The DC power produced by a solar panel array is typically converted to AC power by a single, central inverter. Micro-inverters are another option for enhancing the functionality of a solar power setup. They are attached to the rear of the solar panel and are included as standard equipment by manufacturers and distributors. There are some advantages and disadvantages to this, both during setup and daily use of your solar power system.
AC Solar Panels Have Many Advantages:
AC solar panels are more expensive than non-inverter panels since the inverter is included into the panel. However, there are numerous positive outcomes that might result from putting in AC modules.
1. Quick And Simple Set Up:
The AC modules’ simple setup is highly valued by many customers. Since the inverter is integrated into the panel from the start, the installation process is simplified by eliminating the need to transport bulky components to the roof and connect them one by one. In addition, air conditioner installation in Singapore is very common. AC solar panels allow installers to save time on DC cable management.
All the cables and wires that link the solar panel to the converter(s) must be safely fastened and shielded from the weather when solar firms partner solar panel with a centralized inverter. Shorter installation timeframes and perhaps lower labor costs may result from the reduced wiring required in “plug and play” systems.
2. Warranty:
The panel and the inverter in an AC solar panel are normally covered by a 25-year warranty. While the majority of solar panels come with a 25-year production warranty, many inverters in the market now only come with a 10- to 15-year warranty, which is not always the case.
If you install a cooling system module, you may expect them to last for at least 25 years. Despite the fact that solar panels typically have two warranties, one manufacturer is usually assigned as the primary point to go to for any maintenance concerns that may arise.
3. The Efficiency of Individual Modules:
Have you ever gotten to early cool weather and attempted to switch on your AC in heating mode and want to turn on lights and other electrical equipment, only to find that they wouldn’t turn on? If even one bulb in the string is shattered, this will occur. A similar issue can arise when solar panels are connected to a string inverter; if even one panel on the string is not producing energy due to shadowing or a product flaw, the remainder of all the panels on that circuit would be negatively impacted.
Fortunately, this is not a problem using AC solar panels because each inverter operates autonomously, so the output of a single underperforming solar panel does not affect the output of the others. In addition to analyzing the system’s output, you can evaluate the efficiency of each individual panel due to the panels’ independence. If the solar power system is failing, you can simply determine if a single panel is to blame, which can speed up the process of repairing the system.
In-house micro-inverter installation advantages can be had by using a micro-inverter with conventional solar panels. There is less room for error in the connection between the inverter and the panel since the micro=inverters are installed on the roof top.
4. Increased Solar Energy output :
Adding AC solar panels to your setup has the potential to boost your solar panels’ electricity output. As we said before, one obvious method they accomplish this goal is by minimizing the effect of shading.
However, there is another option. Since micro-inverters are built into AC solar panels, the inverter can employ maximum power point tracking, or MPPT, to get the most out of each panel. As a result, you may see a 5–10% increase in power output from your PV system.
5. Lessens The Effect Of Shading:
When using central inverter which the output of a solar energy system is reduced when a single solar panel is shaded. This is not an issue with AC solar panels. Even with one panel covered, the rest will function normally. So, say you have a series of five solar panels and a layer of leaves covers one of them. When half of a solar panel is obscured by leaves, its ability to generate energy is reduced to that of a fully exposed panel. The other four panels will all function at 50% with the help of a central inverter.
Disadvantages:
1. AC Solar Panels Are Expensive:
Due to the additional expense of an inverter, AC solar panels are more expensive than regular photovoltaic solar panels. Because micro-inverters are so costly, the total cost of an AC solar system’s equipment is likely to be higher than that of a string inverter system. However, as less labor is necessary to set up AC solar panels, the overall price of installation may be lower.
2. Open To The Elements:
The issue with a conventional system is that it is less vulnerable to elements than a system with dozens of inverter on the roof. You should usually put your inverters inside a building or other structure that provides some protection from the elements. Since your modules’ inverters are already attached to the back, you can’t move them. Even though micro-inverters are built with this consideration, they are nevertheless susceptible to more damage from the elements.
3. It’s Not Easy To Get To For Maintenance And Fixes:
The fact that AC modules can be hard to service in the event of a repair is probably their largest drawback. Finding the bad inverter in the AC modules might be a time-consuming process. If you are dealing with 20 panels, the faulty micro-inverter may be in any one of them. To add insult to injury, this will need someone to climb onto your roof. You will need more time and most likely, more money to repair the inverter.