Inverters

Inverters convert DC (direct current) voltage from the solar modules into grid-ready AC (alternating current) power suitable for homes and businesses. String Inverters work with parallel strings of panels. Micro Inverters attach to each panel to optimize output – ideal for shaded or multi-angle installations.

If an inverter is 95% to 98% efficient, the overall system efficiency is around 85%. To make up the difference and ensure your system is the correct wattage, we add enough panels to produce 15% more wattage, so the system can produce full capacity as much as the time as possible.

Inverter types

String inverters are a proven technology that converts DC power into AC power from a “string” of solar panels wired together. The string inverter monitors the sum of the power produced by all the solar panels on the string. On the plus side, this makes string inverters quick to install and less expensive than alternatives. But on the down side, string inverters produce power at the rate of the least efficient solar panel in the string. Panels that are shaded, dirty or covered with leaves can cause the entire system to produce far less power than its potential. Variations from panel to panel can make as much as a 5% difference between panels in the string. And if a problem arises (such as a failed panel or connector), locating it can be time-consuming, because each panel must be tested separately.

Micro-inverters are a new technology that converts DC power into AC power separately for each solar panel in a system. The micro-inverter produces the maximum total power available from each panel, regardless of its age or condition. On the positive side, micro-inverters can produce significantly more power than string inverters over the lifetime of a solar system. Also by monitoring each panel separately, the micro-inverter can quickly identify and correct faults, making maintenance easier. A problem with one panel does not impact the rest of the solar installation. But on the negative side, micro-inverters are slightly more expensive to purchase and install than string inverters.