Looking to take my 10kw system to 15kw - advice on panels and inverters

WhittakerJ
WhittakerJ Solar Expert Posts: 67 ✭✭
edited October 2017 in Solar Beginners Corner #1
Hello everyone, I'm looking to expand my 10kw system to 15kw. I found these Trina TSM-255PA on ebay for only 33 cents per kWh. I'm thinking about buying 20 of them. This seems really cheap, http://www.ebay.com/itm/352174015249 I was thinking about combining them with the Enphase IQ6PLUS-72-2-US micro inverters which are about $150 each,http://www.ebay.com/itm/263209492907 

This just seems really inexpensive compared to what I paid in the past and I was hoping someone could comment on this configuration and if there is something I'm missing.

I don't plan on tying this into my existing system except at the service panel. So I don't think it's even relevant. But this is my existing setup. Thanks in advance for your time!


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Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,642 admin
    #2
    You should check with your utility too. In times past, >10 kWatt systems could have different requirements (different metering/monitoring, different rate plans, possibly even have taxes on excess energy generated). I don't know about Arizona specifically.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • WhittakerJ
    WhittakerJ Solar Expert Posts: 67 ✭✭
    #3
    > @BB. said:
    > You should check with your utility too. In times past, >10 kWatt systems could have different requirements (different metering/monitoring, different rate plans, possibly even have taxes on excess energy generated). I don't know about Arizona specifically.
    >
    > -Bill

    Definitely have done this due diligence already. Thanks Bill. Do you have any advice on these panels or inverters? I'm curious as to why the panels are so cheap.
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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Trina seems to have good reviews and reputation, that is an excellent price, volume could be the answer.?
    http://www.greenworldinvestor.com/2012/09/27/trina-solar-panel-reviews/
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
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  • Photowhit
    Photowhit Solar Expert Posts: 6,006 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 2017 #5
    Looks like they were installed and then taken down, perhaps fudging for eBay? On their home site they called them used; similar price should get them for near 10% less directly; Between eBay fees and Paypal fees there is almost a 10% cost in selling on eBay.

    https://www.solarblvd.com/products/trina-255-w-watt-24v-tsm-pa05-ul-black-frame-poly-60-cell-pv-solar-panel/

    Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
    - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
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