newbie solar considerations

[glstrich6]

I currently have 2 low priced inverter options on my shortlist. Both have fairly low minimal voltage requirements allowing to start small and also offer some room for adding panels later.

SMA SB3.6-1AV.41, used from 2019 , 430€ (datasheet)
HUAWEI SUN2000-4KTL-L1, new, 590€ (datasheet)

SMA "feels" more reliable (purely subjective) and comes with a lower price tag. Huawei has lower start-up voltage (Huawei MPPT range 90-500V vs. SMA 130 - 500 V), comes as hybrid and... is new.

Which one would you pick?

 

[SeaGal]

Which one would you pick?

Out of those two, I'd pick SMA every time.

First of all SMA's a German rather than a Chinese company.

Secondly, SMA is a well established specialist solar / renewable technology company. Huawei are a hugh corp that makes lots of things like phones, telecoms, hi-fi, washing machines, fridge-freezers etc. as well as the odd solar inverter.

 

[glstrich6]

Thanks a lot for a quick response! Over night another option popped up: Victron Multiplus-II 48/3000/35-32 GX
From what I understand, it can be tied to the grid, has emergency power out of the box and can be rather easily extended for battery use in the future. This particular variant goes for 550€. Sounds almost too good to be true. Am I missing something here?

 

[SeaGal]

Am I missing somthing here?

There are a lot of Victron experts on here, so hopefully they can chip in. I think that product is just and inverter and charger and you would need a separate MPPT charge controller to connect your PV panels.

Victron products are very good though!

 

[Hedges]

I'm sure you already know my answer

But yeah, Victron could be very good too.

"Grid parallel topology with MPPT solar charge controller The MultiPlus-II will use data from the external AC current sensor (must be ordered separately) or power meter to optimise self-consumption and, if required, to prevent grid feed. In case of a power outage, the MultiPlus-II will continue to supply the critical loads "

"Grid in-line topology with PV inverter PV power is directly converted to AC. The MultiPlus-II will use excess PV power to charge the batteries or to feed power back into the grid, and will discharge the battery or use power from the grid to supplement a shortage of PV power. In case of a power outage, the MultiPlus-II will disconnect the grid and continue to supply the loads. "

So this model is grid-interactive; it syncs to grid and supplements grid power or backfeeds as desired.

Having battery backup together with PV is very nice. I've done that with SMA, but $$$.

 

[glstrich6]

I'm sure you already know my answer

But yeah, Victron could be very good too.

"Grid parallel topology with MPPT solar charge controller The MultiPlus-II will use data from the external AC current sensor (must be ordered separately) or power meter to optimise self-consumption and, if required, to prevent grid feed. In case of a power outage, the MultiPlus-II will continue to supply the critical loads "

"Grid in-line topology with PV inverter PV power is directly converted to AC. The MultiPlus-II will use excess PV power to charge the batteries or to feed power back into the grid, and will discharge the battery or use power from the grid to supplement a shortage of PV power. In case of a power outage, the MultiPlus-II will disconnect the grid and continue to supply the loads. "

So this model is grid-interactive; it syncs to grid and supplements grid power or backfeeds as desired.

Having battery backup together with PV is very nice. I've done that with SMA, but $$$.

Thanks Hedges. Agree, the capabilities of Victron are impressive. The principal question is however, which (if any) other modules I will need, to get to my initial setup. This is a grid tied inverter with solar panels, no battery. Can the panels be attached directly to the MultiPlus or does any additional module need to go between?

 

[Hedges]

I think that product is just and inverter and charger and you would need a separate MPPT charge controller to connect your PV panels.

as SeaGal said.

I think the MultiPlus requires a battery as well.

 

[glstrich6]

Order SMA SB3.6-1AV.41, waiting for it to arrive. Thanks all for the great support to this point.
Now to the panels. Planning to get 4 panels and currently looking at following options:
1. DMEGC 460W
2. Greenice 500W
At this point my choice is driven by Wp and price only. What else should I consider and what do you think about these specific options?
Thanks!
-

 

[Hedges]

Quality and durability. (which can depend on your environment.) They ain't all the same.

Is there a reliable resource to compare panel makes/models

Well that sounds like a heck of a deal! Glad you placed your order and can't wait to see how it all works. That is a very good price, and I should not be surprised but that confirms they get a great deal when they upgrade. I wonder if they went with Trina on the replacement units? Any idea?

diysolarforum.com

 

[glstrich6]

Quality and durability. (which can depend on your environment.) They ain't all the same.

Is there a reliable resource to compare panel makes/models

Well that sounds like a heck of a deal! Glad you placed your order and can't wait to see how it all works. That is a very good price, and I should not be surprised but that confirms they get a great deal when they upgrade. I wonder if they went with Trina on the replacement units? Any idea?

diysolarforum.com

Helpful list. I found a good deal for JKM545M-72HL4-V which is only slightly different to the top performer JKMxxxM-72HL4-TV. The only difference in the datasheets appears to be maximum series fuse rating 25A(V) vs. 30A(TV). Is it fair to expect similar quality & durability from either?

I am planning to get 6 of those. Would appreciate a quick confirmation, if they will tie well with the 3.6kW SMA inverter.
Thanks!

 

[Hedges]

Inverter data sheet says MPPT voltage range 130 V to 500 V
Panels are about 40Vmp, 6 in series would be 240V.

Looks like that should be fine. Current also fits within specs.

5500W max recommended array. I think you could use up to 10 panels in series. Looks to me like Voc would still be OK. Even with cold weather adjustment.

How much are the panels and inverters over there?
We've been seeing pallets of panels being liquidated between $0.20 and $0.30/W.
Sunny Boy inverters had a street price around $0.25/W. Now waiting for new model.

 

[glstrich6]

These panels are 0.23 USD/W. Got the inverter used for 0.12USD/W.

Sobering to see mounts at half the price of the panels or more

 

[Hedges]

You're well on your way to a $0.50/W system.
We've read of cheap pipe from oil drillers in Texas. Maybe you can find something surplus/used and DIY on the cheap.
Through eBay I've bought Unirac parts at a discount. Purpose-made hardware is convenient and secure.