Finally got a quote- is it good.

Martyn1981

bret_cooper wrote: »

Is the solar edge worth the extra money - performance and warranty wise.

im getting all confused with looking at different systems and what they do.

bret

Hiya Bret. Don't worry, you're doing fine. If you aren't sure, then you just keep learning and thinking till you're happy. Worst case, don't even worry about the April deadline, it's only a 3.5% cut, and you've already 'saved' 22% (£8,300 down to £6,500).

TBH, you're pretty much there, the REC package looks nice, and you can have a wonder and a ponder over inverters. Power One and SMA's have good reputations.

If you have any shading issues, then myself, Tunnel and others have found the SolarEdge systems to work really well, and minimise losses, and the extra cost isn't too much - but remember, more 'things' on the roof that could go wrong if scaffolding is needed for access.

Nearly there, closer than you probably realise.

Mart.

bret_cooper

Thanks all for the advice, I didn't realise that there was so many different products out there and price variation. it certainly has been a steep learning curve. I think im there.


Thanks

Bret :beer:

tunnel

bret_cooper wrote: »

Thanks all for the advice, I didn't realise that there was so many different products out there and price variation. it certainly has been a steep learning curve. I think im there.


Thanks

Bret :beer:

Your lucky m8,


When I first installed there was no-one to advise or "hold my hand", I had to believe the installers and took them at their word. Its only since I've installed again and again that I've done my homework and sought advice on here. You'll do no wrong with the quotes your getting now, as Martyn says, its just a bit of tweeking and you'll be there. Do try to keep it under £7k though, even with a solaredge, it is do-able.


tunnel

travellerboy

Martyn1981 wrote: »

If you have any shading issues, then myself, Tunnel and others have found the SolarEdge systems to work really well, and minimise losses, and the extra cost isn't too much ...............

I read that you can retro-fit the Solar Edge Power optimisers as they are compatible to most single phase Inverters.
How easy is it to do, anyone done it ?

Martyn1981

travellerboy wrote: »

I read that you can retro-fit the Solar Edge Power optimisers as they are compatible to most single phase Inverters.
How easy is it to do, anyone done it ?

There isn't really that much work, but access will be needed.

I thought from the inverter thread that you hadn't had the install yet. If so then you'd be better off going for the SE inverter. Using the retail prices (before VAT) from Swithenbanks site, the comparative inverter costs (from some you've looked at) are:

SolarEdge 3.68kW £678
SMA SB4000TL-21 £875
Samil SR4000TL-D £583

But for the SMA and Samil you'd also need a SolarEdge safety and monitoring interface £280:

http://www.swithenbanks.co.uk/Solar_Photovoltaic_Equipment/1132017/Solar_Edge_Safety_And_Monitoring_Interface.html

Also, the SMA and Samil's have standard 5 year warranties, but the SE inverters have 12 year warranties.

BUT if you don't have shading, might not be worth bothering.

Mart.

travellerboy

Yes Martyn, planning to install sunpower E20 panels with the next couple of months, as I have to first replace a window directly above where the panels are to be installed. The quote includes a Samil 3680 Inverter which I have some concerns.
The roof in question is 15 degrees east of south and shading will occur after 6.30pm in the evening, not too sure if that will make too much difference.
Your comment to choose a SE Inverter from the start makes sense. The roof is very easily accessible as it a patio roof below the main house roof. Having the option to retrofit Power Optimisers seems ideal to me. I assume it is simply a matter of fitting one at each panel and retaining all the installed wiring as was, is it that easy ?

Martyn1981

Hiya TB. The PO's link to each other in a long string, so in series. The panels connect individually to their PO instead of in series to the panels either side of them. So I think it's relatively simple to install.

But, you can't fit a SolarEdge inverter without the PO's, as the inverter has no MPPT. Each PO has a MPPT in order to extract the maximum from each panel, rather than find a point 'they all agree on' which would be the lowest performing panel in a string.

So, really, if you want SolarEdge go for it (inverter and PO's) at the start. If you install a normal inverter, then you'll have to retrofit the PO's, meaning the panels will probably all have to be lifted off to get under each one, and you'll need the £280 interface.

As long as you don't plan on coming back and abusing me from May to July, I'd risk saying that shading losses after 6.30pm on a SSE roof would be pretty small.

Have a ponder about the package, SE kit has long warranties, and an excellent monitoring system, where you can go on-line and see how each panel is (and has that day) performing/ed. Efficiency is also high. Access is the crucial concern (but not in your case) if you have to change a PO at some point. However, an additional benefit, in the long term, means that if a panel fails, the rest will keep on motoring, and if you can't get an identical replacement panel, then other than any aesthetic issues, you'll be able to slap in any panel, as it won't have to match (powerwise) the others.

PO's cost about £40 each, so factor that in when comparing costs of inverters.

Back to the Samil's. I know you've got concerns about any fan noise from the 3680TL, but as you noted the 4000TL-D is fanless, operates at 3.68kW and is only about £40 more.

So expect the SE kit to come in around £500 more than the Samil, so you'll have to decide what the small efficiency gain, longer warranty and monitoring is worth. Headache time perhaps?

Mart.

Weakestlinks

Brett
Can I ask what you went for in the end - if anything.
I'm also in Kent (well down near Rye so strictly East Sussex) and also trying to find a good deal.
Did you find a good installer and are you happy with the solution you went for?
thanks