DIY solar array 12.5 kw

stevehull · 05-09-15, 04:47 PM

Rob,

I agree that low frequency AC and DC follow the same IR losses. I am comparing something like a "Sunnyboy" (centrally located string inverter), located many feet from the panels where you have a lot of potential loss due to high current DC on the long input lines. High current means fat copper wires ($$). The shorter the distance between the DC source and the inverter makes this loss minimal. The inverter boosts the voltage up to 240 V AC so now the resultant AC current is much less and a far smaller copper wire can handle the total power with virtually no losses. The Enphase are directly under each panel and your Solar edge inverters are just a few feet longer out. Both have minimal high current low voltage DC losses. Not so true with a Sunnyboy . . . . or other centrally located inverter.

I am still on the fence on getting M215s vs M250s. I read on other blogs how some are using 280 watt panels with M215s and getting 250 watts out. Read the attached.

Power One v. Enphase Microinverters - Page 2

Steve

05-09-15, 04:47 PM	#11
stevehull Steve Hull Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: hilly, tree covered Arcadia, OK USA Posts: 826 Thanks: 241 Thanked 165 Times in 123 Posts	Rob, I agree that low frequency AC and DC follow the same IR losses. I am comparing something like a "Sunnyboy" (centrally located string inverter), located many feet from the panels where you have a lot of potential loss due to high current DC on the long input lines. High current means fat copper wires ($$). The shorter the distance between the DC source and the inverter makes this loss minimal. The inverter boosts the voltage up to 240 V AC so now the resultant AC current is much less and a far smaller copper wire can handle the total power with virtually no losses. The Enphase are directly under each panel and your Solar edge inverters are just a few feet longer out. Both have minimal high current low voltage DC losses. Not so true with a Sunnyboy . . . . or other centrally located inverter. I am still on the fence on getting M215s vs M250s. I read on other blogs how some are using 280 watt panels with M215s and getting 250 watts out. Read the attached. Power One v. Enphase Microinverters - Page 2 Steve __________________ consulting on geothermal heating/cooling & rational energy use since 1990