The basic premise of a grid-tied solar system is to connect a building to both the main electricity grid and a solar array, so power from either or both can be used. If there is no energy storage equipment in a grid-tied system, any power generated by the solar panels that is not used immediately is automatically fed into the main grid. When energy generation from the panels is insufficient to match energy usage, the system automatically draws power from the main grid to make up the shortfall.
In traditional string systems, modules are connected in series, creating a DC circuit with a high voltage of 600-1000V. This high DC voltage is prone to arcing, which can cause fires, accompanied by temperatures as high as 4000 degrees Celsius. At such high temperatures, steel structures soften, walls crack, and glass melts, leading to building fires and collapses. Microinverter technology employs a fully parallel circuit design, eliminating voltage stacking between modules, with DC voltages below 60 volts (not exceeding the maximum output DC voltage of the modules). This completely eliminates the fire risk caused by high-voltage DC arcing and also resolves the issue of DC high voltage on the roof, which can hinder rescue efforts during a fire.
Roof-mounted PV systems are inevitably affected by factors such as shading, degradation, shadows, dust, mud, and bird droppings, which can significantly reduce the power output of individual modules. In traditional string systems, modules are connected in series and fed into the DC input of a string inverter. The failure or power reduction of a single PV panel can significantly reduce the power output of the entire string. In a microinverter system, modules are not connected in series or parallel, and each module has its own independent MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking), ensuring that each PV panel operates at its maximum power output. When one PV panel's output power drops significantly, it does not affect the maximum power output of the other panels.
Using the CNCOB cloud-based intelligent monitoring and maintenance platform, the Energy Communicator Unit (ECU) collects data from each inverter, offering insights into the operating conditions of each module, including voltage, current, and power. In the event of a fault, it can be quickly identified through the maintenance backend, significantly saving labor and resources.
CNCOB microinverters are built to last 25 years. As part of the ISO9001 certification process, all CNCOB products undergo numerous rigorous quality inspections, reliability verification tests, and accelerated life simulations, including high and low-temperature tests, salt spray tests, waterproof tests, drop tests, and vibration tests. Additionally, CNCOB commissions industry-recognized third-party testing companies, such as DNV-GL, to conduct qualified tests to meet and exceed industry standards.
In systems using microinverters, the inverters are integrated with the PV modules, enabling modular design and plug-and-play functionality. Microinverters are compact and do not require separate installation space, making them easy to configure and allowing for efficient use of space and adaptability to different installation orientations and angles. Furthermore, CNCOB microinverters make rooftop expansion and retrofitting simpler, with high flexibility to choose the number of inverters based on expansion needs.
Microinverters require minimal maintenance. Generally, you only need to periodically check the overall performance of the system. Because each panel has its own inverter, it’s easier to isolate issues, reducing the risk of widespread failure. However, if a microinverter fails or degrades, it may need to be replaced or repaired.
The operating temperature range for our microinverters is between -40°C and +65°C. Balconies usually do not experience extreme temperature fluctuations, so microinverters can operate efficiently in these environments. However, it's important to ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating, which could impact performance.
One of the main advantages of microinverters is that they allow for independent monitoring and optimization of each solar panel. If one panel is shaded or dirty, only that specific panel’s output will be affected, without impacting the rest of the system. This makes microinverters very effective in environments with uneven sunlight, such as a balcony with partial shading.
Microinverters are generally easy to install. Most models are plug-and-play, meaning installation usually involves connecting the microinverter to each solar panel and mounting it in a suitable location. As long as the installer has basic electrical safety knowledge, no special tools or technical expertise are required. The installation process is typically straightforward.
As the powerhouse of the solar system, microinverters can experience heat buildup, especially in high summer temperatures.But you don’t need to worry about that. Because we have designed our microinverters to withstand such conditions.
Firstly, we adopt natural convection in our microinverters, eliminating the need for fans. This is achieved through fins on the back cover of the microinverter, which not only increase the surface area for better heat dissipation but also create space between the fins for air to flow and carry away heat – a process known as convection.
How does Anti-Islanding Protection Help?
Anti-islanding protection is a safety feature in solar power systems designed to prevent problems when the main power grid goes down. It makes sure that if the main grid goes down, the solar system automatically shuts off. This keeps the power off in the lines that workers are fixing and prevents damage to the grid equipment.In short, anti-islanding protection is crucial for safety and preventing damage, making sure that solar power systems only work when it’s safe and appropriate.
Why is this a Problem?
For Workers: If power lines are down and utility workers are fixing them, they could get a dangerous shock if the solar panels are still feeding power into those lines.
For Equipment: The equipment on the grid, like transformers, is designed to shut down when there's a fault. If your solar panels keep sending electricity into these offline systems, it can damage them and lead to costly repairs.
String inverters are a common technology used in global photovoltaic installations today. Also known as “central inverters,” string inverters connect multiple solar panels together in “strings,” which combine the high-voltage DC electricity produced by the panels before it is transformed into AC power for use.
However, underperforming panels—due to shading, dust, damage, and other factors—can significantly lower the energy output of other panels in the same string. Additionally, string inverter-based solar systems are vulnerable to a single point of failure, meaning the entire system will shut down when a replacement is necessary for the inverter.
Microinverters, on the other hand, are installed underneath each individual solar panel in the system. By converting DC to AC as close to the source as possible, microinverters help reduce the risks associated with high-voltage electricity and allow each solar panel to operate independently of one another.
Microinverters can maximize the overall efficiency of a solar energy system and provide precise, panel-by-panel performance monitoring.
If you decide to expand your solar energy system in the future, microinverters make it easier to add new panels one at a time, without needing to upgrade the entire system. In contrast, a string inverter typically requires an upgrade to handle the additional power capacity.
Microinverters eliminate the single point of failure common in central inverter systems, offering built-in redundancy. If one microinverter malfunctions, it will not affect the performance or energy production of other panels in the system.Our microinverters are designed with high protection standards (such as IP67), making them suitable for humid or rainy environments. However, it is recommended to install them in a sheltered spot on the balcony to avoid direct exposure to rain and extreme weather. Proper ventilation is also essential to ensure optimal performance.
Yes, our microinverters come with dedicated smartphone apps (Tuya smart) that allow users to monitor and control their systems remotely. These apps provide real-time performance data for each solar panel, allowing you to track energy production, detect issues, and adjust settings as needed. It can also allow customization based on user preferences, such as setting specific energy production goals, adjusting the output power performance, or receiving alerts for system maintenance.
