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Alternating Current (AC): This is the type of electrical current that is used in most homes and is delivered by the electrical grid. In AC power, the current changes direction periodically. Solar modules produce Direct Current (DC), which must be converted to AC by an inverter to be used in a home or sent to the grid.
Direct Current (DC): This is the type of electrical current that flows in one direction, such as the electricity produced by solar modules. Batteries store electricity as DC power.
AC Architecture: A system design that commonly uses microinverters that convert solar production from DC to AC at each module. This AC power is then used by the home, exported to the grid, or converted back to DC energy by a separate inverter to charge a battery.
DC Architecture: A system design that includes DC optimizers, hybrid or storage ready inverters, and DC-coupled batteries. Together, they enable solar modules to charge batteries without unnecessary conversion losses.
DC:AC Ratio: The relationship between PV module power rating (Watts, at Standard Test Conditions) and inverter output power rating (Watts) is often referred to as the DC: AC ratio. [DC:AC ratio] = [Max module power (WDC)] / [Max inverter power (WAC)]
Increasing module wattage: Solar modules are being produced with higher wattage ratings, which can lead to more clipping with microinverters that have lower output ratings.
Growing battery adoption: As more homes use batteries, the conversion losses with AC coupled systems become more costly.
Rising utility rates: The increased cost of electricity means that any loss of energy from clipping or conversion has a greater financial impact over time.
Clipping Tax: The cost associated with the wasted energy due to clipping. This is a "tax" on savings from solar because the energy that could have been used is lost. The clipping tax can amount to thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a solar system.
Conversion Tax: The lost energy due to the multiple conversions from DC to AC or AC to DC that are needed in systems with microinverters and AC coupled batteries. Each conversion step wastes energy, and the additional conversions in AC-coupled systems can add up to significant losses.
Equipment Tax: The additional cost of equipment and hardware needed in microinverter systems to try to achieve the same results as DC-optimized systems.
Optimizers: These are devices used in DC architecture that manage the power output of each solar module before it goes to the central inverter. DC optimizers can help reduce clipping and maximize the performance of each module.
Microinverter: An inverter installed at each solar module that converts DC power to AC power at the module itself. Microinverters have a specific output rating.
MLPE: This refers to Module Level Power Electronics, such as DC optimizers, and microinverters that connect to each module and perform specific functions, such as optimization, module-level monitoring, and/or rapid shutdown.
Hybrid Inverter: A single inverter that can manage both solar and battery energy in a DC coupled system, eliminating the need for extra hardware.
String Inverter: A central inverter that converts DC power from a string of solar modules to AC power. String inverters often have a higher capacity than microinverters and can handle more power without clipping.
Conversion losses: refer to the energy that is lost or wasted when electrical power is changed from one form to another or when it is stored and released from a battery. These losses are a critical factor in the overall efficiency of a solar power system, particularly when batteries are involved
Clipping: This occurs when a solar module produces more DC power than the inverter can convert to usable AC power, and the excess energy is wasted. This is a common problem with microinverter systems.
Time-of-Use Rates: A utility billing structure in which the cost of electricity varies depending on the time of day. Solar systems with battery storage can be used to maximize savings under time-of-use rates.
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Séminaire en ligne : Le 15 avril (jour de l'impôt aux États-Unis), nous organisons un séminaire en ligne qui abordera les détails de la série de taxes sur les micro-onduleurs. Inscrivez-vous au webinaire ici.
Vous trouverez ci-dessous la liste complète des chapitres inclus dans cette série (des liens seront ajoutés au fur et à mesure de la publication des chapitres) :
Vous trouverez ci-dessous la liste complète des chapitres inclus dans cette série (des liens seront ajoutés au fur et à mesure de la publication des chapitres) :
