Is this pv system price any good

Martyn1981

rogerblack wrote: »

What do these do, that a peak power tracking inverter cannot?
They sound at best questionable.

Hiya Roger, just what James said. Plus they allow for variability in an 'odd' situation, as you could install different panel types across differing orientations and pitches, with the 'dum' inverter being sent the best from each panel.

In the case of my WNW system, which is not an ideal place to start, there is also a low bay roof, and a high chimney to the south of the panels. One time in [STRIKE]band camp[/STRIKE] August, as the sun was moving through south into SW, the panel nearest the chimney was in shade and generating 20W, but the other 7 were all running at about 170W +/- 5W.

Youtube SolarEdge for a 3 part demo. It also claims to benefit from maximising each panel since even within a batch they won't be identical.

So, in short, they can make a bad location better, but not perfect. SolarEdge would probably argue that they make a perfect location better, but things like SMA OptiTrak Global peak might be just as good.

Mart.

dc3

Hi Martyn

Thanks for the reply. My mistake, they offer the microinverters if there are shading problems but generally install an AKO platinum 3800 TLD inverter with the noble panels at £5400. Our house is not shaded and the roof they plan to install on is on the west side.

The quotes were from 2 different companies. In the end we might go for the cheaper quote as we are not sure if the more expensive suntellite panels and inverter at £6500 will make a huge difference over the course of 20 years.

Martyn1981

dc3 wrote: »

Hi Martyn

Thanks for the reply. My mistake, they offer the microinverters if there are shading problems but generally install an AKO platinum 3800 TLD inverter with the noble panels at £5400. Our house is not shaded and the roof they plan to install on is on the west side.

The quotes were from 2 different companies. In the end we might go for the cheaper quote as we are not sure if the more expensive suntellite panels and inverter at £6500 will make a huge difference over the course of 20 years.

Morning. Right, I'm going to risk making a complete fool of myself, but here goes.

Not an electrician nor an electrical engineer, just enjoy reading and learning the tech stuff. So way, way out of my comfort zone here and hoping Roger, Zeup, anyone can advise on this. Tech sheets of panels & inverter:

http://www.noblesolarindustries.com/pdf/Monocrystalline/NSI-250-96-M.pdf

http://www.solarshop-europe.net/solar-components/inverters/diehl-ako_platinum-3800-tld_m_458.html

If I'm reading this right, then the voltage of the panels is pretty high at 49V (whereas many are closer to 30V), and 16 of them could exceed the MPP range of the inverter (784V v's 710V).

The inverter is a single tracker, and there is no mention of whether or not it can take two strings, thus halving the voltage.

I'm sure the installer knows what they are doing, and that inverter has a very high efficiency rating, so it's almost certainly my lack of technical ability that is the problem. But at the very least, why not just ask the installer, "this bloke on a forum, who's clearly out of his depth said ....". just for peace of mind.

Or ask how much more for a SB3600TL with 2MPPTs instead, probably only a few hundred pounds at most.

Just to repeat, I'm sure it's fine, and the problem is my lack of knowledge, but happy to make a fool of myself on here today, just to eliminate that small doubt. Plus if I'm wrong, hopefully we'll all get a quick lesson on the subject from someone, anyone please?

Edit: Regarding choice of packages. Diehl appear to be a quality company, and panel performance over 20 years is a complete guess, so there may be no difference in performance between those two systems (and quotes) other than the extra expense.

Mart.

PS Cracking deal!

dc3

Hi Mart

Yes we think it's a good deal too. Some houses around the area has had panels installed by them already for the last 6 months and they've been quite happy with the job they've done. So we've bit the bullet and signed up ourselves for the 4kw package.

Hopefully it all goes well!
Thanks for your advice.

Martyn1981

dc3 wrote: »

Hi Mart

Yes we think it's a good deal too. Some houses around the area has had panels installed by them already for the last 6 months and they've been quite happy with the job they've done. So we've bit the bullet and signed up ourselves for the 4kw package.

Hopefully it all goes well!
Thanks for your advice.

Hiya dc3, I'm sure it'll all go well, and you'll be playing soon. Slap some numbers on the generation thread.

Last December I was very optimistic about PV and stated that I reckoned prices would get down to £5k within 5 years, and below £8k by the end of the summer (2012). So it's fascinating to read several people getting deals in the mid £5k region already - shows what little I know!

All the best.

Mart.

uklad_2

I have signed up for my deal waiting for an install date now

uklad_2

System in working, well sort of suppose this is the worst week in the year for solar radiation, cracking job done can i mention company names on here ?