Use of Micro Inverters on one string.

[GLES]

Hi all, I'm looking at a job where the customer would like to use Micro Inverters on a particular string, due to shading issues. However, we want to add 2 more strings which would be fine with a normal inverter. Is it possible to mix and match like this? I've not used Micro Inverters before, but if they're coming in as AC, I can only imagine putting that on a separate circuit. Or is there a way of getting them both on the same circuit, once the 2 other strings have left the inverter?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Worcester]

It's no different from using two or more inverters on any job. Each circuit will needs its own protection.

I would use a dedicated CU for the inverters with multiple MCB's one for the string inverter and one for the micro-inverters as per the micro-inverters specs. Then through a gen meter, then an Isolator to a point between the incoming supply and the main cu

You might have fun with the DNO when you come to sign it off, I'd give them a call first. As far as I am aware, there is still no date yet for Enecsys to start shipping again so which micro-inverter are you proposing to use?

 

[series530]

Enecsys are now stating that shipping will restart the week of October 17th. This has come from their CEO.

We've agreed to have our mounts, panels and cabling done this coming week on the understanding that the micro inverter installation will be a fairly trivial addition once they are available.

With luck, we should be producing using the inverters in about a month from now.


Ian

 

[GLES]

Thanks for the replies, I managed to get similar info from Enecsys. We are planning to use Enecsys Micro Inerters but, as you say, there may be issues with timescales.

 

[Worcester]

We've agreed to have our mounts, panels and cabling done this coming week on the understanding that the micro inverter installation will be a fairly trivial addition once they are available.
Ian

Surely you're going to have to take off all the panels that have the micro-inverters fitted -

You have done the Enecsys training haven't you?

 

[series530]

Surely you're going to have to take off all the panels that have the micro-inverters fitted -

You have done the Enecsys training haven't you?

We live in a chalet house and the roof is pretty expansive. The panels are to be mounted a little below the ridge and are about 5 metres up from the base of the roof (there are dormers to contend with as well). Even though the whole installation comes with a 10 year insurance backed warranty and the micro inverters come with 20 years, it does concern me that, in the event of a failure, replacement of the inverters could be a little problematic were they placed under the panels. I took advice from Enecsys and got them to put in writing the fact that the warranty would be honoured if we had the inverters placed inside the roof. Our installers are confident that they can cable the whole system without compromising the water barrier of the roof so we have gone for the approach of installing the inverters inside. Thus, stage one is to mount the rails, test the panels, mount them and tail them inside the roof space. Stage two will come a little later where by the inverters will be added together with the gateway and integration into the existing mains supply.

I'm assured that our suppliers have done all of the necessary training. They seem to be well connected with them and I have confidence that they will do a good job.

 

[tlsambo]

apparently Power One are bringing out a micro inverter next year. No other details available yet.