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> micro-inverters won't cut it for grid-tied Don't understand this comment given that Enphase is a grid-tied micro-inverter.

PaulDavisThe1st 6y ago
My understanding of the term "micro-inverter" is that it describes a small, unsophisticated, lower power inverter. Such a device could not match grid phase and could not handle high voltages. They are useful for other reasons, but by themselves don't connect to the grid. My Solar Edge system uses micro-inverters on each panel, but still has "an inverter" before the grid interconnect.
- pedrocr 6y ago
  Just installed Enphase micro-inverters per panel. They just plug into the grid 230V directly with no other hardware in between.
  - PaulDavisThe1st 6y ago
    cool! didn't know they could do that. I guess the original commenter pretty much gets their wish!
    - gandalfian 6y ago
      The current microinvertors are a bit expensive and custom, though often worth it. So I was suggesting there is still plenty of headroom for panel manufacturers to improve their product by integrating micro inverters and inteligence and such. Incidentally I think you technically have Solar edge optimizers, slightly different from micro inverters, hence why you still need an inverter, a blurry distinction admittedly.
      - PaulDavisThe1st 6y ago
        You're absolutely right - I was forgetting what I installed! The SolarEdge thingies on my panels don't invert at all, they just modulate the voltage/connectivity for the panels so that malfunction/shade doesn't pull the whole array down. What I'm personally waiting for is a grid-tied inverter that can also be used to directly charge batteries as well. Nobody seems to make one that doesn't involve some important compromises. For now it seems that if you want grid-tied and a battery system, you charge the batteries through a double DC->AC->DC conversion (i.e. charge the batteries from your regular house AC system), and somehow solve the instant-cutover problem separately.

PaulDavisThe1st 6y ago

My understanding of the term "micro-inverter" is that it describes a small, unsophisticated, lower power inverter. Such a device could not match grid phase and could not handle high voltages. They are useful for other reasons, but by themselves don't connect to the grid. My Solar Edge system uses micro-inverters on each panel, but still has "an inverter" before the grid interconnect.

pedrocr 6y ago
Just installed Enphase micro-inverters per panel. They just plug into the grid 230V directly with no other hardware in between.
- PaulDavisThe1st 6y ago
  cool! didn't know they could do that. I guess the original commenter pretty much gets their wish!
  - gandalfian 6y ago
    The current microinvertors are a bit expensive and custom, though often worth it. So I was suggesting there is still plenty of headroom for panel manufacturers to improve their product by integrating micro inverters and inteligence and such. Incidentally I think you technically have Solar edge optimizers, slightly different from micro inverters, hence why you still need an inverter, a blurry distinction admittedly.
    - PaulDavisThe1st 6y ago
      You're absolutely right - I was forgetting what I installed! The SolarEdge thingies on my panels don't invert at all, they just modulate the voltage/connectivity for the panels so that malfunction/shade doesn't pull the whole array down. What I'm personally waiting for is a grid-tied inverter that can also be used to directly charge batteries as well. Nobody seems to make one that doesn't involve some important compromises. For now it seems that if you want grid-tied and a battery system, you charge the batteries through a double DC->AC->DC conversion (i.e. charge the batteries from your regular house AC system), and somehow solve the instant-cutover problem separately.