Pro Solar Hawaii

Aug 2018

String inverters verus standard central inverter Most small-scale solar energy systems use a string inverter, also known as a “centralized” inverter. In a solar PV system with a string inverter, each panel is wired together into “strings.” When they produce energy, it all gets sent to a single inverter, which is usually located on the side of your home, in a garage, or in your basement. The inverter will convert all of the electricity from your solar panels into DC electricity for your property. Pros: String inverters are the lowest-cost inverter option, and are a “tried and true” inverter technology. They are also the easiest to maintain, because they are in an easy-to-access location. Cons: If your system uses a string inverter, it will only produce as much useful electricity as its least productive solar panel. Electricity production for a system with a string inverter can “bottleneck,” or be dramatically reduced, if just one or two panels are in the shade or aren’t operating properly. Best for: Properties with “uncomplicated” roofs that get consistent sun throughout the day, and homeowners looking for lower-cost solar PV systems. Microinverters: high-performance inverter for complex systems If a string inverter can be considered a “centralized” inverter, microinverters are “distributed” inverters. Solar PV systems with microinverters have a small inverter installed at the site of each individual solar panel. Rather than sending energy from every panel down to a single inverter, microinverter systems convert the DC solar energy to AC energy right on the roof. Pros: Because they are located on the roof near the solar panel, microinverters are more efficient than string inverters at converting energy. Systems with microinverters will still produce energy, even if one or two panels in the system are underperforming. Microinverters also make it possible to monitor the performance of specific panels, which makes it easier to identify production issues if they should arise. Cons: Microinverters will cost significantly more than a string inverter, and can be more difficult to maintain or repair in the event of a problem because they are located on the roof. Best for: Systems with solar panels that face multiple directions, homeowners who want to maximize solar production in a small space, and properties that have “complicated” roofs with gables, chimneys, or other objects that can cause shade. Power optimizers: a panel-located option to pair with a string inverter Power optimizers can be thought of as a compromise between string inverters and microinverters. Like microinverters, power optimizers are located on the roof next to (or integrated with) individual solar panels. However, systems with power optimizers still send energy to a centralized inverter. Power optimizers don’t convert the DC electricity into AC electricity at the site of the solar panel. Rather, they “condition” the DC electricity by fixing the voltage of the electricity, at which point the electricity is sent down to the string inverter. A system that pairs power optimizers with a string inverter is more efficient than one that uses a string inverter alone. Pros: Like microinverters, power optimizers can improve the efficiency of your solar panel system, and they tend to cost less than microinverters. They also offer the benefit of monitoring the performance of individual panels, and systems with power optimizers can still produce significant energy even if one or two panels are underperforming. Cons: A system that puts power optimizers with a string inverter will vary more or less than a system with a standard string inverter option. with micro inverters, Solar Power systems that include power optimizers can be more difficult to maintain. At ProSolarHawaii we will explain in detail your options a Mistake a lot of people make is buying an inverter that does not support battery's At ProsolarHawaii, we can show you all the inverter's that are Battery Friendly Now that you understand how solar inverters work, your next step is to decide which type is best for your solar PV system. At the end of the day, the choice comes down to how much you’re willing to Pay, and whether you are prepared for the possibility of additional maintenance. ProSolarHawaii has additional resources that can help you make a decision about your solar inverter options: Comparing string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers Microinverters vs. power optimizers: which panel-level option is best for you? Advantages and disadvantages of microinverters and power optimizers , the best way to find out which option works for you is up to You. Call one of our Pro's today ProSolar Hawaii 808.339.1106 or 808.286.6591

$2

Kailua Kona, HI

Dec 2017

500- 330 watt solar panels. SMA inverters

$2.2m

Hilo, HI

Sep 2018

23- 305 watt Panels Enphase Micro Inverters. They had originally signed with Pa Harris, after he went Bankrupt Pro Solar Hawaii and Electrical Contracting stepped in and was able to transfer their account and complete the project for them.

Kailua Kona, HI

Aug 2018

Installation Of 305 Watt Panels With Enphase Micro Inverters

Kailua Kona, HI

Aug 2018

Installation Of A Solar Electric System To Charge a Tesla Car OutBack Inverter with 8 Simpliphi Batteries

Hawi, HI