Some Of The Main Solar Energy Equipment Types and Technologies

Sometimes, many parts make up a whole.  Now, in the case of an amoeba, this is not the case.  But, in the fact of solar panel technologies, there are a few parts that must be working in unison for you to make the most off of your potential solar panes savings.  The initial equipment choice you’ll make is the brand and type of panels to choose for your solar panel system. 

Some of the parts to consider at as you weigh your choices are efficiency, price, warranty, and type of technology. Solar panels will commonly be characterized as one of two technologies: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Both models have the same duty and are made from silicon, but the outward form and cost of each are significantly different. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and more costly and come with a dark blue or black tint. Polycrystalline panels, the economy, and less efficient option are a lighter blue hue.

Solar Inverters

Producing rooftop solar energy is an uncomplicated process in which solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) energy that can be transferred to a home’s power system. However, most houses and businesses are wired to use alternating current (AC) energy. That conversion from DC to AC is where inverters get into play, and there are various options to match.

Solar String inverters

Also recognized as a "centralized inverter", a string inverter points to a single string technology that attaches your solar array to the electrical panel of your home. String inverters are the least costly inverter choice you’ll find, but they aren’t ideal for every situation. They connect your solar panels to your home’s power infrastructure as an individual unit, which means that if one panel in your system isn’t performing well due to a shading problem, your entire array’s production will drop until that single panel recovers.

Solar Micro-inverters

Differently, than string inverters, micro-inverters are fastened individually to every solar panel, which maximizes energy creation for your array. In the instance given above, if a single panel is shaded or obstructed by a cloud throughout the day, the rest of your solar system’s power creation won’t be affected because each panel has its micro-inverter. Micro-inverters also give panel-level performance monitoring in your array, which is a huge plus for homeowners struck to be closely tracking the output of each solar panel. Though they are the most efficient technology option, micro-inverters are also the most costly.

Solar Power Optimizer

With the definitions of micro-inverter and string inverter in mind, one can think of an energy optimizer as a combination of the two. Like micro-inverters, power optimizers are installed at every panel. However, they are a more affordable choice than micro-inverters, and slightly more costly than a string inverter system. Power optimizers are excellent for higher maintenance roofs that involve shading issues or panels that require to face alternating directions. Like micro-inverters, power optimizers give performance monitoring for all panels in your system. Power optimizers are not inverters, they “condition” the DC energy from a solar panel and then move it onto a centralized inverter where transformation occurs. While power optimizers can enhance your system’s efficiency, they don’t give the effectiveness of a micro-inverter system.

Curious about your solar hard costs, and how that might affect your own solar panel pricing? We here at HahaSmart you will have a look at what we can offer you on the cost of solar panels and cost of solar installations. We will strive to find you the best prices available. Follow the solar experts. Try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need and how much you can save on your energy bills each month. Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.