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Dec 03 2018
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SolarEdge Inverter Complete Review

SolarEdge Inverters: The Complete Review

By Solar Inverters: Types, Pros and Cons No Comments

 

SolarEdge is an Israeli-based company offering PV solar inverters.

Currently providing almost 90 percent of all residential power inverter needs, SolarEdge has quite the edge in the solar market.

What makes SolarEdge unique is their combined power optimizer and string inverter systems are a best-of-both-worlds solution between string inverters and microinverters.

A Brief Rundown on Solar Inverters

String inverters have traditionally been the standard in the solar industry. They send the power produced by solar panels to a central inverter that changes it from DC to usable AC power for your home.

Microinverters, on the other hand, convert DC to AC power at each individual panel and allow for monitoring and power regulation at the panel level. This is useful for homes that are located somewhere with shading from clouds, trees, or other buildings.

Read more on the differences between string inverters and microinverters here. Or watch the animated short below.

 

The SolarEdge Difference – Optimizers!

SolarEdge power optimizers are somewhere in between string and micros…

They allow panel-level monitoring and power regulation as with a microinverter, but the actual inversion from DC to AC still occurs at a central SolarEdge string inverter.

This is accomplished with SolarEdge power optimizers attached to each panel, as pictured below.

SolarEdge Power Optimizers with Solar Inverter
A classic SolarEdge setup

SolarEdge Inverter Efficiency

While efficiency standards for residential inverters are generally 95 to 98 percent, SolarEdge inverter plus power optimizers boast a maximum efficiency of 99.5 percent.

Here’s why SolarEdge inverters are so effective:

  1. They are more efficient than normal string inverters because they avoid loss of power caused by individual panel shading or malfunctioning.
  2. They are more effective than microinverters for larger systems because they are not limited by the cap of 21 microinverter panels, due to voltage regulations.

If panels are shaded, SolarEdge power optimizers reconfigure their output so that the combined voltage is roughly 350 volts. The end result is that an output drop in one or more panels does not impact the overall effectiveness of the others.

This is a huge advantage for power optimizers in general, and SolarEdge, in particular, leads the market here.

SolarEdge Power Optimized String Inverter Performance

Overall, Solar.com customers to report good experiences with SolarEdge inverters. Some reasons they list for their support are:

  • Inverters work well and are very quiet
  • Easy-to-use and thorough monitoring system
  • Mitigated shading or multiple angle issues
  • Optional battery connectivity for self-consumption and/or backup
  • Incredible reliability of hardware
  • Higher system output and module-level data logging

Value and Warranty of SolarEdge Inverters

The biggest value proposition of SolarEdge inverters is that they offer the benefits of both string and microinverters at the same time, at a price point between the two.

Systems are also completely expandable. Homeowners can add another array much more easily in the future if energy needs increase. This is a more difficult process with a traditional string inverter, which may require a second central inverter installation. And it’s less expensive than adding more panels with built-in microinverters.

The SolarEdge inverter itself has a 12-year warranty, and their optimizers have a 25-year warranty. There is also an inexpensive option to extend the inverter warranty to 25 years as well. Both warranties are on the higher end of industry standards, which typically fall between 5 and 12 years on average.

If you decide you like the idea of SolarEdge’s optimizers but want to go with another inverter brand, you can do that. SolarEdge built independent operation technology into their optimizers, so they can be used with most any other inverter.

SolarEdge Temperature Coefficient and Safety Features

Inverters function at full capacity when the surrounding air is cooler. When the ambient temperature is too warm, SolarEdge inverters reduce the current output to protect the equipment and prolong its life. It’s also a safety feature so that your system isn’t overloaded.

Another safety feature is SolarEdge SafeDC™ which automatically turns off your solar panels in case of a grid outage. This prevents a voltage surge, electrocution, or damage to your home. SolarEdge inverters are also battery-ready and fully integrated with Tesla’s Powerwall.

SolarEdge – The Top Inverter on Solar.com

All-in-all SolarEdge offers high-efficiency power optimizers and inverters at a competitive price. They also offer great design flexibility, fewer moving parts, comprehensive system monitoring, and industry-leading warranties. Not surprisingly, SolarEdge was the number one selected inverter through the Solar.com platform in 2017.

If you’re looking into a new home solar panel system, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

  • Be sure you’re choosing a qualified installer who’s familiar with all of the equipment and financing options available to you.
  • In terms of paying for the system, ownership through a cash purchase or loan will produce the best savings. Leases are another great option if you can’t take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit.
  • Use solar quote comparing platforms like Solar.com to easily see what the best installers in your area offer. They’ll compete online for your business, without you needing to hassle with negotiating.

Do you have a SolarEdge Power Optimized String Inverter? Let us know about your experience with it in the comments below.

Nov 28 2018
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Mission Solar Energy Review

Mission Solar Energy: The Complete Review

By Solar Panel Efficiency - Pick the Most Efficient Solar Panels No Comments


Mission Solar Energy, a U.S. Photovoltaic (PV) solar module company based in San Antonio, designs, engineers and assembles high-quality solar modules that are well suited for a variety of rooftop and ground applications.

It is a member of Korea’s OCI Company Lyd. that has its operations in Korea, USA, China, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Solar Panels for Rooftop and Ground Mount Applications

Mission Solar Energy’s products are suited for residential, commercial and utility applications and offer world-class performance along with guaranteed long-term reliability.

Their high-power, American modules come with a 25-year linear warranty backed by PowerGuard, a third party insurance service.

An Overview of Mission Solar Energy Panel’s Characteristics

  • Long-Term Reliability and Performance – Mission Solar Energy modules are tested to the highest standards, far exceeding the industrial scale. These high-power, American quality modules provide great performance and reliability.
  • Certified Reliability – Mission Solar Energy modules are certified to provide excellent performance in the long-run.
  • Best in Class, superior quality – The modules are of superior quality and perform above three times the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.
  • Highest PTC Ratings – PTC stands for “Photovoltaics for Utility Scale Applications” (PVUSA), a set of test conditions developed to measure solar panel performance under “real world” conditions. Mission Solar’s modules have high PTC ratings compared to any American-manufactured module. Under real-world climates, the higher PTC rating results in the high-power output.
  • Bankability – Mission Solar’s products are backed by Powerguard’s third-party insurance and have a 25-year warranty.

Mission Solar Energy Solar Panel Comparison

Mission Solar Currently manufactures modules that fall into below three categories:

  1. MSE PERC 60
  2. MSE PERC 72
  3. MSE MONO 72

Mission Solar Energy's Modules

  Mission Solar Energy Solar Panel Options

Let’s look at a detailed description of these three categories…

MSE PERC 60

The PERC 60 is a 60 cell solar panel and this all-black design module is well suited for both commercial and residential rooftop applications.

The MSE perc 60 series has two models – SQ5T & SQ5K.

MSE PERC 60MSE PERC 60 SERIES

Features of MSE PERC 60

  • The series comes with a 300-watt power output
  • Its technology includes PERC, Passivated Emitter, and Rear Cell, that achieves higher efficiencies than standard solar cells. With PERC cells, energy conversion efficiencies of silicon solar cells can be increased up to 24.0% under the standard global solar spectrum and up to 46.3% under monochromatic light. The modules also include 4 busbars driving > 18% efficiency.
  • It has superior aesthetics. The sleek and all-black design modules give a great look and are not compromised on performance due.
  • They are highly reliable with 3 times the IEC standards, salt mist, and ammonia
  • Certifications – IEC 61215/IEC 61730/IEC61701 & UL 1703

MSE PERC 72

The PERC 72 is a 72 cell solar panel that delivers high power suitable for all types of applications.

The MSE perc 72 series has two models – SQ6s & SQ4s.

MSE PERC 72

MSE PERC 72 SERIES

Features of MSE PERC 72

  • The series delivers a 365-watt power output
  • Reduced system costs through robust design, simple installation and 1000 volt compatibility.
  • They perform well under 175 mph wind rating with 5600 pa snow load which proves the toughness and the mechanical strength of the modules.
  • Certifications – IEC 61215/IEC 61730IEC61701 & UL 1703.

MSE MONO 72

The PERC 72 is a 72 cell solar panel that delivers high power suitable for all types of applications.  The MSE perc 72 series has two models – SO6J & SO4J.

MSE MONO 72

MSE MONO 72 SERIES

Features of MSE MONO 72

  • The series delivers a power output of 345-watt.
  • It comes with an advanced P-Type monocrystalline cell technology
  • Certifications – IEC 61215/IEC 61730IEC61701 & UL 1703.

How Mission Solar Energy Compares to Other Solar Makers

The key metrics that you should review while evaluating solar panel quality are Efficiency, Power Rating, Warranty, Temperature Coefficient (Performance), and Price.

Efficiency

Panel efficiency refers to the amount of sunlight that reaches a solar cell that is actually converted into electricity. For conventional silicon-based panels, this falls between 14-22%.

The efficiency of Mission Solar Energy panels depends on the specific model that you choose for your system. Generally, these panels have an efficiency rating of 17.1% to 18.3%. 

Among the three series, PERC 72 gives 18.3% of highest efficiency. If you are looking for a model with moderate performance, PERC 60 series of 17.7% efficiency would be the one. If you want to stick to a more economical model, MONO 72 series offers a 17.1% efficiency. 

Power Rating

All solar panels receive a nameplate power rating that indicates the amount of power they produce under industry-standard test conditions. Generally, most solar panels on the market have power ratings in the range of 200 to 350 watts. Solar panels with a higher power rating deliver more power.

PERC 72 series delivers a high power of 365W making this model more powerful other than PERC 60, MONO 72 which delivers an output of 300w and 345w of power respectively.

Warranty

While considering a solar panel brand, it is important to choose a company that provides a reliable warranty. Mission Solar Energy provides a 25-year linear warranty on all its products.

 

Temperature Coefficient

Each solar cell technology comes with unique temperature coefficients and has a direct influence on the power output of the PV modules. An increase in the temperature of a solar panel decreases its power output. A temperature coefficient of -0.5%/deg C indicates that for a one-degree rise in the temperature,  the power output from the PV decreases by half of 1%. 

Mission Solar panels have temperature coefficients ranging from -0.37 to -0.32%/deg C. 

Price

The price per watt for Mission Solar panels range from $2.87 and $3.10.

Try our competitive bidding platform to choose from a wide range of projects at a better price. A 5 KW system with Mission Solar Energy would cost anywhere from $10,045 to $10,500 with the 30 percent federal tax credit for solar.

Mission Solar Energy – Solar Panel Products Summary

Module Series Module Type Efficiency Power Rating Temperature Coefficient/ °C Weight Front & Back Load (UL Standard)
PERC 60 SQ5T 17.75% 300W -0.37% 18.2 Kg (40.1 lb) 5600 Pa (117 psf)
SQ5K 18.08% 305W -0.37% 18.2 Kg (40.1 lb) 5600 Pa (117 psf)
PERC 72 SQ6S 18.30% 365W -0.32% 21.6 Kg (47.6 lb) 5600 Pa
SQ4S 18.30% 365W -0.32% 21.6 Kg (47.6 lb) 5600 Pa
MONO 72 SO4J 17.15% 345W -0.36% 21.6 Kg (47.6 lb) 5600 Pa (117 psf)
SO6J 17.15% 345W -0.36% 21.6 Kg (47.6 lb) 5600 Pa (117 psf)

*STC: Irradiance 1000 W/m2, Cell Temp of 25°C, AM 1.5

Is Mission Solar Right for You?

Mission Solar Energy has a wide range of good quality solar panels. The best way to choose a correct panel that fits your requirement is to review multiple quotes with different solar equipment options.

You can compare all your options on Solar.com’s Marketplace, you’ll find the right combination of price and quality that meets your needs.

Also, review our guide on the best solar panels to understand the key metrics you should use to compare solar modules against one another.

Contact one of our experienced Energy Advisers to see if Mission Solar is right for your home!