Time to read: 8 minutes
Date: April 25, 2023
Curious about the latest solar power products?
In this article, we’ll dive into the features and benefits of some of the top solar, backup power, and generator products available, including REC Solar Panels, Q Cell DUO Series, Enphase IQ series inverters and transfer switches, and V Sun solar panels.
Solar powered systems are arguably the most iconic type of renewable energy source. Top that off by adding in backup power and a home standby generator creating a bullet proof system that brings incredible benefits and peace of mind to all Texans. However, did you know that there are actually several different types of solar powered systems, backup power, and generators? This leads us to several questions. How does one differ from another? Do some have different benefits? Why are some designed in different ways?
IES Texas Solar has the answers!
In this article, we’re going to go over the top products available and why IES Texas Solar prefers them, how these products integrate together, and how our PV design team ensures it:
- Maximizes energy production.
- Optimizes energy usage.
- Is safety compliant.
- Provides backup power.
- Is convenient and efficient in charging electric vehicles.
All of which results in a comprehensive and sustainable energy solution for residential and commercial applications.
Working together for a brighter future
The products listed, such as solar PV modules, inverters, rapid shutdown MLPE, DC optimizers, battery storage, intelligent load centers, backup generators, EV chargers, and general electrical gear, can work together to create a comprehensive and efficient solar PV system.
Solar PV modules
Also known as solar panels, these capture sunlight and convert it into DC (direct current) electricity through the photovoltaic effect. These modules are typically installed on rooftops or ground-mounted arrays and are connected in series or parallel to generate the desired voltage and current for the system.
Inverters
Inverters convert the DC electricity produced by the solar PV modules into AC (alternating current) electricity, which is used to power the electrical loads in a home or business or fed back into the grid. Inverters also provide advanced monitoring, management, and safety features for efficient energy production and usage.
Rapid Shutdown MLPE (Module-Level Power Electronics) devices
APSmart RSD-D-20 and Tigo TS4-A-F/2F, ensure safety by rapidly shutting down the DC voltage of the solar PV modules during emergencies or when the grid is down, reducing the risk of electrical hazards during maintenance or firefighting operations.
DC optimizers
Tigo TS4-A-O, are installed at the module level and optimize the performance of each individual solar panel in the system, allowing for better energy harvesting, improved system efficiency, and enhanced flexibility in system design.
Battery storage solutions
Enphase and Storz store excess solar energy generated during the day in batteries for later use during periods of low solar generation or grid outages. These batteries can provide backup power, load shifting, and self-consumption capabilities, allowing for increased energy independence and efficient energy management.
Intelligent load centers
Lumin Smart Panel and SPAN provide advanced energy management features such as smart load balancing, energy monitoring, and remote management capabilities. These load centers optimize energy consumption, allow for remote control of electrical loads, and provide efficient energy management for the solar PV system.
Backup generators
Generac generators can be used in conjunction with a solar PV system to provide additional backup power during extended grid outages or low solar generation periods. These generators can automatically switch on and provide continuous power to critical loads, ensuring uninterrupted power supply during emergencies.
EV chargers
EV chargers such as Wallbox Pulsar Plus, can be integrated with a solar PV system to provide efficient and convenient charging for electric vehicles at home or in commercial settings. These chargers often come with advanced features such as Wi-Fi.
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Terms you may hear as you are exploring investing in Sustainable Energy Solutions, reading your proposal or speaking with your Solar Consultant.
Solar PV Modules (Primary, Premium – REC, Standard – QCELLS, “Value” – VSUN, Others – JA, Boviet, Canadian Solar, Mission, HT
Features:
- Capture sunlight and convert it into DC electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
Benefits:
- Provide clean and renewable energy, reduce electricity bills, and lower carbon footprint.
Use case in PV system design:
- Generate electricity from sunlight to power electrical loads or feed back into the grid in a solar PV system.
Reason for usage:
- Essential component for harnessing solar energy and converting it into usable electricity.
Technology:
- Photovoltaic (PV)
Inverters (Residential – Enphase, Sol-Ark/Storz, Commercial – Enphase, Sungrow, CPS, SMA
Features:
- Convert DC electricity from solar PV modules into AC electricity for powering electrical loads or feeding back into the grid.
Benefits:
- Enable efficient energy production and usage, provide advanced monitoring and management features, and ensure safety compliance.
Use case in PV system design:
- Convert DC electricity into usable AC electricity for powering electrical loads or feeding back into the grid in a solar PV system.
Reason for usage:
- Necessary for converting DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity for practical use in homes, businesses, or the grid.
Technology:
- Inverter
Rapid Shutdown MLPE (Module-Level Power Electronics) (APSmart RSD-D-20, Tigo TS4-A-F/2F
Features:
- Rapidly shut down the DC voltage of solar PV modules during emergencies or grid outages for safety purposes.
Benefits:
- Reduce the risk of electrical hazards during maintenance or firefighting operations.
Use case in PV system design:
- Enhance safety compliance in a solar PV system by rapidly shutting down the DC voltage of solar panels during emergencies or grid outages.
Reason for usage:
- Ensure safety and compliance with local regulations for solar PV installations.
Technology:
- Module-Level Power Electronics
DC Optimizers (Tigo TS4-A-O)
Features:
- Optimize the performance of individual solar PV modules for better energy harvest, improved system efficiency, and enhanced system flexibility.
Benefits:
- Improve energy production, increase system efficiency, and offer design flexibility.
Use case in PV system design:
- Optimize the performance of each solar PV module in a system, allowing for better energy harvest, system efficiency, and design flexibility.
Reason for usage:
- Enhance the performance and flexibility of solar PV systems by optimizing the output of individual solar panels.
Technology:
- Module-Level Power Electronics
Battery Storage (Enphase, Storz)
Features:
- Store excess solar energy in batteries for later use during low solar generation or grid outages.
Benefits:
- Provide backup power, load shifting, and self-consumption capabilities for increased energy independence and efficient energy management.
Use case in PV system design:
- Store excess solar energy in batteries for later use, providing backup power, load shifting, and self-consumption capabilities in a solar PV system.
Reason for usage:
- Enhance energy management, increase energy independence, and provide backup power during periods of low solar generation or grid outages.
Technology:
- Energy Storage
Intelligent Load Centers (Lumin Smart Panel, SPAN)
Features:
- Provide advanced energy management features such as smart load balancing, energy monitoring, and remote management capabilities.
Benefits:
- Optimize energy consumption, allow for remote control of electrical loads, and provide efficient energy management in a solar PV system.
Use case in PV system design:
- Residential homes:
- Lumin Smart Panel can be used in residential homes to monitor and manage energy usage, optimize energy efficiency, and enhance home automation capabilities.
- Commercial buildings:
- Lumin Smart Panel can be used in commercial buildings to monitor and control energy usage, track energy consumption patterns, and identify potential areas for energy savings and cost reduction.
Reasons for usage:
- Safety and security: Lumin Smart Panel is equipped with advanced safety features such as surge protection, short circuit detection, and fire prevention measures. It also provides notifications for abnormal energy usage patterns, helping to identify potential electrical issues or hazards in real-time.
Technology:
- Integration with smart home devices.
Predictable Energy Solutions!
Our team of experienced solar consultants can help you design and install a cutting-edge PV system using top-quality products, including REC, QCELLS, VSUN, Enphase, Lumin, SPAN, Generac, Wallbox, Eaton, and more. With our expertise, you can achieve sustainable energy savings, power resilience, and contribute to a greener future. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our solar consultants to learn more and take the first step towards harnessing the power of solar energy for your home or business. Contact us today to get started!
Sustainable whole-home energy solutions that take out the guesswork and leave you feeling safe, comfortable, and secure no matter the weather!
We have made it our mission to be a source of truth in renewable energy. Our team believes that accurate solar and backup power education is the foundation for making the best decision when choosing a system that fits your needs.
If you are considering installing a backup generator or switching to solar for your home or business, reach out to us by going to our website, iestxsolar.com, or by giving us a call at (855) 447-6527.
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