To Use or Not to Use Solar Micro-Inverters
Micro-inverters are readily available, as well as module level optimizers in combination with string inverters.
It is my opinion that micro-inverters mainly shine in multiple orientation sites, such as houses with east west and south facing orientations, in cases of shading, and on 10kW and smaller applications.
I think that they are best used for multiple small applications because string planning and design is basically eliminated. On large applications design becomes more complex and where it costs more to go micro on small jobs the expense goes through the roof on large applications.
Micro-inverters mounted directly under panels create a hot spot which is counter-productive.
We’ve installed Enphase micro-inverters side by side with an SMA string inverter metering them separately and there is no significant difference in performance after one year’s data collection.
Bringing Together Farming and Solar Energy with Sheep?
A few weeks back we quoted a large solar installation where either gravel would have to be spread around the panel mounts or fabric laid down. This would keep the weeds and grass around the panels much more manageable.
While looking at the site it was suggested that sheep could be used to keep the grass trimmed. I had a good laugh at first. Then… it hit me! It really was a simple yet terrific idea that supports both agriculture and renewable energy.
What a great legacy for the farming community and education sector.
Inspiramental’s Services | What We Do
Another sunny day, flat out gorgeous! I’m grateful for that, I’m grateful for the jobs ready for me to quote, I’m grateful for the many friendly and encouraging people who stopped by our booth at the fair.
I realized during the fair that Inspiramental Company’s presence is way too subtle; we only had a few signs and no brochures or literature other than our business cards to take away. Our business cards include our website, but then our website only lists half the stuff we do. In light of that I’m going to write a blog listing the services that we offer.
This list includes brief comments about each product or service. I plan to explain these systems further on our website but in the meantime, please contact us for clarification.
True South and the PoleV2
True south is the ideal direction to face solar panels for maximum performance in the northern hemisphere. True south may also stand for truly appreciating the energy that flows into our environment from the southern sky. Mounting solar panels on a single pole is the easiest way to accomplish a true south orientation. The benefits gained from finding this True South is so great we had to develop our own poles (and a company by the same name) and provide them for our customers.
Organic Gardener Adds Solar Electric in Oxford, Ohio
Mr. Harv Roehling of Oxford, Ohio, retired teacher of math and grower of organic lettuce and other fine vegetables, was keen to add solar electric to his list of environmentally conscious accomplishments.
We’re very glad that he called us out to explain the options and bid his project! Harv wanted a 4-5kW solar electric system. A ground array was the most logical choice as the roof of his house faces east and west and his barn roof was a bit far from the main electric panel.
Harv also said that he would like to be able to adjust the array seasonally for ideal tilt.
We built two poles and installed them in March. On each pole we installed (10) 230 Watt REC PV Modules (PV is for Photovoltaic). We talk more about the PoleV2 here. In the garage we installed a Solectria string inverter to add sine waves (Alternating Current) to the constant (Direct Current) coming from the Solar PV mods. From there the electricity is connected to his electric distribution panel where it can be used for his needs or pushed back through the main service wires on to the grid for a credit from Duke Energy.
Harv said he couldn’t be happier! We are grateful to have had the opportunity to help make his vision real! As of the beginning of July he has produced, along with his delicious lettuce, 2050 kWh of electricity from the sun’s energy.
