Hi all,

I am installing a 60 BP4175 (10.5KW DC) grid-tie system in my home. My installer can either go with 2 SMA6000U or 3 Xantrex GT3.0-NA-DA inverters (no $ discount for 3 Xantrex although they are cheaper than 2 SMA6000Us).

The array will be split into two sections, one on each rooftop. One section will be south facing, the other west facing.

I know that I will lose some headroom for expansion with the Xantrex (before buying more inverters should I want to add more panels), but I appreciate the data gathering features of this model of inverter.

Does anyone have any suggestions on which inverters they would go with and why?

Wishlists in order of priority:
[ ] Efficient power generation (panel arrays in two areas OK?)
[ ] Ease of data gathering into home computer
[ ] Best choice for future expansion

Thank you!

The SMA6000 does not have built-in communications and is fan cooled , not sealed design like the GT3.0. The 6000 also does not have built-in disconnect that the GT3.0 does come with.

You should press your "dealer" on the pricing as the street price on the GT3.0 is 1900 , where the 6000U is is 3999.00

three GT3.0's are about 2k less than the SMA and then there is the savings of the disconnects on top of that so if your not being offered the discount, either press for cost+ pricing on the Job or find another installer

And on expansion, when that time comes the $$ saved on the GT3.0 can buy you a fourth one when and if the need arises

I took your advice and opted for the 3 Xantrex-GT3s, and was able to get the installer to split the difference (they were bound to Home Depot's pricings on fixed packages, but was willing to cover half the difference). I wanted to go with Home Depot mainly due to panel availability and aesthetics (black mono-crystaline 175W BP modules). The installer's willingness to be flexible cemented the deal.

Decision factors:

+ Xantrex-GT3 more compact, newer technology, builtin communications.
+ Installers seem to like Xantrex more due to ease of installs. Perhaps the better installation design tells of overall design?
+ 3 less expensive inverters easier to split into zones and replace than 2 more expensive ones.

Thanks for the wonderful resource that is this website and forum.

KTT

are they selling solar panels in florda to that would be great

The Home Depot AFAIK doesn't sell solar panels separately from their BPSolar installation program. As far as their installation program go, Home Depot subcontracts out to local solar installers, but all paperwork go through Home Depot.

Khoa