That makes a bit of sense, but if you go with a micro you could continue to use your existing panels and just add new ones to add the capacity you have.
My sun power panels have degraded a bit but not that much.
I recently had a reroof done and my local insulation t crew took the system down and reinstalled it for less than $2k.
I have taken panels down before for other reasons and donated them to local non-profits, an elderly community center and a home for pregnant teens both appreciate the old but working equipment.
I'm considering a battery as we don't get much incentive to export power. Usually .02 kWh or so if we are lucky. The contracts that net meter are .04-.05 higher on all consumption and our transmission charges are 45% of our monthly, and are going to be increased next year.
I still think I'd be better off investing in a west facing array to fill out my production/ consumption pattern better.
David
So walk on air against your better judgement
Original Message:
Sent: 7/5/2025 4:59:00 PM
From: Steven Hegedus
Subject: RE: comparing Enphase microinverter with Solar Edge string inverter with battery
Hi David
The reason I am retiring my 18 y/o system is because of a convergence of 4 things: I want to replace my 20 year old roof before it leaks; I have to remove the old modules to replace the roof; with new modules and power optimizers, I will be able to install almost 4 times more power on the roof by taking advantage of partially shaded areas and more efficient modules; and the 30% tax incentive will start to decrease next year. So put them all together and it makes sense to do it now. The old system has degraded very much as expected, about 0.5% per year so it is still making about 90% of the original power.
Thanks for sharing about your experience with Chiilcon microinverters. Never heard of them.
Steve
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Steven Hegedus
Professor and Senior Scientist
University of Delaware
Newark Delaware
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-03-2025 09:23 AM
From: Luther Krueger
Subject: comparing Enphase microinverter with Solar Edge string inverter with battery
I had 6kw installed on my roof in Minneapolis in 2016, and our bluetooth monitoring showed it would generate just shy of 6.2kw.... 9 years later, it's still cranking out 5.5kw regularly under full sun at solar noon, though it may spike at a bit under 6kw... I think a smidge of that lower output of late is due to the increase in wildfire smoke filtering from Canada or out west...
Luther Krueger, Curator - Big Blue Sun Museum of Solar Cooking
Original Message:
Sent: 7/2/2025 1:27:00 PM
From: David Power
Subject: RE: comparing Enphase microinverter with Solar Edge string inverter with battery
I'd like to know why you're retiring your system. Is it down on power or are you just upgrading the electronics and want to add in battery storage. My old house has a 10kw system that's 20 years old and used a sunny boy that I still believe is in service.
My current system is much more modest, it's a 5kw with micro inverters that were made by Chilicon power, now GE. I've looked at a lot of battery systems and it seems that unless I go with a GE battery I have to change out the micro inverters, or so I have been lead to believe.
David Power
Katy,Tx
Original Message:
Sent: 7/1/2025 10:41:00 AM
From: Steven Hegedus
Subject: comparing Enphase microinverter with Solar Edge string inverter with battery
Hello
I want to replace my 18 year old rooftop PV system on my house. A few weeks ago I posted here asking for opinions of residential inverter brands especially with battery attached. I have evaluated both SMA Sunny Boy and Solar Edge HD Wave Hub with batteries in my inverter testing lab at University Delaware but they are 2021 vintage. I had a few responses with two recommending Solar Edge. My installer wants to install SE for me as well But nationally, over 50% of residential systems use Enphase Microinverters. In my state (Delaware) Enphase is about 70% of residential. Does anyone have informed knowledgeable perspective of the new Enphase micros with their battery package? It has to be AC coupled since they immediately convert to AC on the roof while SE is DC coupled. Any experience with installation, operation, customer portal interface of the Enphase with storage? Or the recent SE Energy Hub with storage?
Thank you!
Steve Hegedus
University of Delaware
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Steven Hegedus
Professor and Senior Scientist
University of Delaware
Newark Delaware
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