In the past I have seen a lot of issues with PVP inverters. There
was a period, when I was subcontracting, where a half dozen or more
of the units had to be replaced within a short time. Although I like
many features of PVP, I've avoided them since. Have others found
these units to be reliable or problematic?
At 07:30 PM 12/1/2009, you wrote:
Nice thread... inverter pros/cons is something I spend a fair amount of time
pondering, since they are the weak link in the grid-direct installation.
Overall, I like them both (PVP and SMA).
Performance: On page 44 of the Dec/Jan issue of SolarPro, there is a list of
specifications for grid-direct inverters. Current PVP and SMA inverters have
similar CEC weighted efficiency ratings. Some of the older PVP inverter
models (1100, 2000, 2800, 3000) have slightly lower efficiency.
Reliability: I like that the PVP inverters have no moving parts, whereas the
SMA inverters use a fan to assist with the cooling. PV Powered does a lot of
marketing around their reliability efforts, for whatever that's worth.
Customer Service: I have not needed to utilize PV Powered customer service.
I've found SMA customer service techs to be easy to reach and knowledgeable.
Other issues: I like that PV Powered inverters are made in the USA. I also
find the hardware and manuals to be easier to work with, most likely because
they're produced in the USA for our market. The PVP inverters ship with a
full-size mounting template which comes in handy, especially when planning
the rough-in wiring and support framing during new construction.
I have a preference for the PVP inverters, and use SMA occasionally if it's
a better design fit. I agree with Wayne Irwin's comment about the durability
of the inverters with the heavy transformer designs, as opposed to the newer
"light-weight" designs (including the newest SMA products). I just feel that
in the long run, lower counts for electronic components is a good thing. I'm
not an expert on component reliability, but I know from my somewhat limited
experience that capacitors dry up and transistors are susceptible to a
variety of failure modes. The fewer of these things, the better. Also from a
reliability standpoint, I prefer to put inverters inside in a well
ventilated area, if possible. My gut feeling is that over the long haul, any
inverter will be better off in a location that is protected from moisture
and large ambient temperature swings.
-Hans
________________________________
From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Keith Cronin
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 1:04 PM
To: RE-Wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV Powered vs SMA
Hi colleagues
Do any of you have a preference, PV Powered vs SMA in the residential space-
2k-5k grid tie inverter zone?
Comments on performance/reliability/customer service etc?
Any feedback on their monitoring vs SMA's webbox?
Thanks
Keith
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Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric
OH License 44810
CO License 3773
NABCEP TM Certified PV Installer
Office - 740-448-7328
Mobile - 740-856-9648
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