Tag Archives: inverters

types of solar inverters

String inverters vs. power optimizers vs. microinverters: what you need to know

As you consider a solar panel system for your home, one of the key decisions you need to make is the type of inverter to install. Inverters convert direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity. Given the complex power electronics and software contained within, inverters are vital to the ongoing performance of your solar power system.

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Q&A with Hoymiles

Q&A with Hoymiles

When you picture a solar energy system, you probably think of the panels – and for good reason! They’re certainly the most visible component. However, inverters are also an important part of your solar energy system: they convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used by most common household appliances. Hoymiles is one company that manufactures inverters; specifically, they make microinverters, which are installed and convert electricity at each individual solar panel. We sat down with Hoymiles to learn more about their history, product offerings, and advice for those exploring inverter options.

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Best solar inverters

What are the best inverters available? Top brands of 2022 compared

If you want to maximize your solar energy system’s production, finding the best solar inverter is as important as the solar panels you choose. For an “uncomplicated” roof – one that faces south and has no gables, chimneys, or other obstructions that can cast a shadow – the best solar inverter for you may be a standard string (aka central) inverter. But, more than half of new residential solar installations are using module-level power electronics (MLPEs) – such as power optimizers and microinverters – to maximize electricity production on more complicated, less ideal rooftops.

In the world of MLPEs, you might be trying to decide between two big names, SolarEdge vs. Enphase, and with good reason: about 95 percent of quotes on EnergySage included either SolarEdge or Enphase in 2022! That said, there are many other great inverter options to consider. At the end of the day, the question of which is the best solar inverter comes down to performance, warranties, cost, and personal preference.

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hoymiles warranty review

We read Hoymiles’ warranty so you don’t have to

Let’s face it – warranties aren’t the easiest (or most gripping) documents to read. There are often a lot of details and fine print included that can be hard to digest, leaving many to wonder: what does the warranty actually cover? Am I vulnerable? Anything I might be missing?

To make it as easy as possible, we’ve read warranty documents for the top inverter equipment manufacturers–and talked to them to confirm what is and isn’t included–and plan to point out the most important aspects of each in a series of articles. In this article, we’ll review the warranty of a microinverter company that’s been around since 2012: Hoymiles.

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Sol-Ark warranty review

We read Sol-Ark’s warranty so you don’t have to

Let’s face it – warranties aren’t the easiest (or most gripping) documents to read. There are often a lot of details and fine print included that can be hard to digest, leaving many to wonder: what does the warranty actually cover? Am I vulnerable? Anything I might be missing?

To make it as easy as possible, we’ve read warranty documents for the top inverter equipment manufacturers–and talked to them to confirm what is and isn’t included–and plan to point out the most important aspects of each in a series of articles. In this article, we’ll break down the warranty of a popular string inverter company that’s also in the process of launching a new microinverter product: Sol-Ark

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solaredge q and a

Q&A with SolarEdge

Home electrification requires many types of equipment: from solar panels to inverters to storage to electric vehicle (EV) chargers; navigating everything you might need can be difficult. SolarEdge, one of the leading inverter companies, offers a range of equipment you’ll need if you’re looking to electrify your home, making it easier to set up one cohesive solution. We sat down with SolarEdge to learn more about their background, the products they offer, and what advice they have for you as an energy shopper.

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Adding solar panels to an existing system: what you need to know

If you’ve gone solar, you’ve already decreased (or possibly eliminated) your electricity bill. But you may want to add more solar panels to your existing system; your solar panel system could be undersized to begin with, or you might have increased your electricity usage since installation due to new additions to your house, new appliances, or adding an electric vehicle (EV) purchase.

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Most popular inverters

The most popular inverters on EnergySage in 2022

Before going solar, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is which equipment to install. But there are many different inverter products to choose from – so where’s the best place to start? In this article, we’ll explore the most popular inverters on the EnergySage Marketplace. If you’re curious about the most popular solar panels on EnergySage, check out this article.

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microinverters on a house

Microinverters: what you need to know

Inverters are an essential component of any solar panel system. They’re responsible for converting direct current energy (DC) generated at your solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity for your home’s appliances. When it comes to choosing an inverter solution for your solar panel system, there are a few options to consider. In this article, we’ll go over one of the more popular types of inverter technologies: microinverters.

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Solar system components and setup: what you need to know

Once solar panels are set up on a property, they’ve relatively maintenance free. This is because the majority of solar panel systems have no moving parts; as long as they’re receiving sunlight and the products aren’t faulty, they will be a reliable source of electricity for at least 25 to 30 years.

Because of their ease of use, most people don’t think about the actual setup of a solar panel system. What parts are required? And how do they all connect to produce power for your property? Here’s a quick intro to the most important solar system components, and how they’re set up on your home or business.

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