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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Grid Connect / Grid Tied inverter?
A: A Grid connect inverter like the PV Edge converts the power from renewable energy sources (Solar Panels/Wind turbine) into energy that can be fed back into the power grid, therefore greatly reducing your own power bill.

Q: Can you add multiple grid connected inverters to one system?
A: Yes, multiple Grid Connected Inverters can be connected in parallel in the one house/installation. As long as each inverter has there own set of solar panels any amount of separate inverters can be connected to the electricity grid and feed power simultaneously. For further information on parallel connections talk to you qualified solar installer or contact Latronics sales and service.

Q: Can you add different brands of grid connected inverters into one system?
A: Yes, Due to the synchronous nature of grid connect inverters, Latronics PV Edge Inverters are compatible with any other brand.

Q: My PV Edge Inverter when running is quite hot, is this normal?
A: Yes, this is normal. The conversion process within the inverter generates heat which is dissipated through the case and into free air.

Q: What is MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)?
A: With respect to Grid Connected Inverters, MPPT is a method of forcing the solar panels to provide the inverter with the highest power it can.

Q: The total power of my system according to my solar panel specifications sheet does not match the output. Why is this?
A: Power rating measurements of solar panels are performed at 25ºC but on a hot day the temperature on your roof could be up to 55ºC! A rise in temperature means a decrease in power depending on the type of solar panel. A common monocrystalline Solar Panel will de-rate at approximately 5% for every 10ºC, or at 55ºC (Typical temp on roof) you would be loosing as much as 15% power. For more information on panel rating please see our Power Ratings Fact sheet

Q: I have an existing RAPS (Remote Area Power Supply) and have recently had grid power connected to my house. Can I buy a grid connected inverter to export the power of the unused solar panels?
A: Yes, If your solar panels have been set up for a 48V or 96V battery bank this can be done without any reconfiguration. If not, the solar panels may still be able to be reconfigured. Please talk to a qualified solar installer or Latronics for further information.

Q: Can a wind turbine be connected to the grid connected inverter?
A: Yes, A 48V wind turbine can be connected through our TC48 turbine controller to our PVE1200 without the need of batteries. Both Solar panels and a wind generator can be connected to one PVEdge Inverter. See Turbine Controller Page for more details

Q: When my PV Edge Inverter was installed, it all ready had a small amount of power registered on it. Why?
A: Before leaving the factory, Every single Inverter is bench tested to rated loads and for correct operation.

Q: Are Latronics products made in Australia?
A: All Latronics Products have been designed and made here in Australia, from component assembly through to final testing of each individual unit. Benchmark quality standards ensures Latronics are recognised internationally as one of the most reliable Inverter brands.

Q: Can PV Edge Inverters be mounted outside?
A: The PV Edge Inverter can be purchased with an Outdoor enclosure which is suitable for an installation that will be exposed to weather. The IP21 rated PV Edge housed inside an IP33 outdoor enclosure provides an extremely safe and cool environment for the inverters to operate.

Q: Can the DC input to the PV Edge inverter be left on even if no mains is connected yet?
A: Yes. As long as open circuit voltage of array does not exceed inverter limit

Q: My inverter drops out in middle of the day with the light Grid out of range on.
A: If you are located at the end of a line the voltage drop might be too high for the Inverter. The internal resistance of the grid must be less than 1.5 Ohm. You can check this by switching on a 2kw load like a heater. This will reduce the voltage drop. If this solves the problem please contact your electricity supplier. He will log the voltages and rectify the issue.

Q: What is potential fault current (short circuit current)?
A: The potential fault current is the maximum current the inverter could draw off the mains supply if faulty. In the PVE1200 and PVE2500 this current is limited to 10A via the Circuit breaker

Q: I have a PVE1200 / PVE2500 with Battery Backup. Sometimes my Circuit breakers trip when I turn the inverter on. Why is this?
A: Batteries like AGM Batteries (Absorbed Glass Mat) have a low resistance and can lead to a large inrush of current, consequently tripping the circuit breaker. In this case you may have to turn on the breakers 2 or 3 times.

Q: How do I monitor the power output from my grid connect inverter?
A: The PV Edge Inverter has a simple kWh meter to give you a total amount of power produced since installed and a set of LED's show the instantaneous output power in 25% increments.