Comments

2 comments

  • Avatar
    Laurenz

    If you suggest this blog entry as an informational source, there is missing the entire downside of installing MLPE. Costs of installation, costs of purchasing, additional contract for monitoring, additional possible points of failure, etc. I mean, do not get me wrong, I do not expect you to undersell your products, but in my opinion it would be better to be as honest and transparent as possible to your future clients.

    0
  • Avatar
    Greg Smith

    Fair points, Laurenz. This blog was more focused on the reasons why someone would need an optimized system. It was not intended to get into the weeds of installing MLPE as an optional component.

    However, in the United States PV systems (with a few exceptions) must have some sort of rapid shutdown device. This has been a requirement since 2014 and with the release of the 2020 National Electric Code, the easiest and most cost-effective way to comply is by using MLPE. The talking points of price, cost, LCOE, additional failure points vs multiple points of redundancy, are just not discussed like they were in 2008.

    Installation companies know there are extra costs with some projects, like third-party monitoring equipment, weather instrumentation, etc. However, MLPE are not "extra" costs anymore. For most projects, they are mandatory, much in the same way that airbags and anti-lock brakes are not considered extra options. They are mandatory pieces of equipment and have cemented themselves in bids as the cost of doing business.

    Like them or not, MLPE are here to stay so the market might as well use the most flexible, reliable, and cost-effective one out there - the Tigo TS4-O!

    1

Please sign in to leave a comment.