Field test: PV Modules

A real world comparison between Mono, Poly, PERC and Dual PV Modules.

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Romania
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Installation date: 09-03-2020
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Irradiance

* This is a field test and the results are specific for this installation on this location please research which is the best solution for your own situation as the results can be different based on environmental influences.

Total solar yield as of 27/03/2023 when the results were reset:
Mono: 9158 kWh
Split-cell: 9511 kWh
Poly: 9113 kWh
Perc: 9471 kWh
Perc-east: 1970 kWh
Perc-west: 1730 kWh

New inverter range: Totally redesigned from the inside out

As ever Victron continue to surprise with an ever improving and expanding product range, so much so it is often difficult to keep pace with the rate of change! This is a good thing though and the purpose of this blog is to highlight and introduce you to the new, inexpensive, low power range of pure sinewave Phoenix Inverters.

The range is from 250VA to 375VA in 12, 24  and 48 Volt formats. Whilst these products have been quietly introduced over the last few months, production is now set to ramp up over the Summer to keep pace with demand, plus there will be higher power models coming later in the year – and remember this is a total redesign from the inside out and includes a number of very desirable features.

New design

Whilst this range continues to use the well proven full bridge with toroidal transformer there is a new enclosure, new electronics and new software. The units comprise of a steel chassis and plastic cover; electronically the inverters have improved dynamic output voltage stability. Last but not least is the range of communication and configuration options using VE.Direct. More of that in a moment.

Configuration

Firstly one of the things you’ll notice in the image above is that the inverter has a QR code on it. This is very handy to access data sheets and manuals, plus of course you can also show customers and friends more about the product, both quickly and easily. For more about this see the blogpost:

Victron Toolkit app – now with QR scanner

Inverter features

To learn more about these features, see the product datasheet which gives an explanation of each of these features.

Inverter_front

Communication

In the image above you’ll note a VE.Direct communication port. This can be connected in one of two ways to communicate with and monitor your inverter.
  1. VE.Direct to USB interface
  2. VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle

Personally I’m a great fan of the Bluetooth Smart dongle option using VictronConnect. It really makes life easy. You can read more about this in the blogpost:

VictronConnect v1.2 released: Now includes Mac OS X & Windows PC

Whilst VictronConnect now supports Mac OS X & Windows PC, besides phones and tablets, please note the Windows PC version does not include Bluetooth support so that can only be used with the VE.Direct to USB interface.

Before installing VictronConnect please read the manual and make sure it is compatible with your device/platform: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/victronconnect:start

VictronConnect_phone

 

Configuration & Monitoring

Using VictronConnect and the Bluetooth Smart dongle shown above (or a VE.Direct to USB interface cable) you can do the following:

Configuration:

 Monitoring:

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy the new inverter range and welcome your feedback. Whilst the new range does not come with a free chocolate Easter egg – at least we hope we’ve whetted your appetite. Happy Easter!

Easter_Surprise

John Rushworth

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