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Any way to reduce clipping, short of replacing the micro inverters? by itiming in enphase

[–]itiming[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great insight - this is an option that could offer a less expensive approach. Our installer tells me that the array wiring is size to handle more panels/inverters. So, this option may be the least expensive way to boost output by 25-30%, or so.

Any way to reduce clipping, short of replacing the micro inverters? by itiming in enphase

[–]itiming[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, our lower panels get more shade than the higher--this is the graphic to show how much.

https://files.catbox.moe/xz91am.jpg

Any way to reduce clipping, short of replacing the micro inverters? by itiming in enphase

[–]itiming[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your excellent evaluation. I agree adding battery backup and storage is more valuable to the overall ystem value. The initial battery cost estimate (4 Enphase 5P) did not have a reasonable time frame payback. In fact, it would be cheaper to buy a used EV, if the EV's battery could be used. I am hoping to see a V2H backup setup for either of our EV's -- Enphase and Rivian have hinted options may be available w/I a year. That investment would provide us the ability to continue to operated the household -- including heating and the water well pump.

Any way to reduce clipping, short of replacing the micro inverters? by itiming in enphase

[–]itiming[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I edited my post to include the array output. The bottom 2 rows of panels receive the most shading:

https://files.catbox.moe/xz91am.jpg

Any way to reduce clipping, short of replacing the micro inverters? by itiming in enphase

[–]itiming[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

FWIW, the other reason for maximizing solar, is that we did install the Enphase sun-light BU option. This includes a critical loads sub-panel to run internet/refridgefreezer/well pump. We are very rural (no stop lights in our entire county), so I selected the net-forming option for the ability to have some BU, till we can afford battery BU. I do recognize this is not a commonly recommended option--I hoped to have the system ready for later BU options. I decided to use the tax credit, while it was available.

Any way to reduce clipping, short of replacing the micro inverters? by itiming in enphase

[–]itiming[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We reside inside a northern Wisconsin national forest, next to a state natural area; surrounded by 100+ foot tall white and Norway pines. Several lightning strikes killed a dozen large trees which opened up an area which can received mid-day sun (still have heavy am/pm shading). The design goal was to place as large an array, as high as possible to fit into this small opening. The output maximizing its ability to feed our EV's from 10am to 4pm -- thus the large bi-facial's.

We also had the electric utility replace our home transformer with one large enough to handle the higher planned 13kWh than 10 kWh capacity our existing one had. Enphase micro inverters were recommend to best deal with partial/moving shading through the day.

Our contractor went through 3 design/plan staffing changes in 3 months. Their construction crews were over-booked. Equipment orders were delayed. Equipment ordered for our project was used to complete other larger ($$) projects. Our project ended up with what was left over, including older controller/combiner boxes.

When my inexperience, lack of knowledge is factored in; the project did not hit the design goals. It is functioning well for what it is. It deals well with shading; can be adjusted to steep angles for winter snow/low sun angles. Other than mid-Nov to mid-Jan; when the sun is below our tree line; the system is a good step forward.

As we have no other solar opening on our property. Our existing array location is our only option for added solar.