Micro inverter makes install-it-yourself solar panels possible

Micro inverter makes install-it-yourself solar panels possible It's a green-energy geek's dream do-it-yourself project: attach a few solar panels to your deck, and watch your electric bills go down. "Our plug-and-play systems are not a replacement for a rooftop solar system. He noted that the warranties for the panel and micro inverter, which are made by other companies, are in line with the type of warranties offered by other commercial companies. A representative from the renewable energy retail company AltE Store voiced some concerns when we described the product, starting with safety and UL certification. He added that professional installers not only ensure safety, but also help consumers pick good locations for solar panels. 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. 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. The president of SpinRay Energy, Arthur Chew, said he has had five panels put in place on his deck for months without incident. 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. The direct current generated by solar panels needs to be converted into household alternating current with an inverter. Micro inverters are about the size of a smartphone, and are placed directly under the panels, so that each one outputs alternating current. 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. When SpinRay Energy's panels are generating, they power appliances or electronics in the house, effectively slowing the household meter. 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. The key technology to the plug-and-play approach is the micro inverter. 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. It's worth noting that previous companies have failed to deliver on their promises of consumer-installed solar panels. 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 DIY kit through a few retailers, including Amazon. Micro inverter makes install-it-yourself solar panels possible Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 15/05/2012