Advanced solar PV systems using Enecsys micro inverters

The Enecsys solar micro inverter solution elegantly and cost effectively solves many of the issues of using string or central inverters.

The Enecsys micro inverter is a compact unit, installed at the back of each solar module. It converts DC to AC power for connection to the electricity grid without the need for a string or central inverter. The AC output from the Enecsys micro inverter is synchronized and in-phase with the electricity grid. The Enecsys micro inverter solution has a number of distinct advantages:

• Optimal energy harvest – it maximizes the power harvested from each solar module and therefore the entire PV array. This is accomplished by performing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), an electronic technique for maximizing the power harvested from each module under varying environmental conditions, and performance monitoring for each individual solar module. Performing MPPT on each solar module ensures maximum harvest of energy even under partially shaded conditions. Degradation in the performance of any one module, due to module mismatch, shadows from trees or chimneys, or obstructions from leaves or debris, does not degrade the performance of other modules and therefore has minimal impact on the power harvested from the PV array. This typically results in improved power harvest of 5% to 20% from the solar PV system and represents a significant cost/performance advantage.
• Improved safety – Improved safety – as power conversion from DC to AC is done at each solar module, high voltage DC wiring is eliminated, making the solar system intrinsically safer, and specialized DC practices or equipment are not required for installation.
• Increased lifetime and reliability – it eliminates the single most common cause of failure in solar PV systems, the string or central inverter, which typically requires replacement at least once over the life of the solar modules, adding significant cost. Enecsys solar micro inverters have been designed for high reliability operations, to have a life expectancy of 25 years and thereby matching the life expectancy of solar modules, to operate in real world conditions from -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C without degradation of performance, and achieve a peak efficiency of 94.1% over the temperature range. In order to achieve this high level of reliability, the Enecsys micro inverter embodies three key attributes: a patented rugged topology, a component line based on high temperature rating and ruggedness, and a unique and patented energy storage technique that enables the use of thin film capacitors instead of less reliable electrolytic capacitors.
• Enhanced monitoring capability – performance monitoring of the PV array is highly enhanced as each module’s performance can be viewed, a capability not available with string inverters. This uniquely provides users and installers with real-time detailed information to ensure that the solar system performance is optimized over the life of the installation. The information can be used to promptly detect performance issues and pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem, which provides precise guidance for required maintenance, a capability not possible with string inverter systems. The micro inverter is equipped with a robust built-in wireless communication system that connects to the internet via a gateway to provide detailed performance information on-line from anywhere.
• Simplified PV array design and installation – for rooftop installations, solar modules can be installed on any available space resulting in ease of design of the PV array compared with conventional inverter installations where design of the PV array module placement is complicated by shading issues. This makes solar installations easier, faster and cheaper to implement. Also, installers do not need to match the performance levels of adjacent solar modules in order to optimize the performance of the PV array.
  

Eliminate The Domino Effect or ‘The Problem’ created by the use of conventional inverters with ‘The Solution’ provided by the use of Enecsys solar micro inverters