Hi All,

I have searched the forum but can seem to find the answer to my question.

I am looking to build a new Solar install l for a new property and I am considering using micro inverters  as against normal inverters, specifically this one WVC-600 with the aim of maximizing the output from each panel, I ll be looking to install roughly 12 panels at least. I have heard micro inverters tend to last longer up to 20 years as against about 5+/- years for ordinary inverters.

 

So I intend to use backup batteries and the system will not be fed back into the grid, grid will be used when available but nothing going back to the grid. I understand how the setup for a standard inverter setup will work, just need to know how the wiring if a micro inverter is used will look like.

 

My questions are:-

 

1.) Can I have battery backup if using micro inverters

2.) Do I need a seperate Inverter to actually output the generated power either directly from the Solar panels or from the battery when consumed since the micor inverter will be placed on the roof next to the panels.

3.) Any idea what the setup will look like.

Delails of the inverter below, it accept 2x300W panels. 

cription   WVC-600 Solar Micro Inverter Pure Sine Wave Solar Power Inverter 180-260VAC Description: WVC-600 (Wireless Smart) adopts IP65 waterproof streamline design to prevent rainwater from eroding on the surface. Built-in high-performance maximum power point tracking function can better track changes in solar luminosity. And control different output power to effectively grab and collect sunlight. Power transmission adopts reverse AC power transmission technology, which is one of our patented technologies. The power output by the inverter can be preferentially used to provide load, and the endless power can be transmitted to the grid in the reverse direction, and the inverter is used efficiently. The power output, the power transmission rate can reach more than 99%. The communication adopts WIFI to communicate with the mobile phone to point wireless communication mode, and the intelligent monitoring system can collect real-time data of the inverter, and can control the power on/off/power adjustment function of the inverter. Features: - Directly scan QR code and connect with your mobile phone - High performance automatic power point tracking (MPPT) - Reverse power transmission - Intelligent monitoring and management - Input and output are completely isolated to ensure safe use of electricity - High reliability and multiple parallel stacking - Full digital control - Simplify maintenance work (user self-maintenance) - Low operating and maintenance costs - Flexible installation - Wireless communication mode Parameters: Physical Parameters: - Working Temperature: -40 to 60 - Dimensions: 283 x 200 x 41.6mm - N.W.: 1.63kg - Waterproof Level: IP65 - Cooling Way: Self-cooling - Communications Mode: 4G Wireless Communications - Electricity Transmission Mode: Reverse Transmission. Load is in priority - Monitor System: Free - Electromagnetic Compatibility: EN50081.part1, EN50082.part1 - Grid Disturbance: EN61000-3-2 Safety Regulation EN62109 - Grid Detection: DIN VDE 1026 UL1741 - Certificate: CEC, CE National Patent Technology Input Parameters: - Model Number: WVC-600 (Wireless)-230VAC - Maximum Input Power: 2x300W - Compatible Solar Panels: Power 2x300W, Open-circuit Voltage 36V-50VOC - Solar Panel Open-Circuit Voltage Range: 36-50VOC - Peak Power Tracking Voltage: 22-50V - Maximum/Minimum Starting Voltage: 22-50V - Maximum DC Short-circuit Current: 35A - Maximum Input Operating Current: 24A

3 hours ago, Dejavus said:

I have heard micro inverters tend to last longer up to 20 years as against about 5+/- years for ordinary inverters.

That's marketing drivel. It really depends on what you compare it to. If you compare it to a good grid-tie inverter like an SMA or a Fronius... no ways is that only going to last 5 years. Those things come with 12 year factory warranties (costs a little extra to extend it that far). Conversely, the micro-inverter lives in a very hostile environment (right below the hot PV module), so logically, all other things being equal and all,  I would expect the micro-inverter to fail earlier than the equivalent string inverter.

But... with that said... if you engineer it properly, they do work well. Enphase is (far as I can tell) the market leaders in this space, and they have only been around since 2006.

3 hours ago, Dejavus said:

1.) Can I have battery backup if using micro inverters

Not without using another battery inverter. Eg you can use a Victron Multiplus, and if you install it correctly the power from the microinverters will be used to charge the battery. Most micro-inverters can't be used if the grid is down, not even with a backup inverter such as the Multiplus, because they don't support frequency shifting. Again, the Fronius or the SMA works perfectly in such a setup.

3 hours ago, Dejavus said:

3.) Any idea what the setup will look like.

Watch the Victron ESS webinar, but where they show the Fronius, envision many little micro-inverters in its place. Micro-inverters cannot be installed on the output of a Multi because of the lack of frequency shifting support, as mentioned, but otherwise it's pretty similar.

6 hours ago, plonkster said:

Not without using another battery inverter. Eg you can use a Victron Multiplus, and if you install it correctly the power from the microinverters will be used to charge the battery. Most micro-inverters can't be used if the grid is down, not even with a backup inverter such as the Multiplus, because they don't support frequency shifting. Again, the Fronius or the SMA works perfectly in such a setup.

I understand that Hoymiles microinverters do respond to frequency shifting.

 

1 hour ago, phil.g00 said:

I understand that Hoymiles microinverters do respond to frequency shifting.

Aaah yes, you are right. I forgot about that particular one.

15 hours ago, plonkster said:

That's marketing drivel. It really depends on what you compare it to. If you compare it to a good grid-tie inverter like an SMA or a Fronius... no ways is that only going to last 5 years. Those things come with 12 year factory warranties (costs a little extra to extend it that far). Conversely, the micro-inverter lives in a very hostile environment (right below the hot PV module), so logically, all other things being equal and all, I would expect the micro-inverter to fail earlier than the equivalent string inverter.

But... with that said... if you engineer it properly, they do work well. Enphase is (far as I can tell) the market leaders in this space, and they have only been around since 2006.

Not without using another battery inverter. Eg you can use a Victron Multiplus, and if you install it correctly the power from the microinverters will be used to charge the battery. Most micro-inverters can't be used if the grid is down, not even with a backup inverter such as the Multiplus, because they don't support frequency shifting. Again, the Fronius or the SMA works perfectly in such a setup.

Watch the Victron ESS webinar, but where they show the Fronius, envision many little micro-inverters in its place. Micro-inverters cannot be installed on the output of a Multi because of the lack of frequency shifting support, as mentioned, but otherwise it's pretty similar.

Many Thanks for the detailed Post Plonkster, very good point about the micro inverters being on the roof. I ll have a watch of the webinar and rethink my options.

Many thanks.