Advanced Energy Industries (AE) has developed a new mounting accessory for its 'AE 3TL' PV inverter that enables installers, site designers and project developers to conserve space and increase project yield on commercial rooftop systems by placing string inverters in a horizontal (0°) orientation. Advanced Energy will showcase its AE3TL string inverter technology, including the horizontal mount accessory, at the upcoming Solar Power International conference and exhibition, October 21 to 23, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Problem
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As a result of the increased popularity of large-scale commercial rooftop designs using three-phase string inverters, Advanced Energy developed an innovative mounting solution to tackle one of the critical challenges of roof-mounted inverters—the shade cast by the inverters on the PV array. In the US, commercial rooftop inverters also need to meet NEC 2014 code compliance with inverters being close to a PV array.
Solution
The low-profile accessory that is used to install AE 3TL string inverters at the edge of a rooftop solar array, is claimed to increases site design flexibility and improve overall system performance—while enabling compliance with new NEC 2014 rapid shutdown requirements. The system is said to have already been field proven at sites across North America. The mounting system design is claimed to provide balance-of-system cost savings and reduces shading setbacks for additional surface space for up to two additional 300W PV modules per inverter when compared with competing angled mounting systems. The mounting flanges are compatible with ‘DURA-BLOK’ and ‘UNISTRUT’ hardware, enabling site-specific, customized mounting. The solution is said to be particularly ideal for projects that require NEC 2014 code compliance, which specifies string inverters in roof-mounted installations must be installed within 10 feet of the array.
Applications
The compact and cost-effective solution is commercially available for AE 3TL 12 kW, 16 kW, 20 kW and 23 kW models used in commercial rooftop installations.
Platform
Engineered specifically for AE 3TL inverters, the tailor-made, industry-first mounting kit accessory allows the string inverters to be quickly and easily installed at a range of angles from 0° up to a 30° tilt—making it the most versatile, low-profile solution available on the market.
Availability
Currently available in the US.
