Using Microinverters - # panels = 12, # inverters comes up as 16. How is this caalculated?

The # of panels is calculated based on the panel size and the array size. It was computed correctly. But the # of inverters comes up as 16, when I only have 12. How was this number calculated?

Hello,

SAM's Flat Plate PV model for photovoltaic systems has two options for sizing the PV array: Specify desired array size and Specify numbers of modules and inverters.

When you choose the Specify Desired Array Size option, you provide the array's DC capacity, and SAM does its best to calculate values for the number of modules per string, strings in parallel, and inverters. To calculate the number of inverters, SAM divides the desired array size in DC kW by the inverter's AC capacity in kW. This provides a rough estimate of the number of inverters for a preliminary analysis.

When you choose the Specify Numbers of Modules and Inverters option, you specify the number of modules and inverters.

I suggest using the Specify Desired Array Size option as a first step to get a sense of the numbers of modules and inverters, and then changing to Specify Numbers of Modules and Inverters to refine the numbers for a more realistic system design.

Best regards,
Paul.