Good Energy Group plc
Good Energy Group plc
22/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 22/11/2024 18:37
What type of solar panels should I install
If you're thinking about installing solar panels, you might be wondering about the different solar panel set-ups available.
From price, efficiency, performance and maintenance, here are some of the main pros and cons of the different solar panel technologies you can find on the market.
String inverter solar panels
String solar panels are the type of solar panel technology that has been on the market for the longest. It involves the panels being connected in one electrical 'string', with all power going into a central inverter. The inverter converts the solar power from DC to AC so it can be used in your home or exported to the energy grid.
Pros
- Lower cost: string inverter solar panels are some of the cheapest options available
- Bigger choice: as one of the original solar panel technologies, there are a large number of manufacturers to choose from.
- Simple set up: with only one inverter, string solar panels are quicker to install and maintain.
Cons
It's important to remember that despite the lower up-front cost, string inverter solar panels can have several drawbacks that may lead to you spending more over time (or getting less of a financial benefit).
- Lower output: panels in a string system are only as efficient as the lowest performing panel. So if one panel is in the shade, faulty or covered in dirt or debris, the full string will generate less. This will affect your bill savings or export payments.
- Less flexible design: some string inverter systems require panels to be installed at very similar orientations to make sure they work efficiently. This can limit the number of panels you can install, or impact how the solar array would look on your property.
- Shorter lifespan: you're likely to need to replace your inverter after 10-15 years, in comparison to the 20-25 year lifespan of a microinverter or optimised system.
- Less insurance friendly: insurers give string solar panels a lower reliability rating than microinverters, because they're associated with a slightly higher risk of fire. This could increase your home insurance premium, or even limit the amount of insurers that will cover you.
- Increased maintenance costs: if there is an issue with a string system, unfortunately there is the strong possibility that you will have to check each panel on the roof to troubleshoot the issue, which can prove costly and timely.
Microinverter solar panels
Instead of just one inverter for a whole string of panels, microinverter solar panel systems use an inverter on every panel. This means each panel converts the power it generates from DC to AC separately.
Pros
- Protecting solar output: because each panel has its own inverter, if one panel can't generate as much due to being in the shade or having a fault, the others aren't affected.
- Longer lasting: you probably won't need to replace microinverters for 20-25 years. Because of this, they often come with longer manufacturer warranties than string inverter systems.
- Performance monitoring: like to get into the details of how much your system can generate? With a microinverter, you can monitor performance down to the level of an individual panel. If you spot a drop in efficiency, it may be a sign to get your system maintained.
- Safer in emergencies: microinverter solar panels can be remotely made 'safe'. In the event of a fire, this makes it easier and safer for a fire crew to deal with them. Due to their higher level or reliability, microinverter systems may be cheaper to insure.
Cons
- More expensive: a microinverter system will cost more to install and maintain. Because each panel has its own inverter, an engineer will need roof access to fix faults, rather than working on one central inverter (which may be installed in a more accessible location).
Optimised solar panel systems
If you're looking for the simplicity of a string inverter system with the insights and efficiency of a microinverter system, optimised solar panels are a good choice. Each panel has an optimiser fitted, which allows them to operate independently and maximise your solar output, but there's still only one central inverter.
Good Energy predominantly installs SolarEdge Optimised solar panel systems, as they meet most customers' need of balancing quality with cost.]
Pros
- Protecting solar output: adding an optimiser to each solar module allows it to operate independently of the others. So if one panel in a string is shaded, the output of the others isn't reduced as well.
- In-built safety features: optimisers can monitor the performance of each panel and automatically detect faults. SolarEdge systems also offer enhanced safety features such as SafeDCTM, which reduces the DC voltage down to safe touch levels, to enable safe maintenance.
- Insurer friendly: Optimised systems meet the latest insurance and fire safety requirements, including RC62 fire regulations.
- Performance monitoring: view the generation levels of your system as well as the performance of individual panels, helping you spot when maintenance might be needed.
- Easy to expand: if you decide you want to generate more electricity, or your household energy needs change, you can easily add more panels onto a SolarEdge optimised system.
- Long term reassurance: SolarEdge offers lengthy warranties on power optimisers and inverters. Their customer support team can also help diagnose and troubleshoot any issues remotely.
Cons
- More expensive than installing a string inverter system on its own.
Deciding which solar panel system is right for you
As part of your solar consultation, our team can talk you through the best options for your home, depending on the space available for your install, your budget and household electricity needs.
Good Energy