MICROINVERTERS
Designed To Conquer Shady Issues
SMA’s Sunny Boy microinverter features 96% CEC efficiency, simple installation, an innovative communications platform and is especially applicable for residential systems and rooftops with complex, shaded situations. High reliability is achieved with the Sunny Multigate-US, which allows for fewer components exposed to heat stress under the module and greatly improves communication reliability. Improved cabling eliminates the need for a trunk cable.
SMA America
www.sma-america.com
Andrew Ancel Gray says
Well, I am disappointed that no mention on which of these modules contain electrolytic capacitors. Enphase claims that electrolytics can last for over 20 years, but they depend on the capacitor manufacturer to encase the electrolyte (a liquid) in a capacitor case that will be subject to temperatures exceeding 140 F (60 C). Now do you believe that a liquid can exist in a metal “can” (with seams) at temperatures reaching 140 F for over 20 years? Yes, there is skepticism in your mind, just like in mine. And yes, the manufacturers that use electrolytics do offer a warranty, but that is like offering a warranty on house paint. Who really cares about the inverter (or the paint) itself? It is the pain of getting up on the roof, tearing out enough panels to get to the inverter that failed (yes, Murphy’s Law states that the one that failed is ALWAYS in the center of the array), getting the warranty paperwork done (yeah, they will require a solar company to come out, charge a diagnostic fee, & certify that the inverter failed), getting the new microinverter (if you have not already just said “frick it”, and bought a new, “probably not-compatible-with-the-old-ones” one), then re-installing it and re-installing all the panels you removed to access it, hoping not to have broken any (UV exposed) wires that are now probably obsolete and cannot be replaced. I am not yet ready to take the electrolytic capacitor plunge. I am disappointed that nothing was said here about this. Is this advertising or analysis? Come on, S.P. World, get with the program!
Andrew Ancel Gray
Dale Weber says
Andrew, I agree. After capacitor technology employed is the first thing we look at when evaluating module level electronics. (The next would be the daisy chain or trunk wire connector, because a connection that wiggles free is nearly as painful as a failed device)