Most people are unaware that solar panel systems are much more than solar panels. For example, an inverter transforms the electricity from your solar panels into usable energy for your home. AC solar panels come with microinverters. This eliminates the need to purchase a conventional central inverter. However, these panels can be expensive for the average homeowner.
AC Solar Panels
In AC solar panels, every panel is equipped with a microinverter. An inverter is needed to convert the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity that your home can use. In traditional solar systems, DC electricity from every panel is fed into a central inverter that converts all of that energy into AC electricity.
However, with AC solar panels, the DC electricity is converted into AC electricity right at the panel. Having microinverters eases the installation process and increases your system’s output. You can either go for AC solar panels or purchase microinverters individually.
Brands Of AC Solar Panels
You will find many options for solar panel brands in the AC section. Some popular brands include LG, Solaria, SunPower, and Q CELLS.
LG NeON ACe:
With LG, you’ll find AC modules in 3 different power ratings: 370 watts, 375 watts, and 380 watts. Every panel has an LG micro inverter with an efficiency of 97% and a module capable of producing 320 watts of continuous power.
LG is new to this market, and going with this module might be risky for many. On the other hand, Enphase is an expert in the inverter market, and investing in a more reliable technology would be worthwhile. We’re not saying to dismiss LG as a choice but just reminding you to keep an eye on the manufacturer when looking for solar panels.
SunPower Maxeon 5 AC:
SunPower has many top-selling solar panels and has the most efficient solar panels in the market. SunPower has also partnered with Enphase to create panels with a power range between 400 and 415 watts.
These panels are 22.2% efficient and have an Enphase IQ7A microinverter attached to all of them. It’s more powerful than the microinverters attached to Solaria and Q CELLS AC panels and generates 349 watts of continuous power. However, the IQ7A has a slightly low efficiency of 97%.
Q CELLS Q.Peak DUO BLK-G6+/AC:
You can find two AC modules for this model. One has a power rating of 340 watts, while the other is 345 watts. These modules have the same microinverter as Solaria.
Solaria PowerXT Pure Black:
It is one of the most popular solar inverters and one which has paired with Enphase to create AC modules. You can spot the Solaria Power XT Pure Black with its sleek, all-black appearance and monocrystalline panels.
There are two options, and you can either choose the 355-watt panel or the 365-watt panel. Both of them will have an Enphase IQ7+ microinverter attached which supplies continuous power output of 290 watts and has an efficiency of 97.5%.
The Pros
Future Expansion:
Traditional solar systems are connected to a central inverter with a limited and predetermined size. However, if you want to add more panels in the future, you’ll have to purchase an additional inverter to manage them. AC solar panels don’t have this problem. Since there is no central inverter, you can keep adding more AC solar panels equipped with their microinverters and enjoy high electricity production.
Increased Energy Production:
One way AC solar panels increase your energy production is by decreasing the effect of shading. Another way is when inverters maximize the solar output from each panel through maximum power point tracking (MPPT). This can increase your system's energy production by 5-10%.
Flexible Orientations:
A string inverter doesn’t allow solar panels to be installed in different directions as it impairs their ability to connect properly to the inverter. Assume that you want solar panels on different sides of the roof. You’ll have to use more than one string inverter.
On the other hand, microinverters can be installed anywhere on your roof, regardless of the orientation of the solar array. This is because each AC solar panel has its inverter. Ultimately, this makes installing AC solar panels easier since you can place them anywhere on the roof.
Shading:
Traditional solar power systems are ineffective when it comes to shading. Even if one solar panel is shaded, all the other panels will have a lower power output due to the central inverter system. With AC solar panels, shaded panels are not a problem since shaded panels don’t contribute to a lower energy output than other panels.
Easy Installation:
AC solar panels are called ‘Plug and Play’. This means that it’s very easy to install them. Plus, they don’t require extra DC wiring to connect themselves to a central inverter. This decreases the use of additional materials needed for the process and cuts down the installation time. Less time and fewer materials to install result in lower labor costs, ultimately saving you money.
The Cons
Challenging Maintenance and Repairs:
If one of your microinverters fails, a solar professional will have to check each panel for the problem. This isn’t a problem in traditional solar systems since a single inverter can be checked and fixed. Plus, someone will have to get on the roof to check each of them. This will take extra money and time to fix an inverter.
Exposure:
Inverters are more sensitive to elements of nature, and having many inverters on the roof doesn’t help. It only increases the chance of failure. In traditional systems, you can typically place the central inverter somewhere safe. However, since microinverters are attached to each module, you have little say in where they can be installed.
Price:
Since each solar panel has a microinverter of its own, AC solar panels are typically priced higher. The equipment cost of an AC solar system is higher in comparison to a system with a string inverter. This is because microinverters are costly. However, the panels can compensate for the high equipment price with the low installation price since less labor is needed.
The Right Choice
You should know that there are certain conditions under which you’ll require an AC solar panel system. They can be installed anywhere and in any direction. They will not be impacted by shading as much as traditional solar panels. Even if one panel is shaded, the other panels will keep working correctly.
The majority of AC solar panels you’ll find on the market will be high-quality Tier 1 panels that perform amazingly well and are reliable in the long run. However, it’s not the solar panel you should worry about but rather the inverters accompanying them since all of them will be on the roof, and there’s a high chance of at least one of them breaking down.
Going off-grid with traditional panels will be a good idea since solar batteries charge with DC power. You should always reach out to local solar installers to find the right solar panels for your home. It will help you find the correct system with a reduced price for the installation.