Green Economy Journal Issue 61

ENERGY
Key considerations when selecting
SOLAR PRODUCTS
RESIDENTIAL
PROJECTS
There are over 350 solar PV module and 1 250 inverter manufacturers worldwide and they all
produce different ranges of products. Put that way, it is daunting to think about finding the
appropriate products to use for your home solar project. Luckily, there is a science to it.
BY MENLO ELECTRIC
for
Identifying the type of project you are embarking on will go a
long way in helping you narrow down your choices, as there
are different considerations for residential, commercial and
industrial or utility-scale projects.
Residential solar is now more affordable than ever with big banks
recently adding solar loans to their portfolios. Now that the financial
part is covered, let’s deep dive into the more technical aspects.
N-TYPE OR P-TYPE SOLAR PV MODULES
When looking to power a home with solar, you will find there is more
to PV panels than meets the eye. Solar cells, the tiny units that make
up a solar panel, come in two main types: N-type and P-type. Each
has its own set of strengths and factors to watch out for.
N-type cells are like the star athletes of solar cells. They are good
at what they do – turning sunlight into electricity – even when the
weather’s not perfect or it is hot outside. They have a long lifespan
too, so they are great if you want something that will keep going
year after year. The downside? They are usually more expensive,
and may not be as available as P-type PV modules.
P-type cells are more common as they have had more research
and development dedicated to them historically. They are easier to
make, which usually means they are cheaper. They are also tougher
and can bend a bit more without breaking. This makes them easier
to install. The trade-off is that they are not as good at converting
sunlight when weather conditions aren’t ideal, for example if it gets
hot or the light isn’t as strong. They might not last quite as long as
the N-types before they start to show their age.
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72-CELL AND 60-CELL MODULE SIZES
When it comes to outfitting your home with solar panels, it’s like
picking out accessories for a new outfit – you want the perfect
match. With 60-cell and 72-cell options, there is a bit more to
consider than just size and power. It’s also about compatibility with
the inverter, the device that turns the sun’s energy into electricity
for your home.
Think of 60-cell solar panels as the regular-sized chocolate bar –
not too big, not too small, just enough to satisfy. They are designed
to fit snugly on most roofs, avoiding the awkwardness of a panel
that is too large for the space.
These panels produce just the right amount of power that most
residential inverters can handle without breaking a sweat. 60-cell
panels are less likely to result in a waste of any power because the
inverter can use all the energy the panels produce, even when they’re
basking in full sunlight.
Now, the 72-cell modules are like the king-sized chocolate bar.
They are larger and have more cells, which means they can usually
produce more power. But bigger isn’t always better, especially
when it comes to fitting them onto a home-sized roof. These panels
are better suited for places where there is lots of space, like
commercial buildings or ground-mounted solar farms.
You might still say the 72-cell solar panels can produce more
power – that’s a plus, right? Well, not always. The higher power of
72-cell panels is great, but if your inverter isn’t up to it, it’s like trying
to pour a bucket of water into a cup. The excess just spills over. In
solar terms, this means the inverter might “throttle down” the power,
capping that it takes in.
This is why it is best practice to use 60-cell panels for home
installations. They match well with residential inverters, making sure
you get to use all the power they produce. It is about being smart
with your solar – getting all the energy you can without letting any
go to waste.
HYBRID INVERTERS AND BATTERIES
Inverters are like the energy traffic controllers of a system. They
direct current flow and the system to be monitored to ensure things
are running smoothly. These devices aren’t about converting solar
energy, they are about revolutionising how we manage and use that
power in our homes.
Most modern high-voltage hybrid inverters come with all the
essentials already packed in the box. From energy meters to Wi-Fi
dongles and every connector in between, everything you need for
a satisfactory experience is included. Gone are the days of complex
setup procedures. Today’s hybrid inverters are designed for simplicity,
installing one is as straightforward as setting up a new gadget. With
the user-friendly interfaces and clear instructions, getting your solar
system up and running is a breeze.
High-voltage hybrid inverters stand out by operating within a
higher battery voltage range, facilitating more efficient energy
conversion and reducing energy loss during power transfer.
These inverters use insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs).
In contrast, low-voltage hybrid inverters, operating at lower
Inverters are like the energy traffic
controllers of a system.
ENERGY
battery voltage ranges, often depend on traditional transformerbased
technology.
Just as the solar module industry is increasingly leaning towards
the more efficient N-type cells, a similar trend is unfolding in the
world of hybrid inverters. Manufacturers are progressively shifting
their focus towards high-voltage models. High-voltage inverters, with
their higher battery voltage ranges, are akin to N-type cells in that
they both represent the latest advancements in their respective fields.
They bring the benefits of improved energy conversion efficiency,
just as N-type cells enhance solar panel performance. This industry
shift towards high-voltage technology is a clear indicator of the
ongoing pursuit of efficiency and cutting-edge innovation in solar
energy systems.
COST SAVINGS AND WARRANTY
One of the biggest perks of the of the latest batch of high-voltage
hybrid systems is the warranty coverage. Many manufacturers now
offer 10 years warranties on the inverters and batteries, reflecting
the reliability and longevity of these products. More well-established
manufacturers will make sure you are not sure you are left in the
dark for too long though, for example, Sungrow guarantees a
48-hour turnaround time.
The most compelling aspect of HV hybrid inverters and batteries
is their cost-effectiveness. Offering high-end performance without
the premium price tag, these systems are making solar energy
more accessible than ever. FoxESS’s hybrid range has been found to
be up to 20% more affordable that similar setups. It’s about
getting the best of both worlds – quality and affordability in
one package.
There is a lot of extra security that comes from selecting wellestablished
manufacturers, however a lot of them do not sell directly
to an end-user or event installer. To access these top products, it is
best to go through an official distributor, like Menlo Electric, who
imports the products and safely delivers them to the end destination.
Remember, picking solar products isn’t about specs and numbers;
it’s about finding the perfect solar companions that fit a home’s
energy lifestyle.
It is about being smart
with your solar.
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