Talking About Green

With technology progressing quickly on its revolutionary path, the use of solar power throughout the world is on the increase. People from all around the globe are taking advantage of the suns energy and many are relishing the decrease in their utility bills. Yet the majority of solar users know little about the technology they are using and how their solar panels do what they do.  Although solar power has relied on many different pieces of kit throughout its development, the most effective one in use today is the micro inverter. A device utilized by many, yet appreciated by little.

The micro inverter is unknown to the uninformed solar user simply because of its location. It sits neatly behind the solar panel, enclosed in a small box.  In terms of the use of alternative energy, its purpose could not be of any more importance. It converts direct current into alternating current; and it ensures the power supplied is compliant with the grid power. There is no point in absorbing the suns energy if it cannot be converted into a useful form. It is vital.

A micro inverter offers a solar user many advantages that the older central inverters do not. One of the device’s key benefits is that it is connected to the solar modules in parallel. This means that, unlike when modules are connected in series, if one of the solar panels is to have a fault, the rest of the modules will still function. Moreover micro inverters run with a lower DC voltage than a central inverter, making them a safer option for the average solar user. The micro inverters main difference to older devices is its ‘per module’ running style. It converts current from a single module; thus meaning that individual modules can be monitored closely, and any problems can be addressed more easily then with a centralized inverter.

The micro inverter is so important to solar power because it ultimately decides the life of a module. Due to leaks in capacitors the micro inverter has been given a life expectancy of a decade and a half, which, when you consider the purpose of solar power, is a disappointing estimate. Many see inverters to be the weakest part of solar technology and with a 10 year life expectancy, it’s hard to argue with them. However micro inverters are forever developing and some are becoming extremely sophisticated.

These new and improved micro inverters have left behind the use of electrolytic capacitors meaning leaking is no longer a concern. They include extra head storage in order to sustain the highest of voltages and currents, meaning they will last longer as a result. The replacement of micro inverters is a costly operation, with installation rates emptying people’s pockets. To make solar power a worthy investment, it is vital that the micro inverter you use can survive longer than a decade. When looking into solar power, remember to look behind the panel, at the small box that lies within. As it is this box that will determine the success of your solar adventure. Quality means reliability, and reliability means a longer life expectancy. Remember that.

Author: Chris Hoole has a passion for Green Technology  and Saving our planet. He is a Creative and Persuasive Copywriter from Apple Copywriting. Chris is also a freelance writer for greenraysloar, a company that offers an innovative micro inverter solution.