There’s more to going solar than the panels on your roof. After all, this technology is as advanced as it gets — down to the most efficient solar panel micro inverters in your installation.
When you go solar with ADT Solar, you know that you’re getting equipment that leads the industry in quality and capability. That’s why we work with partners like Enphase whose IQ 7+ Micro Inverter improves every homeowner’s solar system.
But before you get lost looking into micro- this and photo- that, let us answer your burning questions in simple terms.
So What is a Solar Panel Micro Inverter Anyway?
To understand how a micro inverter works, it helps to understand its role in solar energy production.
In short, the solar cells in your solar panels capture energy from the sun and convert it into Direct Current (DC) energy. Most homes use Alternating Current (AC) energy, so you need a way to convert the solar power to household power in an instant. Enter, the micro inverter.
A micro inverter converts DC power to AC power with tremendous efficiency. That’s because micro inverters connect directly to the back of each solar panel. They are independent from the other solar panels which means more efficient power production.
Now, Why Do I Need a Micro Inverter in the First Place?
As with any solar panel installation, you need a way to transmit the power from your panels straight to your home’s electric breaker box. In our experience, a micro inverter is more effective and efficient than the string inverters of old.
The problem with a traditional string inverter is that the solar system can only produce as much electricity as the least productive panel. If one panel goes down, so do the others.
For example, you have eight solar panels on your roof and seven of them are producing at full efficiency. Well, if the eighth panel is only producing at 25% efficiency, you would only net 25% of all the energy produced by your panels.
Traditional Inverter (left) vs Micro Inverter (right)
You can see how that means a single cloud or tree branch could be problematic.
On the other hand, a micro inverter is installed beneath each panel in the space between the solar panel and your roof. Because each solar panel has its own micro inverter, your system will be able to use as much energy as each panel is able to produce.
There’s no single point of failure in a micro inverter system, which means that every panel experiences maximum output.
Not to mention the added safety. Solar panel micro inverters are safer than other inverters by keeping high-voltage DC off your roof.
What Kind of Micro Inverter Do I Need for Solar Panels?
Simple to install and smart-grid ready, the Enphase IQ 7 Micro Inverter is the product of choice for ADT Solar installations.
Not only are they some of the world’s most technologically advanced inverters but they also withstand tremendous heat without any issues and enjoy the same lifespan as your panels.
Enphase is obsessive with quality (another reason they’re a good partner for ADT Solar), which means they make more reliable micro inverter products. Their products line up with the highest warranties in the industry. And with good reason. They go through the most rigorous testing in the industry.
Enphase micro inverters are even proven to produce more energy than other technologies. Their micro inverters feature “burst technology” that means more production at dawn, dusk, and in low light conditions.
Some Specs of the Enphase IQ7+
- Optimized for high powered 60-cell, 72-cell* modules
- Max Output Power: 250 VA (IQ 7) or 295 VA (IQ 7+)
- Recommended PV module input power: 235-350+ W (IQ 7) or 235-440+ W (IQ 7+)
- MPPT Range: 27V – 37V (IQ 7), 27V – 45V (IQ 7+)
- 97.0% CEC Efficiency
- Configurable for variable grid profiles like Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Rule 14H, California Rule 21, and others
* The IQ 7+ Micro is required to support 72-cell modules
Are Micro Inverters Compatible with Solar Battery Storage Systems?
Yes, microinverters are compatible with AC coupled solar backup batteries. AC coupled batteries are relatively new in the solar industry and provide easy compatibility between solar panel systems and solar battery storage.
This is especially true if you have a retrofit solar panel system where adding a DC-coupled solar battery may increase installation costs due to the complexity of having to rewire for a DC-coupled system.
ADT Solar provides installation for two AC-coupled battery systems: The Tesla Powerwall 2 and Enphase Encharge.
Who is Enphase?
ADT Solar and Enphase have a shared interest in maximizing savings for homeowners with highly efficient solar systems. If you know anything about ADT Solar, you know that this is firmly at the core of what we do.
After releasing their first solar panel inverter in 2008, Enphase Energy quickly established themselves among the best in the solar industry for the quality of their micro inverters. Across Europe and the United States and as far as Australia, Enphase micro inverters are well-known to solar companies everywhere.
Can I Monitor My Usage?
A adt Solar installation combined with Enphase tech makes for a more efficient, resilient and intuitive solar system. Thanks, in large part, to the tools at your disposal.
While Enphase micro inverters do their thing, our solar specialists will get you set up on Enphase Envoy: a networking hub that connects you to the MyEnlighten monitoring app.
The MyEnlighten app lets you track your solar panel production and consumption in real-time. Accessible from your phone, tablet, computer or any internet-connected device, you’ll get insights into nearly every function and performance stat of your solar system.
MyEnlighten App
Enphase Presents: MyEnlighten App Online Monitoring
The Enphase MyEnlighten app offers the following features:
- System Status Indicator shows any problems and provides troubleshooting tips.
- Verify today’s performance at-a-glance
- View historical production data by days, months or hours
- View historical weather data to understand variations in performance
- Share your daily energy production on social media via integrated buttons
Will ADT Solar Install My Enphase Solar Panel Micro Inverter?
If you want to get the most energy production from your solar panels, you won’t go wrong having your solar set up installed by adt sOLAR. And because we only use the Enphase IQ 7+ Micro, you know you’ll have top-performing technology behind your panels.
From your first appointment to the final panel on your roof, ADT Solar takes care of the entire installation process. We’ll answer your questions about micro inverters and more. We also make sure that your solar panels are set up for optimal savings and energy independence.
We are proud to offer some of the best warranties you can find in the solar industry and only use products that offer the same.
- 25 Year Labor Warranty
- 25 Year Production Guarantee
- 25 Year Solar Panel Manufacturer Warranty
- 25 Year Enphase Micro Inverter Warranty
- Thousands of happy homeowners
- Free Home Energy Audit
- Roof replacement if needed
If you’d like to learn more about Enphase micro inverters, solar panel technology or would like to learn more about switching to solar, contact us for a free quote.
