Hi Donna,

I'm not an installer ... Just a home owner who has built 2 systems and have done inverter design work.

I have my preferences , which I would like to think is the best overall solution for grid tie PV , but unless you are doing the install yourself you should find a certified and competent solar PV installer to work with you and designing your system , which is very large at 35 kWh

I have used both the Xantrex Suntie XR2500-UPG and the Sunnboy 2500 , the Xantrex models you are looking at I have knowledge about but haven't had the need for such large inverters , they are NOT like the Suntie though , different typology.

If I were to do it , it would be the Sunties and the Matrix panels , both of which are on my current 5.8 kWr system. I prefer the Low Voltage strings since panel tolerances can sap 2-8% from mismatches , which the high voltage strings can't avoid.

I'm not sure really what else I could offer as it is your money , but for whatever it's worth , Sunties and Photowatts (Matrix) are what I choose and I can by whatever I want !

TMI is a property management group located in Oeanside, California. We have recently purchased a new building and are pursuing a LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation. One of the criteria is to install a solar power system. We are lay people, but have been talking to both Xantrex PV 15208 and PV 20208 and Sunny Boy 2500W SBDregarding their inverters and quite frankly cannot find which would be best suitable for our application.

Our building is 8500 sq ft. and we intend to install a 35 kw system. Can you give us insite as to which product would be best suitable for our application?

Also, there have been some discussion regarding the makes and models of the solar panels we have been quoted. BP 3160B, Matrix PW1650-155 and Shell SQ160-PC. Do you have any insight or information regarding these modules and what might be appropriate for our application.

Thanks for your help
Donna

[ 02-20-2004: Message edited by: TMI ]

I agree with Henry on this one - your large system warrants some hired experts to go through your options. Here's a small list :

- Available Space : do you have the right solar stuff for 35kw, things like orientation , shading, siting.
- Built-in PV : Incorporate some of your building elements for PV. Awnings, sun facing walls, skylights, windows in the building envelope, etc.
- Aesthetics : Do you need to hide it ? Some companies make it very visible instead.
- PV Roof components : Time for a new roof or better insulation ?

Though I'm not connected with these kinds of industrial grade professionals, I've met a few of them, like the people at .Solar Design Associates or KEMA-Xenergy that could get your solar ball rolling