Energy Matters Forums

[Moseremous]

Hello all, recently had eight panels connected with a pve2500 inverter, the idea being we may increase panel later. The installer has now (two months later) advised that:

"I have tried to make contact you as I would like to arrange to upgrade your inverter to an SMA. It has been identified that the Latronics Inverter along with the high performance panels that were installed may struggle in the summer heat, hence the reason we are upgrading clients at no extra cost."

My problem is they wish to "upgrade" me with an inverter that has max input of 1850w and max output of 1550w.
Am I imagining it or is this new inverter some 60% less in input/output capacity?
I live in Brisbane and wonder if anyone has been advised the pve2500 may struggle here?
Thanks all

[Gordon-Loomberah]

The operating temperature range is -10 - 50C... how often do you see 50C in Brisbane?

The PVE2500 has a low + high speed fan that comes on at preset temperatures.

I think you should phone Latronics and discuss it with them before considering the downgrade to a smaller unit. They are located in Qld, phone 1300 550 204

[Moseremous]

Thanks Gordon, thats what I thought. The Inverter is under our carport and temps here might get near 35 degrees twice a year at the most. I'll give them a call. Thanks for your reply.

[karlajensen]

strange indeed.
Why would he volunteer to cost himself time and money to swap it for a 1600TL from SMA?

would need to re-wire the array into single string vs your existing 2 strings of 4.

[Privatteer]

I'm wondering if the 8 panels are exceeding the maximum DC voltage.
Maximum DC Input Voltage 200 V according to the spec I just looked at compared to the SMA of 400v?

Perhaps had a few systems blow and is covering his ass?

[karlajensen]

would have popped in the first day with 8 panels.

[cws]

"I have tried to make contact you as I would like to arrange to upgrade your inverter to an SMA. It has been identified that the Latronics Inverter along with the high performance panels that were installed may struggle in the summer heat, hence the reason we are upgrading clients at no extra cost."

Sounds extremely suspect.

Would be good to know the exact panel type and the way they have been wired
Please quote the open circuit voltage and Short circuit current numbers as per the Shut down procedure label