![]() ![]() With higher efficiency, you can generate more electricity with fewer solar panels. This refers to the amount of light that is converted into electricity. One of the key metrics for any solar system is efficiency. No one has a definitive answer as to which solution works best, as it will mostly depend on your circumstances, but this is one of the areas in which SolarEdge and Enphase differ the greatest. The reason why? AC-coupled batteries still store electricity as DC, they just have a mini-inverter built in which allows them to receive AC, convert to DC, store, convert back to AC and push to the home. This type of solution provides for more flexibility but a significantly lower efficiency rating. These work with Enphase as the electricity in DC gets converted to AC on the roof itself. While this comes with its own limitations, in short, it means the power is converted fewer times, increasing overall efficiency.Īn AC-coupled battery requires the energy to come into the battery as AC current. A DC-coupled battery receives the power load before the inverter and can store it directly from the panels, as in the case of SolarEdge. Batteries can only store electricity in DC (direct current). In order to understand the difference between the two brand’s battery capabilities, you must first know the difference between the two technologies. One the other hand, Enphase’s scalability capabilities, while on paper seem way more robust, are not as sophisticated as they may seem. However, not all consumers require the ability to scale in a manner that would have a significant impact. Enphase’s ability to scale, and do so retroactively, does provide a leg up. In the argument of SolarEdge vs Enphase as it pertains to scalability, you can easily see a clear winner. Theoretically, you can add an unlimited number of panels (some modifications may be required of course) when you have a microinverter system but you may have to change the central inverter if you want to increase the number of solar panels. Scalability matters to clients who project an increase in their future power demand in case of adding an electric vehicle, or add a large battery backup system for example. SolarEdge systems are limited to the size of the central inverter which can intake a certain number of solar panels, whereas Enphase microinverters have higher flexibility to scale by simply adding solar panels with compatible microinverters. The SolarEdge model does have more limitations regarding scalability when compared to Enphase microinverters. SolarEdge inverters leverage Power Optimizer System technology while Enphase uses Microinverter technology. With that being said, consumers must keep in mind that both SolarEdge and Enphase inverters are MLPEs. ![]() String inverters have a notorious reputation for their inflexibility and lack of monitoring capabilities whereas, MLPEs boast much more sophistication. ![]() This comes as a direct result of technological advancements which have brought the price significantly lower and the overall module-level capabilities. However, Power Optimizer Systems and Microinverters have gained immense popularity in the market. Traditionally, consumers prefer string inverters due to their cost effectiveness and general efficiency for bigger systems. Microinverters and power optimizers are often collectively referred to as Module-Level Power Electronics (MLPEs).
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