First quote

theboylard

I've got the SE3500.
It is capped at 3.68/16A, same as the SE4000 will be.

The limitation will be how often you run at full peak and if you lose anything over the top of that peak? Looking at my stats, and based on the SolarEdge Site Designer, then the 3500 was the recommended option for me last year and I don't think I've lost much since January?

On the contrary, since I had SolarEdge retro fitted, my generation has massively increased, but that is becasue of the shade management, which my original installers insisted wouldn't be a problem even though I specifically asked that question.

ely_ellis

I can understand this early on late off from the slightly lower inverter capacity but surely the big difference here is that the optimisers are doing the tracking (not the inverter), therefore the turning on and off point would be the same regardless of the inverter. (correct me if I am wrong please).
In which case, the generation will be limited by the maximum the inverter will allow (not the minimum turn on/off level).
I understood that the SE3500 would be capped at 3500kw, not at 3680kw as with the SE4000 UK model.
The other aspect is that of ware/tear, surely a 4000 unit operating below its limit is going to last longer than a 3500 hitting its maximum and holding there for a good part of the day.
On the optimiser side, one quote is for the OP300 the other is for the P300, I understand the P300 is a later model but anyone know what the difference is. Specs on both appear to be the same!
The best quote company with the SE3500 will supply it with the SE4000 UK (my choice) for without an increase in quote.

tunnel

Can't say I'm 100% sure whether the PO's or the inverter start the kick in/ shut off.
I will say that in all the time I've had panels that once you're in direct full sun that the maximum generation drops very quickly. I've seen my SSW(2.04kWp) run at around 1.4/1.5kW in constant direct sun at peak times of the year and only very rarely hit its max generation(momentarily)


If there was going to be a difference in generation between the different size inverters I think it'd be negligible. Speak to the installers about the first point and get a better understanding.

ely_ellis

Well, it looks like I am going with the lower quote. They have confirmed that they can fit the system on Tuesday which will get me in for the June FIT, potentially making the install the equivalent of £400 cheaper (over 25 years).
I have opted for the iBoost too at an additional £300 (This I believe to be a very competitive price as they are about £260 retail).

I still have to decide on which inverter to have, they will fit either the SE4000 16amp or the SE3500 with no difference in cost to me, but obviously I have until Monday to make my mind up which one to have.

So, still interested in which inverter.

Theboylard above, you say your SE3500 is capped at 3.68 16A same as the SE4000. Are you sure on that please?

ely_ellis

Ahhhhhhh!
After accepting the first quote with the iBoost I have now received a further revised quote from the other company that beats that one.
To further complicate things I have also received a quote from the company mentioned by Michaels above and they have come up with £5200 for the Upsolar panels with built-in Solaredge optimisers.
Talk about last minute confusion!

tunnel

ely_ellis wrote: »

Well, it looks like I am going with the lower quote. They have confirmed that they can fit the system on Tuesday which will get me in for the June FIT, potentially making the install the equivalent of £400 cheaper (over 25 years).

Make sure you can email your application in to your FiTs provider(same day), it's all well and good having the install before the deadline but if they don't receive your application on time you won't get the higher rate, irrespective of install or commissioning date , which could mean you get the July rate after all.

theboylard

Just moving the car to a car park, will comment in a few...!

Ok, walking back to hotel now!!

Yes, inverter is "limited" to 3680w, in the display panel on the inverter it actually says it's max is 3700w.

ely_ellis

Change of plan....
But this is final now.
After accepting the quote above, I then had a re-quote from the other installer and yet another from the other company, all now beating the original quote.
For comparison, I then asked for a quote on the same system which still came out much cheaper than the original.
All confusing I know.
Anyway, one of the companies has been on and off the phone to me this evening doing his absolute up-most to bring the quote down and I am happy to say the he has a deal.
I just had the worry of cancelling the other quote but just as I was typing it they telephoned me. I explained the situation (it was them that insisted I try to get it cheaper). I have apologised for the sudden change.
At the end of the day, they seemed to be a good company and if they weren't pipped at the post, then they would have got the deal.
If anyone is interested I will post the companies and final quotes later. For now, my head is spinning and I need a break.
Thanks all.

ely_ellis

So, no one interested then.

Anyway, nice shiny new installation up and running.
Got just over 2kw between 5pm and 9pm this evening, that was with the sun behind the house and then progressively cloudier.
I suppose not bad for a start.
Have a few questions but will post them in new threads.
Final install, 16 x 8.33 panels, 16 x Solaredge P300 optimisers, SE4000 (16Amp) inverter, iBoost, all bells and whistles, installed, running, paperwork done etc, £5,650.
CTS Renewals, excellent job!
Cheers

Martyn1981

ely_ellis wrote: »

So, no one interested then.

Anyway, nice shiny new installation up and running.
Got just over 2kw between 5pm and 9pm this evening, that was with the sun behind the house and then progressively cloudier.
I suppose not bad for a start.
Have a few questions but will post them in new threads.
Final install, 16 x 8.33 panels, 16 x Solaredge P300 optimisers, SE4000 (16Amp) inverter, iBoost, all bells and whistles, installed, running, paperwork done etc, £5,650.
CTS Renewals, excellent job!
Cheers

Hiya. Perhaps not clear, but I thanked your post as a shortcut to show interest, and suspect the others did the same. So thanks for posting cost details.

Looks like a very good price, probably works out close to £5k if you strip out the iBoost and SolarEdge extras. Certainly looks like prices have edged down a bit this year, so long as folk take their time and shop around. Excellent news.

Mart.