New Trend In AC Solar Panels Integrates DC Panels And Enphase Micro Inverters
New technology compels us to investigate AC Solar Panels
As with all electronics over time, components shrink and cheaper over time. Most of the same rules of electronic components apply to solar technology, since the better part of a solar PV system is electronics.
Conventionally engineered solar PV systems use strings of solar panels hooked in series to combine the low wattage in each module and aggregate a large stream of direct current (DC) power which is then sent to a central inverter, which alters all the DC power from the solar strings into alternating current (AC) power, the stuff we use in our houses and offices.
The inverters are nothing more than computer components, and the major piece of equipment solar companies are gaining the same economies of scale as {occurs in computer technology|we see in computers). Many inverter manufacturers have created what is now called a micro-inverter, an inverter that operates with just a single solar module, vs. the traditional method of strings of panels and large inverters.
Todays latest technology gives us solar panels and micro inverters. Next generation systems combine them into a single component, and thus the AC solar panel was born. And with AC solar panels comes the simplicity of obtaining panels as needed and plugging them in.
AC panels, or DC panels and micro inverters such as the Enphase M190 have many distinct advantages over traditionally designed solar PV systems. The best part is, much less math is required, now that you do not have to size strings of panels to pols of power inside the inverter. You know that hurt to read. Think how hard it must have been to do. It simply means that solar has gone from something an engineer has to design, to something the average do it yourselfer can accomplish over a weekend at home.
Another big advantage has to do with shading. Right now, if a couple panels in an array are sun blocked, or parts of more than a couple panels are in the shade, the array may not produce enough power to drive the inverter, which might mean little or no electricity being created by the array, even if parts of the array are in the sun. With AC solar panels having their own micro-inverter built in, if the panel is in the sun, electricity is being produced, even if the panels on either side of it are in the shade. Measured over years, this can significantly increase the yield of power from your solar electric system.
AC solar panels are the clear option in solar PV systems. You gain the same advantage today combining DC solar panels with Enphase Micro inverter Technology.
More here: http://www.solarpanelstore.com/solar-power.ac_solar_panels.html http://www.solarpanelstore.com/solar-power.enphase_micro_inverters.html
