Enecsys introduces the SMI-D480W-60 480 Watt micro-inverter, which mounts on a railing system and accepts DC input from two individual solar modules. Enabling maximum power point tracking for both modules the product reduces inverter cost compared with using one micro-inverter per module. The new micro-inverter is also distinctive as it comes with a 25-year lifecycle and a 20-year limited warranty. This is unusual for inverters, which are usually provided with a 10-year guarantee.
According to the company, solar PV installations with Enecsys Duo micro-inverters deliver 5% to 20% more energy over the life of the system, depending on the operating environment and installation configuration.
The reliability of the Enecsys SMI-D480W-60 has been verified using industry-standard test methods including HALT and HTOL. The inverters have also undergone thermal cycling to IEC61215, the same tests applied to solar PV modules as well as meeting CE, EN 62109 and EN 6100-6 safety and EMC standards and the UL1741 certification that is required for the US and Canadian markets. Country-specific requirements, including VDE V 0126-1:2006 compliance, are met by using specific grid connection products.
Enecsys CEO, Henrik Raunkjaer, said, “The Enecsys breakthrough in creating an inverter with a service life to match that of solar modules now has even more appeal to customers as the capital costs are now comparable with those of string inverter systems. Under these circumstances, there is no logical reason why anyone would want to deploy a residential or commercial solar PV system based on string inverters when the advantages of micro inverters have been so clearly demonstrated.”
The company has also introduced a new iPhone application, compatible with iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS models, which can be used by installers to monitor multiple sites located anywhere in the world, from anywhere with a mobile data connection. For each site, information is provided about the installation date, location, current weather conditions and real-time as well as historical system performance information.