solar edge vs other

[@matthewcumberland6877]

Solar edge has a serious inverter reliability problem. I work for a small solar contractor. We replace a substantial number of inverters every summer. Based on my experience I would point a potential customer to one of their competitors.

[@MartinMaat]

I have a SolarEdge system. Installed it myself. Big regret. Yields are poor, mainly because of failing optimizers. Gave me a lot of work over the years. Once two (optimizers) are out, the whole string does virtually nothing anymore, probably because the minimum voltage for the inverter is no longer met. Replacing optimizers is a drag. For one side of the roof I rearranged wiring so that optimizers are now fixed at ground level rather than under the panels so they are easier to replace. This helped a lot. Don't fall for the marketing fairy tail, losses due to shadow are exegerated as independent tests have found. Losses due to failing optimizers however are substantial. You don't climb onto the roof to replace a faulty optimizer, disassembling half of your panels to get under the failing one, the moment the first one fails. You wait until the next one fails to make it count, then for good weather and free time. In the meantime your panels just look cool. If you can find the right web form (customer service is absolutely useless) and give them the right serial number, they will send you a new optimizer but then the fun starts for you. Good luck. I've had about 7 or 8 optimizers fail on me in 7 years (out of 12 installed ones). My next system for another roof will be nice and simple, just panels, wires and an inverter at ground level.

[@victormanuel6485]

For STRING INVERTERS, Is not true if you have one of the panel with shade, because it depends of the panels, I.e. when you have shades on 1 pnanel, one of the 3 diodes of the panel swtiches to short circuit leavening the panel working at 66% at the rest of them can continue working 100%. Note: the new panels have 3 diodes to avoid the rest of the panels works 50% or less.

[@wildlifestationsbundanoon9689]

I recommend installing a budget system, no bells and whistles except for a wifi inverter with at least two string inputs. There's no point paying more for so-called "premium" equipment. As long as it's from tier one companies it's better to maximise your system size to make up for any apparent benefits from the other stuff the sales people try and sell. For example, if they say a certain panel is 8% more efficient but the cost increase is $1,000, just buy two more of the cheaper panels in a 5kW system instead for about $250. Much cheaper! Also, oversize the panel output to 25% more than the inverter's rating. This will give you better electricity production in the mornings and afternoons that will easily compensate for the occasional clipping at the peak generation times.:-)

[@mjeezyca]

maybe but customers are going to want what they want

[@brianhundley833]

Would you recommend that with a system that gets shaded? SE optimizers can significantly out perform a traditional string in partial shade. How about those that need more than two or three roof planes, would you suggest getting two string inverters with a 10-12 yr warranty you'll most likely have to replace one day? SE allows for flexibility in strings of different azimuths/pitches and is pretty cheap to extend the 12yr warranty to 20-25yrs. making it a cheaper solution in the long run. How about efficiency? The solaredge HD wave is 99% efficient while most traditional string inverters are 96% efficient in converting DC to AC. With a home that consumes 10,000 kWh that 2% is worth $50-70/year in CA, times that by 25 years and the inverter pays for itself in the extra generation alone. I wont agrue on the DC over sizing that for some may be a good choice but definitely depends on a lot of factors. As for the panel selection just like cars all solar panels aren't all made the same. Degradation and temperature coefficients are a factor. While I agree some of the top few panels are priced way high compared to their "benefits" they have their place. For instance, if I'm designing a system that with a 280W panel and have maxed out the south roof plane with 20 panels and then have place 5 more on north to get to 100% offset I may choose to run 330W panels on just the south to obtain the same production. I then can purchase a smaller inverter. Either way things are not a one size fits all, every home has an optimal solution. Strings definitely have their place in the solar world but its shifted to where they really only belong on large unshaded arrays.

[@munchingsquirrel5067]

@@brianhundley833 , SE sounds great and I've thought about getting one. However, the reported high rate of SE optimizer failure is worrying. It's not just the cost of the unit but all the labour of getting back up there. If SE disputes the replacement or your installer has disappeared then you could be left with a large bill.

[@guidedbygreen1480]

I don't want a single point of failure.. Ill stick with Microinverters thanks

[@nickizvik270]

Yes , It can be used in the Philippines It is used for commercial and residential solar application.

[@guidedbygreen1480]

Enphase IQ7!

[@jesse1441]

So whats the draw back to microinverters? There’s more components in the solar edge install. Is cost the only one?

[@guidedbygreen1480]

Pretty much lol. Microinverters are far superior by every model. They are becoming cheaper and cheaper. IQ8 grid agnostic baby!

[@lostn65]

do you have to drill a hole through the roof in order for the pipe to reach the inverter box? Will this lead to leaks in the roof?

[@Greensolartechnologies]

No you don't have to drill a hole. We can talk more if you'd like!

[@senjohncat]

Does Solaredje gives any compensation to homeowners ,when the system is out of order ,for the loosing profits?And how can somebody asks for these returnings?

[@guidedbygreen1480]

Nope. That's why you don't want a system with a. Single point of failure

[@Carnutzjoe]

So you don't do batteries? I was wondering if someone has panel or panel group monitors/chargers? And could such monitors/chargers parallel charge a battery pack. Then tie the battery's to a grid-tie inverter.

[@michelangelobuonarroti916]

Solar Edge recently bought a battery company. I forget which one. I think Korean.

[@yazidsaidi2156]

Franchement, a part changer les optimiseurs défectueux ou rarement des onduleurs, je confirme que depuis que je travaille dans le photovoltaïque (15 ans), je n'ai jamais fait autant de maintenance qu'avec des optimiseurs Solar-Edge ! Ils tombent en panne comme des mouches. L'idée de base est pourtant bonne. Mais la fiabilité pas du tout au point. Au fur et à mesure que j'installe leurs produits, je suis de plus en plus déçu au point de détester poser du Solar-Edge. A chaque fois que nous faisons une installation Solar Edge, nous savons que nous allons revenir pour changer des optis (100 % de chance). Qualité des produits pas au point. Visserie des capots onduleurs souvent défectueuses, compteur d'autoconso mal fini et mal conçu. Bref, je vous conseille de vous éloigner de Solar-Edge pour votre installation photovoltaïque.

[@kamalof09]

Single line diagram please

[@kennethkrauskopf1862]

Who do I call to set up my computer to view all the things that need to be with you tomorrow after my solar system. I left me high and dry! Who do I call?

[@kitkatzzxz]

hi can solar edge be used in philippines we have 240 but its not split as usa we have 240 on one leg no other leg but just ground. thank you please help i want to buy 5kw inverter.

[@TheScottEF]

Misspelling in the opening slide; automated voice; all bad.

[@norselhart3833]

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