you have with this inverter?
>>> 
>>> I think it is the first inverter made to sit freestanding on a commercial
>>> roof.  It looks like it has some super interesting features, including
>>> “String Failure Detection”.  (Why is this feature deactivated by
>> default?)
>>> 
>>> I’m not sure how well it will satisfy the rapid shutdown requirement when
>>> the roof array areas are broken up, but on one with a contiguous array
>> area,
>>> it looks like it’ll work for the 2014 NEC.
>>> 
>>> Any bugs or issues I should know about?
>>> 
>>> Thanks in advanced for your replies!
>>> 
>>> Blessings,
>>> Kelly
>>> 
>>> 
>>> ~~~~~
>>> Kelly Larson
>>> 707-223-3209
>>> 
>>> Box 504
>>> Ukiah, CA 95482
>>> Electrical Engineer
>>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installation Professional IREC Certified Master
>>> Trainer for Photovoltaic Installer CA Electrical Contractor# 868189
>>> SolarKelly.com
>>> 
>>> "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius,
>> power
>>> and magic in it."   -- Goethe
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
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