Micro or Central inverter?

There was probably no bigger skeptic than I when the Enphase Micro- inverters were introduced several years ago.  I would like to share my thoughts on this subject.  I know many installers have very strong opinions of this product and are very resistant to this change.  My number one observation today is that whether you like the product or not, the consumer is going to drive this product in the future!  I can tell you that numerous times a week I hear from installers asking if I carry those "Enphase things," and on almost every occasion, they tell me the customer has requested the system.


When I first saw the inverter, I had many questions like:


1.     Sit on a hot roof for 25 years? Yeah right!


2.     The installer has to pull 30 panels to install new inverters when they fail?


3.     When they fail, do you replace one at a time or all of them?


4.     How long is Enphase going to be around?


5.     Is this just another solar fad?


6.     Is this going to invite every knucklehead into the solar industry?


While some of these questions still remain unanswered, my feelings have changed over the last several years. Some of the real positives are:


1.     Installers who install lots of Enphase definitely love the product.


2.     MPPT at the panel level is definitely an advantage.


3.     Enphase recently upped their warranty to 15 years and even retroactively included previous installations, which had a shorter warranty (that tells me something about the company).


4.     There is no getting around it - their Envoy service (panel monitoring service) is slick and the consumer loves it.


5.     Enphase offers a tremendous advantage in fitting the maximum number of panels on the roof, no dealing with string sizing, and you can use it on multiple roof orientations, etc.


6.     Safety of working with AC all the way throughout the installation.


7.     Enphase's commitment with their Rapid Replacement Process is a big plus.


8.     Can be used in panel mismatch situations and for adding on to existing systems.


9.     I have never seen one fail.


On my recent trip to Solar Power International 2010, I sat in on a conference entitled the "Inverter Debate," and on the panel sat five experts in Solar Technology, including Raghu Belur, Vice President of Marketing and Co-founder of Enphase.  In my opinion, Mr. Belur made the most compelling case for a "smart device" like the Enphase micro-inverter and the ability to remotely identify, monitor, repair and modify an inverter.  This company clearly knows what they are doing!






So it's time to get off the fence before your customer pushes you off.  Solar Wholesale Products sells Enphase M190's, M210's and the new D380 twin pack, and all the various cables and accessories needed.  Call us for a quote today: 877-392-8978.  Plan ahead because there have been shortages of these products.

Tips for installation of Solar Panels

Tips for installation of Solar Panels

I recently got solar panels installed on the rooftop of my house. We all know that it is vital for the solar panels to receive maximum possible exposure to direct sunlight so that they remain most efficient throughout the year. While the process of installation was going on, I came across some really helpful tips of solar panel installation written below:

Position solar panels to get direct sunlight:

Solar panels give maximum efficiency if they are placed in direct sunlight. While you are installing solar panels, try to position the photovoltaic array directly under the noontime sun for optimum performance from photovoltaic unit. 

Remove any kind of obstructions to sunlight:

Try to find and remove all unnecessary items that may be blocking sunlight from reaching solar panels. To do this, trace the path of the sun and find if any object is casting shadow over your photovoltaic panels. If the path remains clear, the efficiency of your unit will definitely benefit. Taking care of this is as important as buying solar panels. Also, make sure that it is beyond reach of any kids or pets that can cause damage to the solar panels.

Mounting solar panels

If you consult the store owner while buying solar panels, he is likely to tell you about solar panel mounting systems. They are used to install solar panels on to RV and on or against roof, side of pole or on the ground. You can indeed install solar panels as a free-standing unit using these solar panel mounts. Basically solar panel mounts are available in three different varieties – pole mounts, ground mounts, and roof  mounts.

Mentioned above are some very important tips that should be taken care of while installing solar panels. Installing solar panels on the roof top is comparatively easier. However, if you are installing it in an open area or as a stand alone unit, it needs more attention. It is always advisable to rely on an experienced professional for this task. After all, with correct installation only you can prevent any sort of damage and can get maximum efficiency.

Decorate Your Garden with Solar Powered Fountains:

I love gardening and keep on trying new things to add to my garden’s beauty. I believe that a fountain can make a wonderful addition to your garden. It can enhance the beauty of the garden and at the same time, it can give a richer appearance to your house. However, with the growing cost of electricity many people are concerned about the amount of electricity consumed in powering the fountains. To get rid of this problem, I have set up solar powered fountain in my garden. It converts energy from the sun with the help of solar panels fitted in its body. If your home receives a good amount of direct sunlight, then you can also set up an indoor fountain.

Solar powered fountains come in various shapes and sizes similar to the traditional fountains. If you are planning to buy solar panels fountains, you can also buy them online. Basically, there are two types of solar powered fountains, one with solar panels mounted at a separate place, and second, with solar panels fitted into the fountain. In addition to reducing your energy bill, you will be helping the environment by buying solar panels and using solar powered fountains.

In order to gain the best power efficiency, you should take proper care about the correct placement and positioning of the solar fountains. The solar panels should be placed at an angle where they will receive unobstructed direct sunlight. If you are buying solar panels separately, placing the fountain is not an issue. However, in case where solar cells are attached to the fountain itself, the fountain should be placed in suitable locations. There is no hassle of any wiring and fitting and you can replace your fountain whenever you want to.

I had a tight budget and the best thing I found about fountains with solar panels is that they are available even at a price less than $50. You can choose a more stylish and advanced solar fountain if you increase you budget slightly.

Solar Panel Pricing Outlook

For consumers seeking to save energy dollars by installing a solar energy system in their homes, prices in the solar market are 'sunny side up.'  Costs have fallen in the solar market for both raw materials and the finished product. 

Probably the greatest challenge facing the consumer is financing.  Restricted lending practices have hurt sales due to the fact the budgets of most consumers are unable to afford solar systems without obtaining outside financing. 

Investors are challenged as well.  Due to the tight credit and the fear of a continued recession, various stocks in the solar market have taken upwards of a 50% hit over the past year for the prominent companies, and 60% for solar companies offering less dominant stock.  New opportunities may be dawning, however, as indicators seem to point to loosening credit restrictions for solar projects as global governments seek to stimulate the industry. 

Supply and demand plays a large part in the solar market.  A seasonal dip in sales serves to create a stockpile of panels, which then help to lower prices for consumers.  In addition, technology is rapidly changing regarding the manufacturing of newer forms of solar panels; forcing retailers to accept reduced profit margins in an effort to find consumers willing to purchase the discontinued models.  This serves to offer consumers on a tight budget a greater selection of products from which to choose. 

Reduced prices also have an effect on a company's ability to compete and stay in business.  When prices are drastically cut to attract consumers, larger companies with decent financial stability stand a better chance of weathering the downturn than do smaller companies just entering the solar market.  Thus, large established German companies have less to fear than do younger Chinese companies. 

Currently large European banks are beginning to fund the installation of both rooftop and ground installations in Germany, Europe's largest solar market.  Expectations seem to indicate the rest of Europe will begin to follow suit in the months to come, due to the lifting of restrictions on investment capital.  Those seeking to invest in the current solar market would do well to look for companies with connections in Germany's market. 

In the United States, Congress has offered incentives to encourage Americans in upgrading to solar.  Buyers are offered a 30% refund on their federal tax return on the new installation's value.  State incentives may also apply.  There is presently no cap on the federal incentives and only one stipulation; in order to qualify, the project must be completed before 2017.  Congress has set aside $6 billion to guarantee loans in order to encourage banks to offer loans to consumers to finance renewable projects.

12V Solar Power Inverter Or 24V, Which One Is Better?

I am planning to start using solar power in my home. However, for a new person like me who doesn’t have much knowledge about the alternatives, buying the solar power inverter came as a challenge. A solar power inverter takes the energy stored in solar powered batteries and steps it up to 120 Volts AC (Alternating Current) power just the way you get from power grid.

When I researched about various types of solar power inverters, initially I was a bit confused about the choices available. There are basically three different options to choose from, such as a 12V inverter, 24V inverter and a 48V inverter. There are different applications for each of them and all three types of inverters can convert the power into 120V AC power. Although the 12V solar power inverter appeared more cost effective, I still studied more about them, and ended up considering the certain points before making my choice.

Given below are few points that helped in making my decision:

•       If you are on a budget and looking for the cheaper options, go for a 12V solar power inverter. However, if you have number of solar panels wired together, you can buy a 24V or a 48V solar power inverter. These panels will occupy more space and will require more initial investment than a 12V panel.

•       If you are more concerned about efficiency, a 12V inverter is not for you. In case of a 12V solar power inverter, there is a long distance between the solar panels and batteries. Therefore, electricity has to travel a longer distance resulting in the reduction of efficiency. To prevent this, you need to have a very heavy gauge wiring. In some cases, you might also need to use number 2 gauge wires.

I opted for a 12V solar power inverter because I had a small solar power inverter with relatively fewer solar panels. You should also consider various factors in order to weigh pros and cons of each type of solar power inverter before making your decision.