{"id":214858,"date":"2024-07-20T01:09:35","date_gmt":"2024-07-19T23:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/?p=214858"},"modified":"2024-07-30T23:43:23","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T21:43:23","slug":"solar-straight-talk-sma-expert-oped-the-real-costs-of-module-level-power-electronics-mlpes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/solar-straight-talk-sma-expert-oped-the-real-costs-of-module-level-power-electronics-mlpes\/","title":{"rendered":"Solar Straight Talk: SMA Expert OpEd \u2013 The Real Costs of Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPEs)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Humans are creatures of habit. Life is busy, and once we start something we generally roll with it&#8230; until strong enough evidence (or pain) is presented otherwise.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>I&#8217;ve worked in solar for 8 years as a system designer and territory manager, and here are my arguments why MLPE&#8217;s just don&#8217;t make sense.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" title=\"MLPEs with Travis Davis\" style=\"width:1280px;max-width:100%;margin:5px;\"><div class=\"lyMe hidef\" id=\"WYL_TQRFam6NT1Q\" itemprop=\"video\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"><div><meta itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" content=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/TQRFam6NT1Q\/maxresdefault.jpg\" \/><meta itemprop=\"embedURL\" content=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TQRFam6NT1Q\" \/><meta itemprop=\"duration\" content=\"PT14M32S\" \/><meta itemprop=\"uploadDate\" content=\"2024-07-19T20:24:01Z\" \/><\/div><div id=\"lyte_TQRFam6NT1Q\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/TQRFam6NT1Q\/maxresdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\" itemprop=\"name\">MLPEs with Travis Davis<\/div><\/div><div class=\"play\"><\/div><div class=\"ctrl\"><div class=\"Lctrl\"><\/div><div class=\"Rctrl\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/TQRFam6NT1Q\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/TQRFam6NT1Q\/0.jpg\" alt=\"MLPEs with Travis Davis\" width=\"1280\" height=\"700\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><meta itemprop=\"description\" content=\"Join Travis in this insightful video as he presents a compelling case against Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPEs) from his perspective as a seasoned system designer and territory manager. Delving into the real-world challenges and inefficiencies posed by microinverters and DC optimizers, Travis highlights the robust advantages of using SMA\u2019s Sunny Boy Smart Energy (SBSE) systems. This video explores key areas where SBSE outperforms MLPEs, including system reliability, ease of maintenance, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. Travis explains how the SBSE\u2019s centralized DC to AC conversion, away from harsh rooftop conditions, enhances overall system durability and performance, while significantly reducing the likelihood of component failure. Furthermore, he discusses the economic benefits of opting for SBSE, which lowers both initial capital expenses and long-term operational costs, thereby providing a superior Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). This approach not only maximizes energy production but also minimizes environmental waste. Whether you\u2019re a homeowner considering solar energy or an installer looking to streamline operations, this video offers valuable insights into why choosing the right technology matters for sustainability and cost savings. Don\u2019t miss Travis\u2019 expert take on why SMA\u2019s strategy offers a smarter, more reliable solar solution. Blog: https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/solar-straight-talk-sma-expert-oped-the-real-costs-of-module-level-power-electronics-mlpes\/ SMA America website sma-america.com\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:1280px;margin:5px;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">System Reliability<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For a period spanning from the mid 2010&#8217;s through the early 2020&#8217;s the general philosophy of residential solar sales was that microinverters were advantageous because &#8220;if one microinverter goes out you only lose one panel,&#8221; as juxtaposed to a single inverter responsible for the entire system, where if that inverter went out the entire system would be down. This tracks well if you don&#8217;t spend too much time thinking about it. The reality, and what plays out in the field, bears fruit on the side of a quality-made string inverter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-214919 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-19-1024x569.png\" alt=\"System Reliability\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-19-1024x569.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-19-262x146.png 262w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-19-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-19-705x392.png 705w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-19-630x350.png 630w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-19.png 1426w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/569;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A single underexplained truth lies at the bottom here. What is the failure rate of solar panels? An article from EnegySage titled <em>&#8220;How often do solar panels fail&#8221;<\/em> (updated February 29th, 2024) states:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><em>&#8220;According to a 2017 study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 0.05% of solar panels installed since 2000 will need replacement due to failure from age, exposure to the elements, or manufacturing defects.&#8221;<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">0.05%! That&#8230; is an incredibly small amount. The actuality is &#8211; if a MLPE is giving an error code it is far more likely that the MLPE has failed. It rarely has anything to do with the solar panel itself! The MLPE&#8217;s are monitoring themselves, not the production of the panels.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-214859 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-24-1024x569.png\" alt=\"System Reliability\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-24-1024x569.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-24-262x146.png 262w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-24-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-24-705x392.png 705w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-24-630x350.png 630w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-24.png 1426w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/569;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">From the standpoint of reliability electronics do not like extreme heat, cold, water exposure, or general fluctuations in climate, and yet that is exactly what MLPE&#8217;s are exposed to on the roof, day in and day out for years. The solution of our SMA <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW36734746 BCX8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sma-america.com\/products\/hybrid-inverters\/sunny-boy-smart-energy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"FieldRange SCXW36734746 BCX8\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW36734746 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Sunny Boy Smart Energy (SBSE<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">) <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">is to let panels do their work on the roof, bring the DC current off the roof, and do the conversion to a usable AC current in the garage or on the side of the home in an accessible location with a more controlled climate. The inverter is the heart of the system, the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">component<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">ultimately responsible<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\"> for the financial payback <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">to<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\"> the end user. At SMA we believe our <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">architecture allows<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\"> for the best <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">long<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">-term<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\"> satisfaction for homeowners while giving installation companies an easier and less expensive fix for the next topic: <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">m<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">aintenance and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">R<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36734746 BCX8\">epowering.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW36734746 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-214907 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-20-1024x573.png\" alt=\"System Reliability\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-20-1024x573.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-20-262x147.png 262w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-20-768x430.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-20-705x395.png 705w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-20-625x350.png 625w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-20.png 1426w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/573;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW95984039 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW95984039 BCX8\">Ease of Maintenance and Repowering<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW153682946 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW153682946 BCX8\">If an inverter registers a failure, the homeowner (in general) <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW153682946 BCX8\">isn&#8217;t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW153682946 BCX8\"> going to have any idea what is wrong. They are going to call their installation company, and that company is going to have to truck-roll to the site to diagnose the issue.<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW153682946 BCX8\">If the system uses MLPE&#8217;s, it will involve climbing on the roof and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW153682946 BCX8\">locating<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW153682946 BCX8\"> the device registering an error.<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW153682946 BCX8\">From there the installer will have to<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW153682946 BCX8\"> figure out the path forward. Depending on the timespan since installation, many of the MLPE models will no longer be available causing compatibility issues in tandem with a more physically challenging fix.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW153682946 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-214895 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-21-1024x574.png\" alt=\"Ease of Maintenance and Repowering\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-21-1024x574.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-21-262x147.png 262w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-21-768x430.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-21-705x395.png 705w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-21-625x350.png 625w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-21.png 1428w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/574;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/introducing-sma-home-energy-solutions-with-the-innovative-sunny-boy-smart-energy-hybrid-inverter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SMA SBSE<\/a> a service technician can simply walk up to the inverter to perform any required work. An additional free service offered for the SBSE is SMA Smart Connected, a platform that can initiate a remote -return merchandise authorization (RMA) by utilizing the System Manager built into the SBSE inverter. In many instances, this will negate the need for an installer to roll a truck for diagnostics, saving time and money. The replacement inverter will land at the specified address listed in the Smart Connected service.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With repowering, there are no issues with single device incompatibilities, and the SBSE can be used to repower almost any string inverter system. The SBSE was also designed with a wide voltage window, allowing for recapture of some kWh production in older arrays. This is going to be a huge boon for installers as there are many older systems in the 15\u201325-year range that will need new inverters to carry their systems forward. Which bring us to our next topic: Environmental Care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW216852205 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW216852205 BCX8\">Environmental Care<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The solar industry is helping drive new technologies that will increasingly reduce our global consumption of fossil fuels. That said, we are still an industry, and industry makes things, and those things have a lifespan. What happens to them when that lifespan is over? Options for recycling solar equipment are being developed, but let&#8217;s operate here from a fundamental notion: less is more.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For the same reason we believe that less electronics and failure points equal higher yield and reliability, we believe that less components equals a better environmental outcome. Less to recycle, less possible trash, easier breakdown when the product has reached the end of its usable lifespan. Which brings us to our last and possibly most relevant topic: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/big-shine-energy-symposium-cara-richards-keynote-on-capex-vs-lcoe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CapEx Cost Savings plus LCOE<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-214883 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-22-1024x569.png\" alt=\"Environmental Care \" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-22-1024x569.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-22-262x146.png 262w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-22-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-22-705x392.png 705w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-22-630x350.png 630w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-22.png 1432w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/569;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW202297260 BCX8\">CapEx<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW202297260 BCX8\"> Cost Savings Plus LCOE<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Along with offering less failure points and having less opportunity for e-waste, not utilizing MLPE&#8217;s also achieves something even more tangible &#8211; less money spent. If the average microinverter (MI) costs $150 and the project requires (25) 400-watt solar panels for a 10kW system, that totals $3,750 for the inverters. That cost discrepancy only grows as\u00a0\u00a0 panels are added, and this is just on the PV only side of things.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With the future of residential solar bound to include higher adoption of storage, the SMA SBSE also boasts a 200% DC to AC ratio. Where once a high DC to AC ratio didn&#8217;t make much sense from an ROI standpoint, now homeowners can add panels to maximize production, fast charge their battery with excess current, while saving upfront cost by utilizing a smaller inverter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Over time, the architecture of the SBSE will yield the best LCOE for homeowners and installers alike. For installers, there are cost savings in their service budget as Smart Connected can alleviate truck rolls for diagnostics and the fix happens at the location of the single inverter; not on the roof. For homeowners the SBSE also provides a LCOE advantage in the form of a seldom discussed issue &#8211; losses due to heat.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-214871 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-23-1024x569.png\" alt=\"CapEx Cost Savings Plus LCOE\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-23-1024x569.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-23-262x146.png 262w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-23-768x427.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-23-705x392.png 705w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-23-630x350.png 630w, https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/image-23.png 1426w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/569;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">MLPE&#8217;s such as MI&#8217;s and DC optimizers are constantly running, which generates heat. All solar panels and inverters have temperature coefficients, basically stating that as temperatures rise, output reduces. By locating a single inverter off the roof, the SBSE allows the PV modules to reach their full potential for energy production, then takes the DC current off the roof and does the DC to AC conversion in the air-cooled inverter. Over time this is a double whammy of positive features &#8211; less CapEx investment AND less production losses over time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In conclusion, while module-level power electronics (MLPEs) like microinverters have been marketed as a solution to improve reliability and efficiency in solar systems, they often introduce more complexity, potential points of failure, and system losses. These effects are all magnified under harsh environmental conditions. The SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy (SBSE) provides a more robust alternative by centralizing the critical DC to AC conversion in a controlled environment, away from the elements. This approach not only enhances system reliability, but also minimizes environmental impact by reducing the number of electronic components that can fail and require recycling. Finally, the SBSE system offers significant cost savings both in initial capital expenditure and long-term operational costs, providing a better overall Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for homeowners and installers. By focusing on fewer, more reliable components, the SBSE architecture ensures higher performance and greater satisfaction for all stakeholders involved.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-left kksr-valign-bottom\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;214858&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;8&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;3&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;3\\\/5 - (8 votes)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;22&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Solar Straight Talk: SMA Expert OpEd \u2013 The Real Costs of Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPEs)&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;68.5&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 1px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 22px; height: 22px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 1px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 22px; height: 22px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 1px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 22px; height: 22px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 1px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 22px; height: 22px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 1px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 22px; height: 22px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 68.5px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 1px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 22px; height: 22px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 1px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 22px; height: 22px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 1px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 22px; height: 22px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 1px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 22px; height: 22px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 1px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 22px; height: 22px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 17.6px;\">\n            3\/5 - (8 votes)    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div class='printomatic pom-default ' id='id7548'  data-print_target='article'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Humans are creatures of habit. Life is busy, and once we start something we generally roll with it&#8230; until strong&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":214931,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1715],"tags":[1642,2039],"class_list":["post-214858","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-solutions","tag-residential-solar","tag-sbse"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Solar Straight Talk: SMA Expert OpEd \u2013 The Real Costs of Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPEs) - Sunny. 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