How AC Module Systems Work

In conventional solar installations, solar modules are wired together in series, and their combined DC output is fed to a central, or string, inverter. The inverter, installed separately from the solar modules, converts the DC output of the solar modules to AC power used in homes, businesses and the utility grid.

With this design, any drop in a module’s performance reduces the output of every other module in the string. Even a small amount of shading or soiling on a module reduces its power output, compromising the power of the entire string. Solar modules shipped from the factory with slightly varying operating characteristics can cause “mismatch” issues, which further reduce the power output from a solar installation. Overall, these issues – shading, soiling, and mismatch – can reduce the power output of central inverter-based system from 5 to 25 percent.

A New Way to Go Solar

A SolarBridge-enabled AC module system maximizes energy production by performing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) at the module level. This isolates performance issues caused by passing clouds, partial shade from trees or roof obstructions as well as module mismatch to only those modules that are directly affected, allowing other modules in the array to perform at their full output. With AC modules powered by SolarBridge, solar installers can qualify more sites that otherwise would be ineligible due to varied roof orientation, intermittent shading and other factors.

Microinverter Installation: Simplified

With today’s detached microinverter systems, installers must perform two separate installations — one for the DC modules and one for the microinverters. Integrated microinverters from SolarBridge do not require on-site installation. The microinverter is preinstalled on the module at the manufacturer’s factory. The installer simply lays down the system footings and racking, installs the modules, connects the modules to the work box and circuit breaker, and is done. Our unifed one-click AC cabling system eliminates the need for a separate cabling system grounded independently from the modules themselves. Integrated AC modules are truly plug-and-play.