Is this the right inverter?

[volans]

Can someone give some advice - please? I have just solar panels fitted 7 to a south south east facing roof, & 2 to an east south east roof. Initially I was informed that I would need 2 inverters or a split inverter. I have ended up with a Suntellite SL-TL 2800. I know very little about inverters but have a feeling that this one is wrong for the installation, but having read up on mpp tracking & strings I have concluded that I need twin tracking and/or strings, I can't work out if the inverter has this or not!

Pete

 

[SolarCity]

I've had a look at the datasheet for that inverter and it is difficult to understand. Not sure if it has two MPPTs or not.

Either way, 2 panels would not be enough to operate one of the MPPTs (unless you have a panel with a huge voltage!). I would say there is a strong possiblity that you are on one string - not a good idea on a system with two different orientations. Can you post a picture of your inverter?

 

[volans]

My computer froze while replying, so if you get this twice, apologies.
Here are 3 photos, one front & 2 side. Thanks.

 

[Eco Deal]

The amount of times I tell members of the public about dual MPPT's and low amount of solar panels on one MPPT is unreal.

the problem is many installer ill inform people on systems and they end up with the wrong inverter.

so those two panels on your roof you might as well put them in the bin!

you would of been better with solar edge system as I think two panels may be too small to start the smallest inverter on the market !!!

 

[Eco Deal]

its a single MPPT

http://greenplanetsolarenergy.co.uk/downloads/Suntellite_1.5-2.8Inverter.pdf

sorry to say so your system is designed wrong as the two panels on the east south east roof will drag your system down

 

[whinmoor]

I would say it's probably not the best inverter for this job. It looks pretty cheap though.

 

[Eco Deal]

I think I know whos selling this junk and he does actually wear a cowboy hot on his website!!

 

[whinmoor]

The issue now is: the installer has designed, quoted and installed a system which the customer agreed to. Probably this is a rush-job to some degree to meet the FiT deadline. Assuming that the workmanship is sound, has the installer kept his side of the contract by installing what was specified? Is it the customer's fault (caveat emptor) for not researching the system/equipment in enough detail? Or, does the installer have a duty of care to design and quote for a suitable system? Does the customer have any comeback in such a situation where the system produces less electricity than SAP predicts?

 

[SolarCity]

I think this points at a larger issue.

The amount of times we are having customers come on to this forum and ask advice about their systems only to find that their system has been installed poorly is incredible. I don't think that all these installers can just be cowboys. I think a lot of the blame must go to the training centres that ignore important info like this yet focus on polar bears and ice caps for example. It is entirely conceivable that these installers are trained, qualified and certified to install yet have utterly no idea what an MPPT is.

Personally I think that the PV route is far too easy for installers. They can spend a couple of days training, get an MCS document made for them and then rely on kits - presumably in the mind that they can then forget the design phase entirely.

 

[volans]

I received 7 quotes for this installation and the one I chose was not the cheapest by a long chalk. This one seemed toknow what he was talking about - can't fit them there because of shadows, need split/two inverters etc. (bull **** baffles brains? - not that I'm saying I've got any brains ). When it comes to the crunch one has to trust someone, and if they are an approved installer it is assumed that they are o.k. I have been in touch with the installer & was assured that it is a dual mppt & will work correctly, so it looks like I've got a battle ahead. Trouble is, reading the above, can any improvement be achieved?