Solar Panels and Inverter Types

[JACK F]

Looking at putting up two 50 KW systems on our grain store. Wondered if anyone has any views on Axitec panels or SMA Tripower inverters.
Installers says Inverters have 7-12yr life (5yr warranty). Are there any other makes people would recommend.

 

[Daniel]

We have Hyundai panels and SMA inverters, The inverters have been fine so far (7 months) but then i assume they all do the same job until they break?

One thing to check is the capacity of your transformer, ours was too old/small to cope and caused voltage spikes on sunny days which kept shutting an inverter down, fortunately we had factored the potential £10k (I know, rip off) cost into the original budget as UK Powernetworks had said the existing one wouldn't manage peak export, if we had our grain dryer or pressure washer running it reduced the export enough to avoid the spikes.

 

[JACK F]

Thanks Daniel, very good point about transformer. Fortunately ours is ok. Hoping for not too many suprise costs although we do have some leeway on its viability. If all goes to plan returns do look good. Spending around £2000 per month on elec at moment so should use high % on site. Imagine will export a fair bit at weekends though when industrial units are quieter.

 

[Daniel]

Goodness, with that usage solar should be a complete no brainer!

 

[newholland]

We have SMA inverters. One has just failed after 12 months of use and been replaced under warrenty. Installer has started using a different make due to the huge problems with SMA. Becarefull.

 

[JACK F]

Any idea what make they are now using. Even if things are replaced under warranty there is still the hassle factor of sorting replacement out and lost revenue when the system is not working.

 

[Chickcatcher]

. Spending around £2000 per month on elec at moment so should use high % on site. Imagine will export a fair bit at weekends though when industrial units are quieter.

Morning Jack, I am sure you are up to speed but some experence from elswhere Industrial units using lots of electricity is only benificial to you if you are sub metering them from "one" meter supply per solar array. Chick

 

[JACK F]

Yes that is what we do. We have two main supplies to the farm so two main meters. Each will have there own separate 50 KW solar system under two separate companies we run to keep to the higher fit rate. Each of the industrial let buildings then has sub meters so we pay their electricity initially and then invoice each tenant on their personal usage.
If we go ahead could all happen very quickly as given a slot to have both systems installed by mid march. Known the chap who is doing the job for years and already installed systems for several people I know who seem very happy.

 

[Chickcatcher]

What is the Going price of 50kw systems at this time then Jack.

 

[Honest john]

SMA are reputed to be the best and cost more than some others. We have SMA no issues but only one year to date.

 

[JACK F]

As a guide people seem to be around the 55k for 50KW. Working out at £49K per system if we have two side by side.

 

[Chris Sowerbutts]

SMA Inverters are widely recognised (globally) as 'the best' but they are more expensive than others. There are others with a very good reputation such as Fronius (Austrian) and SolarMax (Swiss). Most manufacturers do offer a 25 year guarantee but this is usually about 90% of the cost of the inverter as they do indeed expect certain components to fail.

As the inverter is the weakest link in a PV array, it is certainly worth paying a little more for a Tier 1 product. Axitec is not one of the well-known manufacturers, which does not necessarily mean they are not so good but it is important to consider whether they will still exist in 7 - 12 years time when the inverter needs replacing

 

[mikelaluz]

Hi Jack

May be to late to help Axitec are a German company however some panel models are made in Europe and some in Asia. There are Axi Power Panels and Axi Premium and the output of the premium is significantly better. If you are getting a 250w panel you can be assured it's an Axi Premium as there is no 250w model in the Axi Power range. But generally a good performing panel and they also have a black option for aesthetics.

Inverters are the weakest link - If you are in a dusty environment (grain farms maybe) may be worth having the inverters on the outside of the buiding but ensure they are IP65 certificated which warrants against water and dust ingress.

In terms of costing you can get £900 - £950 per KW installed for a straightforward 50 KWp system

Regards

Mike

 

[Andrew K]

Hi Jack

May be to late to help Axitec are a German company however some panel models are made in Europe and some in Asia. There are Axi Power Panels and Axi Premium and the output of the premium is significantly better. If you are getting a 250w panel you can be assured it's an Axi Premium as there is no 250w model in the Axi Power range. But generally a good performing panel and they also have a black option for aesthetics.

Inverters are the weakest link - If you are in a dusty environment (grain farms maybe) may be worth having the inverters on the outside of the buiding but ensure they are IP65 certificated which warrants against water and dust ingress.

In terms of costing you can get £900 - £950 per KW installed for a straightforward 50 KWp system

Regards

Mike

Just put in a 50KW system, but was warned off SMa inverters by installers who have to replace 160 faulty models supplied to them.
We opted for Danfoss in the end.Fronius dear to replace.
Went for outdoor mounting to keep them cleaner and cooler for longer life expectancy.

 

[davidwilson]

One of the most important components of any solar unit is the solar power inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) that photovoltaic solar cells produce into alternating current (AC)