| Micro inverter makes install-it-yourself solar panels possible
It's a green-energy geek's dream DIY project: attach a few solar panels to your deck, and watch your electric bills go down. The deck kit, sold for US$1099. 95 on Amazon, comes with brackets that attach to a deck, or for setting up panels in a yard. The direct current generated by solar panels needs to be converted into household alternating current with an inverter. The key technology to the plug-and-play approach is the micro inverter. Consumers who don't want to go the self-install route can also add solar panels incrementally, which is made easier with the micro inverters. As noted, solar-industry professionals have long voiced caution at the idea of consumer-installed, grid-tied solar panels. In the US, SpinRay Energy is selling the do-it-yourself kit through a few retailers, including Amazon. The idea of making a solar-panel "appliance" that a person could install without an electrician has been pursued for years, but there is reason for caution, according to solar industry professionals. As for scepticism from solar industry pros, he noted that the panels use relatively new technology in the micro inverter, and people in the industry may be opposed to do-it-yourself solar, because it cuts professionals, such as installers and electricians, out of the picture. "Our plug-and-play systems are not a replacement for a rooftop solar system. Micro inverters are about the size of a smartphone, and are placed directly under the panels, so that each one outputs alternating current. Two years ago, Clarian Technologies generated a lot of media interest when it said it would have a US$800 plug-in solar-panel kit within about one year, but a year after it promised to deliver its product, neither the company nor its CEO has responded to multiple emails from us in regards to its status. He noted that the warranties for the panel and micro inverter, that are made by other companies, are in line with the sort of warranties delivered by other commercial companies. The main electrical components of the system have a UL safety certification, including the solar panel and the micro inverter, which converts direct current from the panels to household alternating current. It's worth noting that previous companies have failed to deliver on their promises of consumer-installed solar panels. A representative from the renewable energy retail company AltE Store voiced some concerns when we described the product, starting with safetyand UL certification. He added that professional installers not only ensure safety, but also help consumers pick good locations for solar panels. Micro inverter makes install-it-yourself solar panels possible |
Tuesday 15 May 2012
Micro inverter makes install-it-yourself solar panels possible
