Hi Roland,
We’ve installed around ten Power-One micro systems with mostly good results. All in all, I’d say the installation is very similar to an Enphase M215 based system if you are familiar with those. As William mentioned on a separate post, the cabling is a bit expensive but otherwise similar to Enphase’s trunk cabling. I’m not too thrilled with the termination cap you need to use at the end of the trunk cable but it isn’t a big deal. You need to run a GEC to these units unlike the new Enphase M250s. The monitoring system is different from Enphase’s in a couple of regards. First, the CDD which is the central data logger connects to the micros wirelessly rather than over powerline communication. So, you need to make sure that the CDD is relatively close to the solar array or you might need to run the optional antenna between the CDD and roof. Secondly, you need to plug a laptop directly into the CDD while on site to commission the system. The system won’t operate until you do so. The interface is a little clunky but we’ve had no problem getting our systems online with a couple hours’ work. We have had one micro failure – for some reason the micro inverter lost communication with the CDD and so we had to replace it under warranty with Power-One. Good luck! It brings up a good debate about whether power optimizers or micros are a better technology. I suppose the most important factors are performance and reliability and only time will tell. Best, August Luminalt Energy Corporation *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Roland Shackelford *Sent:* Wednesday, December 11, 2013 11:05 AM *To:* re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Power One Micro inverters Aloha Wrenches, Any experience and recommendations using Power Ones Aurora Micro? I am designing a system using Panasonic 240W modules (72-Cell). This is a high end home that needs all the power I can fit on its roof. There are multiple roof pitches, orientations along with shading. I feel either micro inverters or string inverters with maximizers are necessary. Although the only space acceptable to mount string inverters would be the attic. Therefore Power Ones micro inverter seems to be a good fit. Look forward to your insight. Mahalo, Roland Shackelford Vice President NABCEP CERTIFIED INSTALLER Renewable Energy Services (RES), Inc. P.O. Box 278 Paauilo, HI 96776 Office: 808-775-0852 Fax: 808-775-9768 Mobile: *808-938-9239 <http://808-938-9239>* E-Mail: rol...@renewablenergy.com www.renewablenergy.com
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