Thanks for sharing this information with us here. i want to build my 500 watt solar panel for home usage, what do you think how much it can cost me.
Hello Steve, there is a mountain of information on the internete on how to build a panel. I would do some research on that first. Getting cell prices, framing and encapsulation ideas. I would also look around to buy them already made as they are getting very cheap to buy. You may find that buying them already made may be alot cheaeper in the long run. Also consider a 20-25 yr warranty that comes with them when you buy them right out of the box. I hope this helps
Talk to Minnesota about them. I have seen Youtube videos of them burning up. He has been using them for awhile and probable could give better info on them. I have found them on aliexpress, amazon and ebay.
Hey guys, I have not been on in a while. I have moved over to solar from wind due to not enough wind (wind generator and tower for sale in Md.). I have 4-235w panels on a dual axis tracker and running 2-600watt GTI (sun-600g 22-60v). The panels are 37v oc and about 30.7v while the inverters are running. They total 935 but the most I am getting out is 425-475 in full sun. When I first got the panels I hooked one up for a few minutes and got 200-235 watts out of the GTI. Here are my question, 1) has anyone tested to see the output of low vs. high voltage? say running the GTI at 24v then at 55v to see the efficiency of it. 2) If so how can I run 2 panels on series but clamp the voltage to under 60v? PS not feeling well hope this makes sense.
Hi Minnesota, Was just looking at the Enphase M190 installation and data sheets see that the output requires split-phase 240VAC (or 208 three-phase). It's interesting that these inverters are mounted right at the panel(s); this does all make sense, however, to keep resistance down and get the best harvest from a 60 or 72 cell PV module. Kind of liked the "plug into any outlet" Enphase system monitoring too, seems to be a well thought out system.
You can buy Enphase M-190 for about 150 bucks now on ebay. Enphase IMO is the only way to go if you are doing grid tie solar. You can also use a home energy system like a TED 1100 to monitor the enphase rather then the EMU unit from enphase which is about $400 bucks is you so choose. All 's you need is a 220v 20 to 30 amp line in conduit to the panel area, from the main electrical box, a 220v shit off switch at the panel area, tie in your first inveter and you can plug and play for many years to come. Just the warranty alone beats all others out there right now not to mention they are UL approved. Juts my two cents
Has anyone had there Sun GTI "chatter"? One of mine (600W) start to do it above about 200watts. It sounds like a bunch of relays clicking on and off. Its output is about 30% less then the other one I have with the same input.
One possibly is that the microprocessor inside it "crashed" much like computers do from time to time. Try disconnecting it for 15 minutes and then reconnect it. This is worth a try as it might solve the problem.
Hi Larry, I noticed that Enphase is very specific about using only 60 or 72 cell PV panels and I'm wondering if they could be used with a hybrid panel (Amorphous Silicon Thin-film with Polycrystalline Silicon) These are 48V nominal output. (I'm sure I can just ask them). They do sound like the way to go for the serious Solar grid-tie.
Hey Dave, I only used what is spec. for them so please ask. For the money they are way worth it considering a China one is about 50 bucks less and it is a crap shot with them as well as they are not as efficiant . They do work good but FINALLY we have a usa maker that can compete. You said you have alot of trees well Enphase is the perfect solution for that considering a string configuration vs individual inverters. Usng the Sun G's for wind is great but for solar with $50 bucks more you one hell of an inverter. Like i said that extra $50 is worth the warranty alone. The new M-215'se go for about $200 and they have a different connection line. You have to buy a speicial trucnk cable with them unlike the M-190 so if you do get panels get like 205 or 210 using the M-190 if you can. If you would like please goto my web site( www.leamyelectricinc.com (click the solar/wind tab) i have a live system on there (24/7) using M-190 Enphase inverters and 235w Canadian panels. This will give you an idea of productivity. Ask Enphase if you buy from someone and they go away how their warranty is honored. If you buy from ebay there is no guarntee that seller will be there in the 15 yr warranty Enphase offers to back you up. Also consider that when you buy panels as well. Good luck with your system and just take it nice and slow.
Hey Leamy, I was just looking at the Enphase inverters on Ebay. I see that there are 208V and 240V versions. What one would we want for here in the states? I am not a big AC current guy and all I know is 220V which is right in the middle.
USA 240v-60 Hz is your choice, 208v version is for commercial USA applications. As far as i know Enpahse is ony for the USA due to the 60 Hz rating as well as UL however you may want to check me on if they offer a 50Hz. Enphase also offers the wiring diagrams on how to hook up the system weather it is one panel and inverter or 50. When you are using enphase you will not be using the plug in kW meters this is a staright grid tie system using CT's ( current transfomers) to meause your power or you can buy the EMU unit from Enphase (read up on Enphase for more details) This is far from a home brewed system so knowning the AC side is vey important, there is really no DC in this system other then the panel hooked to the inverter. I hope this helps.
Hi Larry, All great information, I'll be sure to look you up if I do go the Enphase route, the peace of mind regarding warranty as well as professional installation information is worth a great deal. It's also reassuring to know that you use these for your home. I have no doubt the Enphase inverters would be the most efficient and reliable grid-tie inverter available in this price range. I'm curious, I didn't see any information in the data sheets or installation instructions (at the Enphase website) regarding "Island Protection". Is island protection built-in to these inverters or is that taken care of elsewhere between the inverter and the Mains? The reason I am looking at the (Kaneka 110W) hybrid panels is that they are apparently designed to be more efficient in various sunlight conditions or partial shading (both conditions prevalent here) than Polycrystalline or Monocrystalline panels. I have found that amorphous (alone) panels seem to do quite well here (state of Washington) even though they are not nearly as efficient as mono panels in many other (mostly sunny) locations. I think the hybrid panels would do even better here. Just as the efficiency of the inverter is an important factor, so too is the efficiency (per given location) an important consideration. Would be great to be able to combine the two.
