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How Enphase microinverters work?
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Enphase uses microinverters, which sit behind each solar panel and have a few functions: maximum power point tracking, DC/AC conversion, communication, and rapid shutdown.
First, the microinverters detect the output of the solar panel and determine the exact mix of voltage and current that will produce the most power. This number is called the maximum power point, or MPP. It is tracked many times each second by a process called maximum power point tracking, or MPPT.
Second, the microinverters convert the DC power to AC power. Every solar panel in an array will have a different MPP, and microinverters ensure that the conversion behind each panel happens at exactly the right MPP.
Third, the microinverters communicate via their AC power output. This provides the Enphase system with the ability to track the output of each microinverter at any given time and throughout the course of the day. The efficiency of most Enphase microinverters is between 96% and 97%. That’s pretty good!
Finally, the microinverters allow for rapid shutdown of the solar system. In the case of a power outage, the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires all grid-tied rooftop solar systems to shut down so they cannot send electricity over potentially damaged power lines. This protects utility workers from accidental electrocution.
Once the microinverters have performed their functions, their output is sent along wires to a combiner box and then connected to the home’s main AC panel. The power is either used to run the home’s appliances or sent to batteries or the grid.
There is one slight disadvantage to doing things this way: batteries can only store DC electricity, so the AC power sent from Enphase microinverters to batteries must be converted back to DC for storage and then converted again for use. The multiple conversions result in a small loss of energy.
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