How Micro inverter works?
A solar micro-inverter is one of two types of inverters that can be used with a home solar system. Microinverters have several advanatages over conventional inverters, called string inverters. String inverters are connected to multiple solar panels in a row, or string, and converts all the incoming DC energy to usable AC energy. Because the microinverter is connected to a single solar panel instead of a string of them, there are a number of benefits to this technology.
Higher Production – More cost-effective
Panels experience obstruction at varying levels due to shading from trees, leaves, dirt and cloudy days. Because microinverters operate independently, each can perform to its fullest potential. If one panel is obstructed for any reason, only that panel’s energy production will be affected. That means the solar system produces more solar power and therefore is more cost-effective.
Safer and More Reliable
Because the microinverters are assigned individually to every panel, they convert the DC energy to AC right where it is produced; unlike string converters which are converting the energy at the end of a row of panels. This means there is no high voltage DC on your roof that could cause an electrical malfunction.
This independent functionally of the micorinverters also creates a more reliable system. There are no single points of failure. If one panel goes down, the rest will stay online producing energy at their maximum capacity. Also, the microinverters can be tracked remotely allowing for issues to be pinpointed and potentially resolved without a site visit.
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Solar Micro Inverters existed since the advent of the solar PV systems, but then due to high costs associated with manufacturing, it wasn’t popular until recently when a company enphase made the first commercially successful micro inverter M175 in 2008. Since then many established companies like SMA, Power-One (now ABB), Delta and other companies have formally launched these inverters. There are advantages as well as disadvantages of a Micro Inverter over a String or Central Inverters.
Microinverters have become common where array sizes are small and maximizing performance from every panel is a concern. Microinverters have been most successful in the residential market, where limited space for panels constrains array size, and shading from nearby trees or other objects is often an issue.
]]>When excess electricity is produced by your solar system, it is sent back to the grid and the electric company must buy that energy from you. Customers that sell their extra energy to the electric company then use that amount to offset their total electric bill. They can also draw upon these energy credits during times when their electricity usage is greater than their production – such as heavily overcast day or during the night.
Your solar system has ups and downs in energy production. During the morning and evening, home energy usage is usually higher while your solar system’s production is lower. Energy production peaks in the afternoon, usually when you are not home and therefore are using less energy.
These “ups and downs” create a “back-and-forth” between your system and the grid. As you consume more than you produce, your electric meter will increase as it did before you went solar. But when you produce more than you consume. It will actually run in reverse. This allows for maximum efficiency of your system as you are never leaving energy on the table.
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How Off-grid system works?
Off-grid systems can be used to provide small communities with electricity, or those people that prefer to be self-sufficient and not rely on public utilities for their power. As solar and wind technologies become more available and are improved, off grid power is in greater demand (Although not commonly used).
]]>Photovoltaic (PV) in details:
There are two basic types of solar energy that can be captures from the sun’s rays: Photovoltaic and Thermal. Some solar systems trap the heat from the sun and turn that into electricity (thermal). The solar panels we use at Loom Solar transform the light from the sun into energy (Photovoltaic).
]]>A power purchase agreement is a type of third party ownership (TPO) financing model where there is a two party contract. The system is not owned by the homeowner but instead, the power is purchased at a fixed rate from the solar company that owns the system.
At the end of the PPA contract, the homeowner can extend the contract or buy the solar system from the solar company.
]]>Solar Array in details:
A Solar array starts with solar cells or photovoltaic cells – which are then grouped together to make solar panels. This group of solar panels is called any array. Your solar consultant may use this term when he or she discusses your energy needs and how many solar panels (the size of your array) you need to power your home.
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Solar Battery Definition:
To fully understand a solar storage battery system and the relevant benefits of owning one, there are few external factors that we need to consider.
Time of use (TOU) Rates
Depending on your utility, you may have a time of use rate plan. That means that depending on the time of day you use your energy, you will be charged various rates. Prices for electricity are highest when demand for electricity is peaking. Usually from after work into the evening.
Having a solar battery system can help mitigate the amount of electricity you would normally buy during peak hours. It can store the extra energy generated from your solar panels during the day for you to use at more expensive rate times. Peak TOU rates can be as much as double the off-peak rates. Therefore, a solar battery storage system can quickly pay for itself.
Net Metering
Many utilities are phasing out their net metering programs and are no longer offering full credits for the electricity you are selling back to the grid. Often you will sell your electricity at a reduced wholesale rate, then buy it back later from the grid at the full retail rate. If you are in the situation with your utility, it is more valuable to store your electricity for later consumption in your home.
Important factors when purchasing a solar storage battery
Capacity & Power
These two factors are important for knowing the amount of electricity a solar panel battery can store and how much electricity it can provide at any given moment. A battery’s capacity is the total amount of electricity it can store measure in kilowatts (KW).
To put these tow variable into context, we can look at the two extremes; a battery with high capacity and low power, and a battery with low capacity and high power. A battery with high capacity but low power will be able to supply power to a number of key appliances in your home for a long time. A Battery with low capacity but high power will be able to power your entire home for a short amount of time.
Battery life and warranty:
Because the life of any battery naturally degrades over time, it is important to know the expected lifespan of the potential solar battery you will be purchasing. A battery’s lifespan is usually measure in either a total number of full cycles or in years. Over time, it will lose some of its capacity as well. Therefore, knowing the battery’s lifespan and warranty is important to know before purchase.
Solar Battery Options:
A number of batteries can be used as a solar panel battery. The most popular are lithium-ion and lead acid. Among these options, lithium-ion batteries are the best option for a solar battery storage system.
Lithium-ion (LIPO4)
The most popular of home storage batteries, lithium-ion batteries have the longest lifespan and are very compact and light compared to the other battery types. With all these benefits, however, they are the most expensive.
Lead acid
These batteries are some of the cheapest but have the shortest lifespan and capacity. These are a good option if you are trying to store energy on budget, but will cost you more in the long run as you have to replace them more frequently.
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Definition of solar cell efficiency:
Solar cell efficiency refers to sunlight energy that can be converted into electricity to power your home. When you go solar your rooftop panels are positioned in a way that captures the most power from the sun as efficiently as possible which is definitely something your solar contractor will discuss with you.
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Solar cells are used to converter sunlight into direct electricity. Sunlight strikes the surface of these cells which absorb photons and release elections. These electrons are captured and make it energy. Solar cells are grouped together to form the solar panels that are placed on your roof when you go solar.
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Solar Consultation in Details:
When you get your free solar consultation from Loom Solar, we have our experts personliaze your solar system to match your solar goals either in person or over the phone/computer. We review your electricity bill, calculate how much will save with solar, and then design your new solar solution on the spot. This design includes a diagram of what your panels will look like on your roof. Once the design is set, our consultant will walk you through our different solar products that fit your financial needs.
]]>A Solar EPC company is more sophisticated in the services and products they provide compared to a typical solar installer. An EPC company takes a holistic approach to provide a solar service for their customers.
When working with an EPC company, the entire solar process is completed under one contract. Therefore, there is only one bill to pay. The process of going solar is more streamlined and straightforward. This means less of your time is consumed in the process and you experience a greater peace of mind with having a single point of contact throughout the whole process.
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A solar inverter converts the DC output from your solar panels into a frequency that can be fed into a power grid. AC power is the standard used by all the commercial appliances in your home. You could say that inverters are the bridge between your solar system and your dishwasher.
Depending on the solar company or the system requirements, a different type of solar inverter might be used. A micro inverter has a higher upfront cost, but can save you on efficiency and provide longer-term savings. They also supply deeper and more accurate monitoring capabilities of the system’s energy production performance.
A string inverter is used to save on upfront system costs, but are less efficient and therefore provide fewer savings as time goes on.
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Also, called solar panels, a solar module is a single photovoltaic panel that is an assembly of connected solar cells. The solar cells absorb sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity. An array of modules are used to supply power to buildings.
A solar module typically consists of assembly of 6x10 solar cells. The solar cells efficiency and wattage output can vary depending on the type and quality of solar cells used. A solar module can range in energy production from 100-365 watts of DC electricity. The higher wattage output, the more energy production per solar module. A solar array of modules consisting of higher energy producing solar modules will, therefore, produce more electricity in less space than an array of lower producing modules. However, the cost is higher for greater producing modules.
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A solar panel warranty has two distinct parts: Product Equipment Warranties and a performance guarantee.
Solar Panel equipment warranties cover the physical panels themselves. This includes any manufacturing defects, durability issues, or equipment failure. The warranty typically covers the cost of replacing the faulty or damaged panel with a new working one. Most equipment warranties of solar panels last between 10-15 years but some premium panels have warranties for upto 25 years.
A Solar panel performance guarantee establishes a base electricity production over the lifetime of the panels. The amount of electricity a solar panel produces slightly declines every year they are in use. This decline in production is fairly predictable as the power output should not lose more than 10-20% production over the 25 years. If the panel drops below this at any time, a performance guarantee fixes or replaces any faulty panels so your system is performing at optimal capacity.
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The language used when referencing every component of a grid tied system (example Inverters, Panels, Utility meter).
A solar system is what loom solar call the collection of components that we install in your house that are producing renewable energy from the sunlight. This includes: Solar Inverters, Solar Panels, Utility meters and several other devices that help improve the efficiency of the solar system as a whole.
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Due to the unique nature of solar energy production compared to conventional methods of energy production, there is currently not a market wide accepted value of electricity produced from solar. The value of solar (VOC) is a methodology that takes the unique factors of solar energy production into consideration to determine an acceptable market value that benefits both resident and utilities.
These distinct characteristics of solar energy allow for a high degree of variability on how it is valued across markets. VOC studies begin to access these traits to develop better planning for future energy investments that maximize benefits to society. There are a number of implementations from VOC studies that have a direct impact on the future of how solar energy is valued.
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