Choosing an Inverter: Page 4 of 4

By: 
Lena Wilensky
Published In:
Issue #151, October / November 2012
Intermediate

Inside this Article

Aurora Power One grid-tied inverter
With maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for two separate series strings, the Aurora Power One grid-tied inverter can accommodate two subarrays with different orientations or nominal voltages.
Fronius IG+ 11.4
The Fronius IG+ 11.4 is one of the largest residential grid-tied inverters.
SMA America Sunny Boy 700
The SMA America Sunny Boy 700 is the smallest of the available grid-tied string inverters.
Advanced Energy’s PV Powered inverter
Advanced Energy’s PV Powered inverter has integrated AC and DC disconnects.
SMA America’s Sunny Beam remote monitor.
SMA America’s Sunny Beam remote monitor.
Kaco online monitoring screen capture.
Kaco offers online monitoring.
Enphase Microinverter
This microinverter from Enphase can send monitoring information to a smartphone.
SolarBridge Microinverter
This SolarBridge microinverter attaches to the back of a PV module.
Enecsys Microinverter
An Enecsys microinverter.
Exeltech AC Module
This Exeltech AC module has a microinverter permanently attached (as shown in the background photo; it is not available as a stand-alone inverter).
SMA America’s transformerless inverter.
SMA America’s transformerless inverter.
MagnaSine off-grid inverter.
Magnum Energy’s MagnaSine off-grid inverter.
Apollo Solar off-grid inverter.
Apollo Solar’s off-grid inverter.
Schneider Electric’s Xantrex XW battery-based inverter.
Schneider Electric’s Xantrex XW battery-based inverter.
OutBack Power’s off-grid inverter.
OutBack Power’s off-grid inverter.
Xantrex Monitor
A Xantrex monitor.
OutBack Power’s MATE3
OutBack Power’s MATE3 monitor.
Magnum Energy Monitor
A Magnum Energy monitor.
Aurora Power One grid-tied inverter
Fronius IG+ 11.4
SMA America Sunny Boy 700
Advanced Energy’s PV Powered inverter
SMA America’s Sunny Beam remote monitor.
Kaco online monitoring screen capture.
Enphase Microinverter
SolarBridge Microinverter
Enecsys Microinverter
Exeltech AC Module
SMA America’s transformerless inverter.
MagnaSine off-grid inverter.
Apollo Solar off-grid inverter.
Schneider Electric’s Xantrex XW battery-based inverter.
OutBack Power’s off-grid inverter.
Xantrex Monitor
OutBack Power’s MATE3
Magnum Energy Monitor
  • Intermediate

Many features and options of GTBB inverters are the same as for off-grid inverters—some GTBB inverters can be used as off-grid inverters. There will simply be some programming differences to let the inverter know whether it needs to interconnect with the grid.

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Lena Wilensky is co-owner of a small RE design and install business, Nunatak Alternative Energy Solutions, in Crested Butte, Colorado. She is a NABCEP-certified PV installer, IREC-certified affiliated master trainer, contract instructor for Solar Energy International, and mother.

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Comments (2)

ideas2014's picture
ideas2014

dear Lena
i have question may leads us to debate i hop any one with good understanding & experience in solar power can give me good productive answer ,,
we all know that the new interactive BB grid tie inverter has 2 AC input , one usually used for gird and the second one used for Diesel generator as standbye power supply ...in case no wind or no grid .
here i want suggest new option , which i hop we can share opinions and solutions ...
i want use the main AC input relaying on my solar power which generates 230 AC 10 KW and will use the other AC input for the grid ,,incase my solar power supply fails for any reason i can relay on the grid immediatly
thru this way i will avoid the losses from the power generation source from the solar power cells thru charge controler , charging batteries and then inverter ,,or even using DC from my solar to feed the battery

i think this model can work with outback power and SMA ..i wish to know this wrong , possible or not ,,,better or not

what or how u see guys this suggestion ? am i crazy or stupid ,,,thanx for sharing
thanx

3 years 7 months ago
Michael Welch's picture
Michael Welch

Hi Ideas2014. You have a lot of questions and unresolved issues in this installation you are considering. While our articles and authors can be quite informative, you will find much more satisfaction in finding a local experienced, reputable professional who you can work with directly.

3 years 6 months ago
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