Enecsys Micro Inverters

[Ramjam]

I did the Enecsys micro inverter training but they've got a technical hole in what they're offering???

They state that you can only connect a maximum of 16 micro inverters to one 30mA RCD so at 190w 16 panels is 3kWp so if we want 4kWp then we need 2 AC buses and 2 RCDs and unless we're doing some RCD schenanegans on the inverter side of generation meter then it won't work. Either way the pictures in the training materials don't look right.

They also show the lockable AC isolator at the wrong point in the circuit, the lockable AC isolator has to isolate the entire AC circuit including the generation meter.

Does anyone out there use these inverters if so how do you wire them up?

 

[SolarCity]

Where did you do your training, Ramjam, and how much did it cost?

 

[Energetic]

We wanted to use them on a job but couldn't find a panel that was compatible that would fit on the roof. Great idea but too limited at present.

 

[Ramjam]

BiggsSolar: You call enecsys and it's a half hour telephone training session and an exam to complete at home and email back.

Energetic: I've been considering it with a sharp poly panel as I use sharp monos normally but they're not on the compatibility list.

 

[edexlab]

I did the Enecsys micro inverter training but they've got a technical hole in what they're offering???

They state that you can only connect a maximum of 16 micro inverters to one 30mA RCD so at 190w 16 panels is 3kWp so if we want 4kWp then we need 2 AC buses and 2 RCDs and unless we're doing some RCD schenanegans on the inverter side of generation meter then it won't work. Either way the pictures in the training materials don't look right.

They also show the lockable AC isolator at the wrong point in the circuit, the lockable AC isolator has to isolate the entire AC circuit including the generation meter.

Does anyone out there use these inverters if so how do you wire them up?

Had a look at ecobuild and they use a plug similar to the ones used on Sma inverters and their own junction boxes I'm planning on taking cable surface/swa or contained upto the roof which obviates the need for an RCD unless;
they are transformerless ,nothing definite about the topology on enecsys site so I assume that because of the low weight that they are , then with this set up does it specify 30mA rcd in the training guide ?

 

[Ramjam]

The micro inverters do have transformers. According to the instructions they do need RCD protection but they each have a small amount of earth leakage hence the limit of 16 of the smaller or 13 of the big ones per AC branch. Each branch then needs it's own RCD so it requires a different setup on the AC side back down in the garage or wherever you house the AC switches and generation meter. I'm still waiting for a call back (over 2 weeks now) to discuss the AC side because their training material contradicts itself. I get the impression that there are not many installations and what there are may well be experimental.

You need to buy every little component of the system separately which is a drag, there are no kits. I think it's all a bit too new yet but it will open the door for those awkward multifaceted roofs that at the moment we advise against.

I hope enecsys can learn as they go but unless they smarten up then someone else will learn their lessons and take their place in the market.

 

[Jie]

I've got the 30 minute induction in 2 days time. We use Sharp Poly 235s and they arent on the list but the guy who runs Enecsys said he would add them to the list, although it would take up to 2/3 weeks for testing. So say the system we are to install is 3.6kW..... Am I correct in reading that I would need to split them into 2 strings of MI's with 2 seperate RCD'S?

 

[Ramjam]

I'm very interested as to what they give you as an answer to that question, if you look at the photo in the training material then they bring both AC branches into one AC isolator and then through a meter to the RCD. This is inconsistent with their own training. From what I can gather you'd need to bring those two AC branches downstairs separately (2 AC isolators in the loft) then into a box housing 2 RCBOs then through a generation meter into another AC isolator (lockable only in the off position) before connecting to the supply through a breaker in a distribution board either your own or an existing.

Please post the answer when you get it becuase they've never answered that question for me hence me producing no quotes for micro inverters.

 

[Noddy67]

interesting. I did the induction and spoke to a technical bod. My understanding was that their cabling wasn't up to the full 16 amps but if you split them with two seperate 'strings' it wouldn't exceed the 16amps after the AC isolator.

I hope so as I'm fitting on this basis tomorrow.

I agree that Enecsys seem a little 'young' but held the inverter and cabling for the first time today. very solild looking (I was fearing someting a little flimsy but it looks the biz). I'll let you know how the fitting goes.

 

[poheZ]

Just a few questions!:

How do they attach to the module?
Have these micro inverters been road tested over a prolonged period of time in another country?
Is there an equivalent from another manufacturer?
where is the link to the telephone training/info?