I have an aurora PVI-3.6 and I think it is a first class inverter, very highly recommended.
It has two independent MPPT so handles mis-matched strings or odd numbers of panels and the 3.6 easily handles the 4kWp I have. The unit is a nice size compared to others and was easy to connect up. I think it was also good value compared to the others on offer and had good efficiency figures. The remote display I thought was nice, expensive but actually unneccesary, but some may get it cheaper or thrown in, who knows.
The front display is easy to use and gives useful information and the free software supplied is very good
http://albacontrols.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/aurora-communicator-software-review/Although, with the inverter switching off at night time the virtual serial usb thingy gets its knickers in a twist every few days.
There is a chap in the US that offers opens source driver code, have a look here
http://www.curtronics.com/Solar/As far as getting access to the protocol if you kindly ask the Italian engineers and sign a NDA they will probably send it to you, so it is a bit harsh to say it is locked off. I sent a couple of questions to the italian software engineers and they replied quickly with technical answers, I remain impressed with the outfit.
I considered writing an OPC interface to pluck out some key values, but as I have my 'NET Metering' googlfied Brultech ECM-1240 working I see no reason to go to the hassle of talking directly to the aurora (or any other inverter)
Can find a bad word to say actually. It is very good indeed.
