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Ryan

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  1. Thanks
    The above can be done using a Victron Multiplus, but then you must use a grid tied inverter that supports frequency shifting, which will mean either a conventional string inverter (SMA, Fronius, ABB) or the Hoymiles microinverter.
    I have zero experience with Hoymiles btw.
    Please see the ESS webinar to find out how it all works. The PV inverter in that presentation will be made up of multiple micro-inverters in your proposed system.
  2. Thanks
    Both the SMA micro-inverters and the Hoymiles inverter is grid-tied, they go down when the grid goes down. Which is why I said you're comparing a scooter to a skateboard (or something like that)... they both kinda do the same thing... but also not 🙂
  3. Thanks
    @Ryan
    Hoymiles works brilliantly for your application.
    It's also NRS -2- 1:2017 certified.
    We have used it on multiple projects with Victron. Latest was +-25kW. It supports frequency shifting to throttle when the batteries/loads don't require so much PV power.
    It's also a lot cheaper than Enphase since there are multiple panels connected to one micro - either 2 or 4 panels.
    https://www.ellies.co.za/product-category/renewable-energy/inverters/micro-inverters/
     
  4. Thanks
    Could investigate the Enphase micro-inverters if that modularity is your goal, and then ac-couple a Victron Multi to frequency-shift them. Just a thought.
  5. Thanks
    fwiw, SMA replied to me on a youtube video and said the SMA micro-inverter does not support the frequency shift feature. So for many South Africans (whether Off-grid or not), they are not a very good solution as there is no way to prevent feeding into the grid, which is what many want/have to do.
    I can't remember if Enphase supports it. A few years ago when I checked they did not.
    Enphase has 60Hz as well as 50Hz models. Trouble is, I don't think it has NRS097-2-1 certification, so not sure about their use on our grid. Still, the Enphase is rather a nice product that's been around for a long time. Can't really fault them otherwise.
  6. Thanks
    Right, so reading your post I first had to go google to discover that SMA has made a new (to me at least) Micro Inverter. This is more in the league of the Enphase or PowerOne Aurora makes and far away from Victron (which is a central battery inverter). A more direct comparison would be micro inverter vs String inverter (both are grid tied, but with a string inverter you have one inverter downstairs fed by all the solar panels).
    So it is a bit difficult to say, because you're comparing bicycles with roller blades 🙂
    Whether they can work together, that I don't yet know. It depends if the SMA microinverters support frequency shifting to reduce power.
  7. Thanks
    Some possibly useful information in the comments section in the link below.
    https://www.smainverted.com/smas-highly-anticipated-micro-inverter-now-shipping/
    If the contents are is true, it seems the SMA micro-inverter is not designed to work in off-grid applications. Also, the max input power to each inverter is 250W, while it might be better value for money to opt for higher wattage panels.

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