Buying components for flexible design

15 Posts
Jul 7, 2008 11:26 am
Buying components for flexible design

I have a general question about components for a very small PV system, but soon to be a 1KW system....

When I will build a cabin in August, I need a small PV system to charge cordless tools (using about 8ah per day).  The following year I'll be adding a refrigerator and microwave. Future summers maybe slightly more power needed.

Question - Should I just buy temporary 'limited' components? Or, would something like a Xantrex Prosine 1800w inverter and Outback MX-60 work for now and future?  I'd just hate to buy cheaper components that will need to be 'retired' if they are outgrown.   And yet, I wonder if these larger components would even work efficiently with such low demands for this first summer.

Sorry if this is a really basic question.

Thank you.

jim
 
578 Posts
Jul 7, 2008 11:39 am
Re: Buying components for flexible design

this question comes up often.  you are correct, you will be losing some efficiency by going with larger than needed components to begin with.  I feel that this is worth it because for most folks, this does two things

1. forces forethought and better system design
2. requires beefier safety/disconnect equipment that can stay the same with system growth

either way is okay, with smaller components, you can limit initial investment.  as you grow you will have to upgrade your balance of system.  it is really easy to do so with somebody else's money, but i think sizing larger components toward your end goal is the way to go.


the only thing to be careful of, is that with mppt controllers, you need the exact same make and model pv to go with it.  because of this you may want to take extra care to select modules that have a stable production run for the future, one that are not slated to be discontinued.

 for example, if I were starting a system that i intended to grow for years, i would take a kyocera 135 rather than a 130 because the 135 has just started production, while the 130 is slated for discontinuing.  if you plan to add on pv as budget allows, having discontinued modules is a real bummer, because it destroys the idea of going big on the controller so as not to re-buy.

james
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Jul 8, 2008 07:47 pm
Re: Buying components for flexible design

How can we (end users) know if a PV module is near being discontinued, and how can we know which PV modules will be in production for a long time to come?
 
15 Posts
Jul 9, 2008 09:02 am
Re: Buying components for flexible design

I guess that's a good argument for buying components via a reputable, knowledgeable, and established business.  They might have some insight into production and supply.
It's tempting to shop around on the internet for the cheapest supplier, but I've always found that a cheap source is usually not a good source.
 
578 Posts
Jul 9, 2008 10:56 am
Re: Buying components for flexible design

thomas makes a great point.  i have put announcements in this forum before, but the pv market moves really quickly.  often it is like a commodities market.  we get news, then the news changes, sometimes based on the level of reaction/demand/outrage to the news.

the best way honestly is to ask.  we do consider things like that in recommendations and in package deals where there is the option to grow.  if I know, i will tell folks, but often people think it is a sales gimmick or i am trying to bilk them.  the other thing to do is check the manufacturer website.  they generally only list modules in production.

cheers,

james
Alt-E staff

AltE
"Making Renewable Do-able"
http://www.altEstore.com/

Tel: 877.878.4060 x107  or +1.978.562.5858 x107
Fax: 877.242.6718  or +1.978.562.5854
 
462 Posts
Jul 9, 2008 06:52 pm
Re: Buying components for flexible design

James J., I believe in smaller dedicated systems myself. If you are just using the power gained for your own needs, why not have several, smaller, redundant systems operating instead of one, all purpose system. Then finding discontinued panels would not matter so much since each system would be specifically designed for a purpose and all panels could be purchased at that one time.
 Also, if one component fails in your combined system, then your complete system could be shut down. Smaller, simpler items for installation and operation may even cost less and last longer. Then component parts can be moved around if needed. Less complicated components may not be as fussy when it comes to adding mixed outputs.
 

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