Clarification on Inverter Database Mapping: Mismatch between Datasheet terms and PV*SOL fields

[EFEN]

Hello PV*SOL Community / Support Team,

I am currently creating a manual entry for a Growatt MAX 100-125KTL3-X LV inverter. To ensure the simulation is correct, I have been comparing the manufacturer's datasheet with the PV*SOL Help Guide and existing native inverter entries in the database.

I’ve found several "grey areas" where terminology mismatches make the data entry process confusing for users:

1. DC Power & Clipping Logic The datasheet lists a "Max. Recommended PV Power" of 150 kW for a 100 kW AC model.

• Should "Nominal DC Power" match the AC rating (100 kW) or the DC input capacity?

• Is "Max. DC Power" the absolute limit where the software will start clipping the yield?

2. Defining Max. Power per MPP Tracker Since datasheets often do not specify the maximum power limit for a single tracker, I calculated a value of 18.75 kW using the following logic to allow for asymmetric stringing:

Formula used: Max Power per MPP = (Nominal AC / Number of Trackers) * 1.5 (DC/AC Ratio) * 1.25 (Flexibility Factor)

The 1.25 factor is derived from the ratio between Max. Short-circuit current (40A) and Max. Operating current (32A). Is this a valid workaround for PV*SOL, or is there a standard "rule of thumb" recommended by Valentin Software?

3. Global DC Data vs. Tracker Data It is unclear if the "Max. Input Current" in the main Electrical Data DC tab is a global hardware limit (sum of all trackers) or a per-tracker limit, as there is a separate field for this in the MPP tab. When comparing with native entries, this isn't always consistent.

4. Physical Inputs vs. Trackers For an inverter with 10 Trackers but 20 physical inputs (strings), should the "Number of DC inputs" be 20? My reference native entries show different criteria for this field.

---

Feedback on Software Clarity (User Experience)

I would like to suggest that the database entry interface could be significantly improved. Currently, the terminology used in PV*SOL (e.g., "DC Nominal Output") often differs from the standard terms used in modern manufacturer datasheets (e.g., "Max. PV Power" or "Full power MPPT voltage range").

Suggestions for the development team:

• Tooltip Synonyms: Add tooltips that list common datasheet synonyms for each field.

• Input Mapping Guide: A simple "How-to" graphic showing where to find each value on a standard datasheet would reduce the learning curve and prevent simulation errors.

https://help.valentin-software.com/pvsol/en/databases/components/inverters/

I have attached a PDF mapping these discrepancies to illustrate my point. I look forward to your guidance on these technical values.

Best regards, 

Juan

 

 

Create Inverter.pdf

[EFEN]

Hello PV*SOL Community / Support Team,

I am currently creating a manual entry for a Growatt MAX 100-125KTL3-X LV inverter. To ensure the simulation is correct, I have been comparing the manufacturer's datasheet with the PV*SOL Help Guide and existing native inverter entries in the database.

I’ve found several "grey areas" where terminology mismatches make the data entry process confusing for users:

1. DC Power & Clipping Logic The datasheet lists a "Max. Recommended PV Power" of 150 kW for a 100 kW AC model.

• Should "Nominal DC Power" match the AC rating (100 kW) or the DC input capacity?

• Is "Max. DC Power" the absolute limit where the software will start clipping the yield?

2. Defining Max. Power per MPP Tracker Since datasheets often do not specify the maximum power limit for a single tracker, I calculated a value of 18.75 kW using the following logic to allow for asymmetric stringing:

Formula used: Max Power per MPP = (Nominal AC / Number of Trackers) * 1.5 (DC/AC Ratio) * 1.25 (Flexibility Factor)

The 1.25 factor is derived from the ratio between Max. Short-circuit current (40A) and Max. Operating current (32A). Is this a valid workaround for PV*SOL, or is there a standard "rule of thumb" recommended by Valentin Software?

3. Global DC Data vs. Tracker Data It is unclear if the "Max. Input Current" in the main Electrical Data DC tab is a global hardware limit (sum of all trackers) or a per-tracker limit, as there is a separate field for this in the MPP tab. When comparing with native entries, this isn't always consistent.

4. Physical Inputs vs. Trackers For an inverter with 10 Trackers but 20 physical inputs (strings), should the "Number of DC inputs" be 20? My reference native entries show different criteria for this field.

---

Feedback on Software Clarity (User Experience)

I would like to suggest that the database entry interface could be significantly improved. Currently, the terminology used in PV*SOL (e.g., "DC Nominal Output") often differs from the standard terms used in modern manufacturer datasheets (e.g., "Max. PV Power" or "Full power MPPT voltage range").

Suggestions for the development team:

• Tooltip Synonyms: Add tooltips that list common datasheet synonyms for each field.

• Input Mapping Guide: A simple "How-to" graphic showing where to find each value on a standard datasheet would reduce the learning curve and prevent simulation errors.

https://help.valentin-software.com/pvsol/en/databases/components/inverters/

I have attached a PDF mapping these discrepancies to illustrate my point. I look forward to your guidance on these technical values.

Best regards, 

Juan

Create Inverter.pdf

[hotline_oh]

Dear Juan,

Thank you for your inquiry.

1. DC Power & Clipping Logic

We agree that the nominal DC output should be 100 kW. We will contact the manufacturer and request a correction.

The power is clipped when the nominal DC power is exceeded.

A warning message is issued when the maximum DC power is exceeded.

2. Defining Max. Power per MPP Tracker

The Max. Input Power per MPP Tracker is not found in the datasheet. Some manufacturers divide the total power by the number of MPP trackers, but this leads to error messages if the power is not evenly distributed across the trackers. Therefore, it's plausible that Growatt enters 18.75 kW here (instead of 10 kW or 15 kW). But we don't know exactly how the manufacturer calculates this value.

3. Global DC Data vs. Tracker Data

The maximum input current of the inverter is the product of the maximum input current of the MPP tracker and the number of MPP trackers, as in this example: 32 A * 10 = 320 A. However, some manufacturers enter something different.

We have noticed that the short-circuit current is incorrectly entered. According to the datasheet, the short-circuit current per MPP tracker is 40 A, so the short-circuit current of the inverter would be 400 A. We will contact the manufacturer and request a correction of both fields.

4. Physical Inputs vs. Trackers

We confirm that for an inverter with 10 trackers but 20 physical inputs (strings) the number of DC inputs is 20.

There are inverters with an odd number of DC inputs, e.g., 5 DC inputs with 3 MPP trackers. However, this is not the case with this Growatt inverter.

Suggestions for the development team

We have forwarded your suggestions to better align the electrical parameter designations with those found in most datasheets to our development team.