Inverters

HI (Disclaimer - My knowledge on solar still classify me as a Novice) I would appreciate opinions on the benefits of Micro Inverters (eg Enphase) and Power optimisers (eg SolarEdge) What I could get from some desktop research seems to indicate Power Optimisers could be a value add overtime even though initial cost increases My basic understanding is that an inverter has three functions - MPPT, Converting DC to DC on a fixed voltage and Converting DC to AC. All of these doesn't need to be in the same "box", what SolarEdge do is to take MPPT and DC to DC to an individual panel level and then leaves their inverter with only the DC to AC function. The ben…

Hi Im a novice in the field of renewable energy, but I think it is fast becoming a very interesting hobby for me... (partly forced on me by SA's power supply situation and partly because it is the right thing to do) I tried to do as much "desktop research" as possible and decided to use VE's Quattro as a charger/inverter I stumbled on a great deal and decided to go ahead and purchase it so long. At the same time I started monitoring my existing consumption via efergy's hub... (and here is my blond moment...) - I have a three phase power connection! My understanding is that I now have a couple of options: 1. Buy two more Quattros - (expensive option) 2. Convert my t…

Hi All, I'm new to the forum and slowly learning of the benefits of solar in our modern day South Africa. I've been busy with a home project already, building my own panels (2 so far) and testing them on some old batteries in different configurations with the charge controller. Very recently I came across micro inverters and have been doing some research on them. Unfortunately they seem to be higher priced in total than just buying a big inverter (3KV or 5KV). Currently my project has come to a stop as I don't have an inverter. I've been scouting out two so far, both mentioned in another post, but which one do I go for? The two are the infini 3000W and the…

Hi Guys How does one go about connecting a grid tie inverter? Where in your DB do you wire it? With Regards to Earth , etc. Thanks

Hey, does anyone know if i connected the Victron serial cable and monitor software to it would it communicate? would love to get my data automatically into excel instead of readings every day!

Hi Guys I have a question. The big guys like Vodacom or Factories who Solar their entire roofs. I am trying to understand this: My understanding of Grid Tie inverters is that if the Eskom grid to fail, the Inverter would shut down and not be able to harvest the power from the solar. (Offsetting the Grid). Does this mean that the factories that have their roofs lined with Solar Panels are not able to use their solar power if the main eskom shuts down? If they can, how does the inverter supply and distribute the power with absence of grid or generator? Maybe Giant Electronically controlled capacitors? I am a bit clueless. Thanks Guys Leaves

How do you rate the Microcare 10 kw 48 Volt inverter http://www.microcare.co.za/products/inverters5/10kw-48v-pure-sine-wave.html

In any solar installation, your Invertor might be the single most important part. Invertor is the device that will convert your DC solar and/or battery power to 230V AC so you can use normal AC devices. There is 3 types of invertor outputs: Square wave, Modified wave and Sine wave. Square wave is the cheapest to buy, but due to the output waveform, can cause loads of noise in your 230V AC devices and some of them can even overheat, like motors. Ideal for mobile solutions like in your car. Modified wave is similar to square wave, but they might have more steps, normally 4 or so, to create an output wave more similar to sine wave. Ideal for lights and equip…