AC Solar Panels

AC Solar Panels: Things You Should Know

Solar energy has grown in popularity and sustainability as a source of electricity. As technology advances, new technologies like AC solar panels and solar AC modules enter the market.

These systems have distinct advantages and characteristics that make them worth considering for both residential and commercial applications.

In this article, we are going to discuss AC solar panels. They are also known as AC solar modules.

What Are AC Solar Panels?

These are solar panels that produce alternating current (AC), as the name implies. You may be perplexed as to how we obtain the alternating current power output from a solar panel.

Don’t be confused. This type of solar AC module includes a microinverter that converts the solar panel’s DC output to AC voltage.

AC solar panels (also known as AC modules), often known as “plug and play” modules, are solar panels that already include an inverter.

This microinverter is attached to the solar panel’s bottom side. Its DC output is fed into this small inverter, which converts DC power to AC power.

AC solar panel
Image: Loom Solar

Inverters are essential components of solar panel power systems because they transform direct current (DC) power generated by solar panels into useable alternating current (AC) electricity for use in your home.

These AC module solar panels are shipped with a microinverter already connected to the back of the panel by the manufacturers and distributors.

We’ve already discussed how solar panels and inverters function in a solar power system. However, they are separate solar panels with DC output and a large common inverter for the entire system.

In an AC solar module, instead of going from the panels to a shared central inverter, power is converted to AC immediately at each panel with AC modules.

Even when you buy and install solar panels and microinverters as separate components, this conversion also occurs at the panel site

Many installers prefer AC modules since they are easier to store, transport, and install on rooftops.

AC solar modules are the most recent breakthroughs in the solar energy system sector, and let us comprehend some of the fundamentals.

Advantages of AC Solar Panels

When using AC solar panels, there is no need for a separate inverter. As a result, no DC connection from solar panels is required. So the overall implementation cost and installation time are reduced.

As previously mentioned, it consists of a normal solar panel and a compact inverter that may be directly linked to the power grid.

Because the microinverter is positioned so near to the solar panel in this device, the DC power transfer loss is low.

Expansion to meet future power demand is simple by simply inserting more AC solar modules without dismantling the existing system.

Most AC solar module manufacturers offer around the same duration of warranty on both solar panel and micro inverter parts.

Each solar module is a self-contained power source, and any shadow cast (due to cloud shadowing or other factors) on any of the panels will not have a major impact on the overall AC power output.

The built-in micro inverter also has an MPPT controller, which guarantees that all of the energy from the solar panels is transferred.

When we utilize ordinary solar panels, there is a chance that the panels may mismatch owing to differences in specification, orientation, and so on.

However, in this case, the likelihood of solar panel mismatch is decreased, and the power output is optimized by separate micro-inverter modules.

AC solar panels normally come with a 25-year warranty on both the panel and the inverter. This is not necessarily true for other types of installations; for example, whereas most solar panels have a manufacturing guarantee of at least 25 years, many inverters on the market now only have 2 to 5-year warranties.

Disadvantages of AC Solar Modules

As previously stated, AC solar panels include an inverter. As a result, the cost of the AC solar module is greater than that of regular solar panels of the same capacity.

Another disadvantage is that if a fault arises in either the solar panel or the inverter array, the entire unit will be rendered inoperable until it is repaired or replaced.

Because AC solar modules contain a grid-connected inverter, most power distribution authorities will not allow them to be utilized unless they are inspected and approved by them.

As in the case of a normal grid-connected solar power system, we must obtain the approval of the local authorities.

AC-solar-panel-connection

We are unable to use solar power since it is grid-connected equipment when the main electrical power is unavailable. In actuality, this is a safety feature of the inverter that prevents electricity from flowing back to the grid when the power source is shut off.

Because AC solar modules handle very little power, this technology is unsuitable for applications requiring a lot of electricity (more than 2-3 kW).

Because it is a grid-connected system, it is not suitable for isolated places with no power supply or areas with occasional power outages.

AC Solar Modules in India

AC solar panels are offered in India by a variety of manufacturers and providers. Loom Solar is a top maker of AC solar panels.

They have been in the solar power market for a long time, and their solar panels are already well-known for their efficiency.

You may view the specs of AC Solar panels based on your needs and buy them from their website.

Conclusion

AC solar panel is a good choice for you if,

  • you have less power requirement of up to 2kW
  • want to save electricity bills
  • don’t want the backup power.

We hope you find this information useful, and please share it with your friends and relatives.

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