![]() ![]() In a traditional situation, a string of solar panels is wired together and the output of the whole string is limited by the current flowing through the least-producing panel. Microinverter technology makes it possible to maximize the output of a solar array even when one or more panels are shaded or defective. The small boxes that made them famous attach to the back of each solar module in an array and convert the DC energy output into AC energy, with a 25-year warranty to give you assurance that your system will withstand decades of use.Įnphase microinverters work with basically any solar panel on the market, and are even integrated into some newer models from major manufacturers. Image source: EnphaseĮnphase is perhaps the most popular solar equipment manufacturer in the world, setting the standard of the industry with their microinverter technology. Enphase EnlightenĮnphase microinverters are mounted under each solar module in an array to provide power inversion and monitoring. SMA’s central inverters are the least expensive, with 5-year standard warranties and available 20-year extended warranties available for an extra charge. SolarEdge systems that use a string inverter and power optimizers may be a little less expensive, but extending the inverter’s 12-year warranty (or replacing it when it fails) will cost extra. There are also important differences in the expected lifetime of the equipment.Įnphase’s microinverters come with 25-year warranties, but cost more upfront than the others. The major differences between all three solutions have mostly to do with the cosmetic look of their apps, with minor differences in functionality. SMA does not currently support individual module monitoring, but does offer monitoring through both web and mobile platforms. The solar monitoring solutions from the first two companies offer the same value proposition: module-level monitoring capabilities with a web portal and mobile app for convenient access to your solar production data. SMA, which mainly offers string inverters, but has dabbled in microinverters and power optimizers.SolarEdge, which makes string inverters and DC power optimizers.Enphase, which makes solar microinverters.There are three major manufacturers of solar equipment that provide monitoring as part of their products: Here’s a little more about each type of monitoring system: Solar monitoring from equipment manufacturers To make everything work together, you need the appropriate hardware, an internet connection, and a mobile app or login to a web portal. Solar monitoring from equipment manufacturersĮach of these solutions uses hardware installed either on each solar panel or alongside a solar string inverter to record power flow, as well as software to keep a record of the flow over time - all while providing you with an interface to look up all the necessary data about your solar installation.There are three main types of solar monitoring systems: You can use solar monitoring to track your system’s performance over time, assist in troubleshooting various problems, track your solar investment’s financial performance, and give you peace of mind that everything is working as it should. Solar monitoring systems provide a real-time snapshot of solar energy production data from your home solar system.Ī good monitoring system can tell you when one or more panels (aka “modules”) isn’t producing as much energy as others, or whether there’s some sort of electrical fault causing you to miss out on precious kilowatt-hours (kWh). What are solar monitoring systems used for? ![]() Using an independently grounded supply like this would get around potential ground reference issues that could arise from running the meter off the main bank with a voltage regulator driven off of the main bank. wooden dowels with brass washers on each end) put inside the meter that are wired to an external ni-cad or other rechargeable battery, with a 3.2 Volt voltage regulator supplied by a small solar panel? PS: Regarding providing non-AA battery power for Mike9025's "Option 2 Mooshimeter Bluetooth Battery Monitor": How about : a pair of dummy AA battery shells (i.e. Surely Schneider could update firmware to get around the need for a static IP address as this is very limiting to the functionality and market for the Combox (which seems expensive for what it does. I wonder if anyone has had success with using the Schneider Combox for remote access without a static IP address using something like the free no-ip service or the $25/year DynDNS service which creates a static IP address via an associated domain name?
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