Inverters are the heart of a solar PV system. Without this magical device, we could not use the electricity generated by the sun. Every solar system we install at StraightUp Solar includes the essential inverter, so you can start reaping the benefits from day one. Contact us today for a free custom solar assessment!
String inverters perform best under direct sunlight and tie together solar modules along one current. The entire string’s productivity is negatively affected if any part of the array is blocked by shade. However, power optimizers are included and work to find the maximum energy point in the ever-changing light or temperature conditions.
A microinverter flips the electrical current from direct to alternating at each panel, creating individual connections. Attached to the back of each panel, microinverters immediately capture the energy absorbed by the solar modules.
In contrast to string inverters, a shade-covered panel with an individual current won’t affect the entire system. Alternating currents from each microinverter are attached to a junction box, which then connects to your home’s electrical panel.
All solar PV systems installed by StraightUp Solar are grid-connected. In the case of a power outage, the inverter begins a process called “anti-islanding.” The inverter rapidly shuts off the entire system (unless you have solar battery storage) to protect excess electricity from entering the grid during repairs.
StraightUp Solar carries Enphase iQ8 inverters with a “sunshine backup” capability. During daylight hours, the inverters can safely provide electricity to your home, even if the power is down. Although still disconnected from the grid, the inverters can maintain electrical circulation inside your electric panel.
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