REC Alpha Pure versus REC Alpha Pure R

Here’s a video we don’t find ourselves having to make too often, putting two panels against each other from the same manufacture.
But REC has managed to release a new module, the Alpha Pure-R, that has sparked our customers interest and while I did do a pre-announcement video on it a few months back, I never followed up. So, in today’s video we’re going to look at what REC improved with the Alpha Pure-R over their already great Alpha Pure module, if anything.
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[@solartimeusa]

Hi Dale! Thanks for a great review! So right on point with limited inverter compatibility. I have both in stock and those who really want Pure R need to do it with SMA + Tigo. If someone wants Enphase, we have to use Alpha Pure. Makes it a bit tougher for us installers for sure, since we have to keep both in stock.

[@dalerolph]

I’m going to forward your contact information the EP Cube, because they have a great hybrid solution I think you’ll really appreciate over the SMA inverter.

[@AE-jw7sc]

This...This is exactly why I went alpha pure over pure-r. I wanted the iq8's and the pure-r are not compatible. the fact that I can get solar back up without a battery was worth the extra $1500, and you just solidified it with the "will they ever make a compatible 8 series for it" argument.

[@dalerolph]

Enphase did start production again on the IQ7X to support the Pure-R though its in small quantities, still no word on an IQ8X. In my opinion having a specialty panel like the Pure-R makes servicing difficult long term. You made a good choice with the Pure.

[@ScoobyFermentation]

IQ8X is here

[@Jamby7]

What about setting up a system with Tesla Powerwall 3 & skipping the microinverters/power optimizers all together? Would the Alpha Pure or Alpha Pure R be better suited for a complex roof with limited space?

[@dalerolph]

Yes! And we’ve already started offering the Pure-R to customers opting for the Powerwall 3

[@AngelicSiddy-rb2ni]

If installing a system today should I go with Pure 2, Pure-R, or Pure-RX?

[@dalerolph]

When choosing solar modules, it’s important to think about how well they’ll work with your inverter and home system. The Pure-2 module is a reliable option because it’s compatible with most devices out there. On the other hand, the R and RX models might need specialized equipment, which could be tricky if the industry doesn’t fully embrace the technology. I’ve seen this happen before with SunPower’s positively ground modules-when their inverters failed, it was tough to find replacements, leaving a lot of people frustrated. That’s why it’s good to keep compatibility in mind for the long run.

[@AngelicSiddy-rb2ni]

@@dalerolph Thanks a lot!

[@lifejourney8704]

Can you let me your opinion on rec alpha vs vsun?

[@dalerolph]

REC is a Lexus and vSun is a Toyota Corolla? They're both good, but one is a premium product. Something I always go straight to compare is the rate of warrantied degradation and REC is 0.25% per year whereas vSun is 0.45% per year. the lower the rate of degradation the more power you retain over the years, REC is 92% at year 25, and vSun is ~85%? They don't actually say what it'll be at the end of the performance warranty period but the chart shows it below 90%.

[@adamliberman6767]

Hi Dale, I love your videos, but the sound is really poor on your last two -- it's dull sounding and has a lot of room echo. The video also looks a little less sharp. Whatever equipment you were using in your previous videos is much better! Also, the white on bright red charts in this one are very hard to read. Otherwise, I really like the content and look forward to new ones! Thanks.

[@busterrbunny6102]

I just received a quote from a local installer for REC410AA Pure-R modules with Enphase IQ8H-240-72-2-US inverters. Per your comments in the vid, the module and inverter are not compatible, right?

[@dalerolph]

Yes, that is correct and you can verify this using Enphase’s microinverter compatibility tool: enphase.com/installers/microinverters/calculator Note: the REC 410 Pure R is under just REC and the Alpha Pure is under REC Solar.

[@busterrbunny6102]

@@dalerolph The IQ8H-240 appears to be compatible based on the link given. Along with the following others: IQ8+, IQ8M, IQ8A, IQ8H-208, IQ8P-3P, IQ8H-3P, IQ7+, and IQ7X If I enter a lower temp (somewhere below) 28F, then the compatibility reduces to the following: IQ8P-3P, IQ8H-3P, and IQ7X I think I'll be ok with the IQ8H-240 since average cold temps hover closer to the 40F range. Am I missing something?

[@busterrbunny6102]

@@dalerolph and thank you for the attention. I really appreciate it. 🙂

[@dalerolph]

Everyone’s region is different and as we mentioned in the videos temperature is the contributing factor. For our region there are no compatible micro inverters and those ending with 3P are unreleased so don’t really help with the current situation. As for the 7X that’s technically discontinued but if you really wanted the Alpha Pure R those would be the only option.

[@busterrbunny6102]

@@dalerolph Hi Dale. Sure enough...after some more "nudging" Enphase confirmed with my installer about the incompatibility for the Pure-Rs in my area, so I'm going with the Pure modules instead. ;-) hi5

[@avinashyadlapati8952]

Hi my installer gave a suggestion with Alpha Pure-R with enphase IQ8P-39 or IQ8H-3P. is it compatible ??

[@jeffa7173]

I think it would just start clipping...basically the micro inverters would only allow your system to produce the energy that they are rated for.....any excess would be lost....what they call clipping.

[@michaeljmctifue]

Are the alpha pure rs compatable with a tesl+

[@dalerolph]

Depends on the optimizer being used. I know the Tesla RSD optimizer supports up-to 3 panels depending on voltage and amps. You may have some extra cost as the voltage may only allow two panels per Tesla RSD optimizer.

[@csf1757]

Pedantry alert . .. "then" refers to time "than" refers to a comparison