The recent Solar Power International trade show confirmed that shade mitigation products like micro-inverters and dc-dc power optimizers are the hottest new products in solar.
Enphase micro-inverters provide a convenient solution for dc-ac conversion, shade mitigation, and module level power production monitoring. Micro-inverters convert DC to AC power at each and every module in the array. This eliminates the difficult process of string sizing and reduces the problems related to more dangerous high voltage dc strings.
The Tigo Energy Maximizer dc-dc power optimizer offers shade mitigation, module level mpp tracking, module level production monitoring and they work with any string inverter (SMA, KACO, Fronius, PV Powered, Xantrex etc..). An additional important benefit of dc-dc power optimizers is they cut the string voltage down to module level voltage if the AC power is lost. This means that when your main breaker is off, the high voltage strings drop to module level voltage making pv system servicing easier and safer. (more…)
Lay-In lugs are sold in ten packs (part number 051-03414), with the special “thread-forming” screw. That #10-32 “thread-forming screw” that comes with the lugs in the ten-packs, is a very special screw, and is very hard to find out there in the world. We had to contract with a screw manufacturer to get them. They are different than a “thread-cutting” screw, or a “self-tapping” screw. Both of those type of screws actually cut out some of the metal from the module frame as they “cut” the threads. This creates a microscopically loose thread connection that can allow oxygen in and create corrosion over time. They are not usable for a permanent ground connection. The “thread-forming” screw actually “folds” the metal, and “forms” a thread in such a way that there is an oxygen-free junction between the frame metal and the screw. This produces a better electrical “bond” and a proper ground connection that will last over time.
