SOLAR INVERTERS

Despite the warranty, whether you pay for it or not, you will have to replace the inverter at some point within a 10 year period.

This system is referred to by some, as a micro-inverter system – but it is not. It is however very similar, with the only difference really being that a string inverter is still used to invert the generated electricity from DC to AC.
 
This system is an improvement on the traditional string inverter system (it allows greater generation during poorer light conditions.) It consists of a SolarEdge string inverter and Solaredge Power Optimizers (which make the crucial difference.)
 
An optimizer is placed behind each solar panel. These optimizers are then all linked together and then connected to a Solaredge string inverter.

• The SolarEdge Optimizer not only optimises each individual panel, but also acts as a bypass diodes in the event of a panel failure. Therefore, unlike traditional string inverters, If any panel fails to operate for any reason, the rest of the panels will continue to function as normal. 
• A Solaredge inverter will start generating electricity at a lower voltage input than a standard string inverter.
• This system responds very quickly to any variation in level of irradiance and therefore produce optimum generate very quickly after, for example, heavy clouds pass over the system.
• The Solaredge system is safer than a standard string system as the system switches off completely when the ac power supply is stopped. Whenever AC power is off, the DC cables on this system are designed to de-energise providing protection to installers, maintenance personnel, firefighters and your property.
• The system also has arc detection and switches off in the event of arcing occurring.
• All the panels can be monitored from a computer via the Internet, and therefore, this extremely easy to use system, allows you to monitor the performance anytime, from anywhere in the world
• If a panel does fail it is easily identifiable via the monitoring system. Diagnosing any failures is relatively easy.
• Monitoring allows you to make a claim on your module performance warranty if required as you are aware of how each panel is performing and has performed in the past.
• SolarEdge Optimizers are guaranteed for 25 years.
• The SolarEdge string inverter has a 12 year warranty that can, at a cost, be increased to 20 years.
• Any make of solar panel can be substituted into a SolarEdge system at a later date without it having any adverse effect on the system – so, for example, if technology has advanced greatly in 10 years’ time and you wish to substitute panels within your array, then this can be easily done.
• SolarEdge are a very innovative company with excellent customer service.

Please note for monitoring purposes you need internet connection.

Despite the warranty, whether you pay for it or not, you will have to replace the inverter at some point in the 25 year period. In addition (despite guarantees) the voltage optimiser on SolarEdge systems can fail – and you need to pay someone to remove the solar panel and replace the voltage optimiser should it break.

• The initial outlay on an Enphase system is more expensive than standard string inverters and therefore the initial pay-back time of your system will take longer.
• Unfortunately, in our recent experience, Enphase does not provide a good customer service. Despite having installed more systems than any other company in Scotland we would no longer recommend this system due to this lack of customer service and stock.
• This system is not as compatible as the previous mentioned systems for battery storage.

Please note for monitoring purposes you need internet connection.