Enphase Energy is bringing its new micro-inverters into Australian solar market this month. They provide solutions that combine innovation in power electronics, networking and web-based software to make solar systems smarter and more efficient.
Usually, all the solar panels of a solar system are connected to each other and then connected into a single central inverter. The Enphase system places a small micro-inverter underneath each solar panel enabling each one to operate independently. This means that it will convert direct current (DC Power) into alternating current (AC Power) at the panel level which simplifies the solar system design and installation as well as eliminating high DC voltages.
The Enphase system allows for 24/7 online monitoring. Each micro-inverter communicates over the internet to provide performance and output information of each solar panel. Other benefits of the Enphase system include:
1. Significant increase in performance as each panel can operate at its maximum efficiency, even if one panel is partly shaded. (In normal string inverters, all panels will operate at the efficient of the lowest performing panel.)
2. Has a “Burst Mode.” This means in low light the panels will store even the smallest trickle of power until there is enough to send a small burst of energy. This will increase generation hours and makes the system highly efficient.
3. Has a 25 year limited warranty with 100% uptime – Enphase trust their system and say it is made with the highest quality components.
4. As the micro-inverter is underneath each solar panel, voltages are dealt with and changed into AC power singularly and is not left to accumulate as more panels are installed. This means that voltages are kept low and therefore reduce the fire risk associated with high heat and voltages.
The following video shows an easy explanation as to how the Enphase system works.
“With millions of units shipped, Enphase is bringing the world’s most advanced micro-inverter systems to the flourishing Australian solar market, “ says Paul Nahl, CEO of Enphase Energy, “Leading analysts project Australia to become a gigawatt plus solar market and Enphase enters at a time when this growing clean economy is gaining promising momentum.”
Enphase have partnered up with RFI Solar who will be distributing the units. Scott Magee, Managing Director of RFI said, “The RFI Team is excited at the opportunity to bring the advanced technology of Enphase micro-inverters to the Australian solar market. The combination of increased design flexibility, improved safety and panel level monitoring make this a great solution for the solar consumer.”
An Arizona based company called Cambio Energy have installed an Enphase Energy system on the Tempe Plaza. The system consist of 1211 Enphase micro-inverters. According to Enphase, the key reasons why they opted to use micro-inverters include safety, ease of installation and maximum energy harvest.