Enphase Micros with 96 cell modules.

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Ctay005

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Why would enphase say that their microinverters are only compatible with 60 and 72 cell modules? We're trying to use Panasonic 325W 96 cell modules and the enphase data sheet states that only 60 or 72 cell panels work.

If the Voc, Vmp, Isc, etc are all within the specs of the inverter, what difference would it make if the module was 96 or 72 or 60 cell?
 
Ctay005 said:
Why would enphase say that their microinverters are only compatible with 60 and 72 cell modules? We're trying to use Panasonic 325W 96 cell modules and the enphase data sheet states that only 60 or 72 cell panels work.

If the Voc, Vmp, Isc, etc are all within the specs of the inverter, what difference would it make if the module was 96 or 72 or 60 cell?
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None, but it seems likely that the cold temperature Voc and Vmp, which can be as much as 25% higher than the rated values at standard temperature, may be above the design limit.
 
GoldDigger said:
None, but it seems likely that the cold temperature Voc and Vmp, which can be as much as 25% higher than the rated values at standard temperature, may be above the design limit.
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These panels have a remarkably high voc and low isc. 69.6V & 6.03A. We might try to find a different panel to use with the micros but this national panel shortage has us using panels that we don't usually stock and it's been a nightmare getting a decent stock of any one panel lately!:thumbsdown:
 
Even the C250, which appears to be relatively tolerant of high panel voltage, has an absolute max input voltage of 60V and a maximum MPPT voltage of 0nly 48V.
Not happy indeed with your example 96 cell module, whose Vmp can rise above 48V and whose Voc is just too high.

Need I say more?
 
GoldDigger said:
Even the C250, which appears to be relatively tolerant of high panel voltage, has an absolute max input voltage of 60V and a maximum MPPT voltage of 0nly 48V.
Not happy indeed with your example 96 cell module, whose Vmp can rise above 48V and whose Voc is just too high.

Need I say more?
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I think it has something to do with the fact that these Panasonic panels are the same size as a 60 cell panel but have 96 cells. Seems like more cells x smaller cell size = huge Voc/Vmp and low Isc/Imp ratings. Not what I'd call a design-friendly module by any means!
 
Ctay005 said:
I think it has something to do with the fact that these Panasonic panels are the same size as a 60 cell panel but have 96 cells. Seems like more cells x smaller cell size = huge Voc/Vmp and low Isc/Imp ratings. Not what I'd call a design-friendly module by any means!
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Perfectly design friendly for a string inverter!

Also, a larger size 96 cell panel would have more power and higher voltage but comparable current to a 60 or 72 cell smaller panel. Since all current chemistries for rigid panels use silicon, the voltage will be essentially proportional to the cell count.

Do SolarEdge optimizers handle 96 cell panels well?
 
GoldDigger said:
In my opinion, yes, except where flexibility is needed.
What do you think?


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I have no idea. I haven't designed anything using them in several years, not since the demise of Solyndra. There's been no reason to; their efficiencies were always so much lower than silicon and their prices were never commensurately lower. I guess if they are all gone now I'm not surprised.
 
ggunn said:
I have no idea. I haven't designed anything using them in several years, not since the demise of Solyndra. There's been no reason to; their efficiencies were always so much lower than silicon and their prices were never commensurately lower. I guess if they are all gone now I'm not surprised.
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AFAIK they are not gone, but they are a hard sell to "suckers".

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