PV Powered Solar Inverters are User-friendly and UL98 code-compliant

Oregon is the leading solar manufacturing state in the nation, and PV Powered is an integral part of the state’s renewable energy success.  The company manufactures solar inverters for grid-tied solar power systems.  PV Powered claims to be:

“the leader in grid-tied solar inverter reliability, installability and maintainability.”

Earlier this year, PV Powered announced the introduction of user-friendly solar inverters that make installation less expensive and more simple, and also are UL 98 code-compliant.  Looks like Oregon is going to continue to lead the nation in solar!

Here’s a video showing installation of an “ordinary” grid-tied solar inverter:

A user-friendly, reliable solar inverter system is necessary

So, what is different with the solar inverter from PV Powered?  As explained on its website:

“The new feature is a single-knob AC/DC disconnect with a wire raceway. This enhancement, integrated into the company’s inverters, eliminates the need for extra conduit and hardware, thereby saving installation materials and labor costs. The wire raceway provides for isolation of the DC, AC and low voltage DC connections per the NEC (National Electric Code) requirements, with generous working room for installers’ hands and tools. The PV system disconnect hardware and enclosure assembly has received extensive testing under extreme conditions, and is the first to have passed the strict UL 98 standard for switches. The UL98 standard is specifically written for enclosed and dead front switches, providing inspectors with a recognized standard for safety and reliability.”

In short, the solar inverter is easier to install.  Less equipment is required, and you may even be able to do it yourself.  Perhaps more impressive is the fact that the inverter meets the UL 98 (Underwriters Laboratories) standard for switches.  Being able to flip a switch (that is both safe and reliable) makes owning and operating a solar power system simpler.

The complexity of going solar is one thing that stops many people from installing panels on their roofs.  Solar inverters from PV Powered should reduce that barrier.

If you purchase one of these inverters, you won’t be the only satisfied customer.  Kirk Mulligan of Clean Power Systems praised:

”We have been waiting for PV Powered to add an integrated disconnect, and I have to say it was well worth the wait.  Their new solution delivers the level of engineering elegance and reliability that we have come to expect from them.”

Are you ready for an easy PV installation that not only operates well, but looks good?  The new PV Powered solar inverter has a flush side to side mounting that provides a nice, clean installation.  But its user-friendly aspects may be the biggest selling point.

What do you think?  Would you finally go solar with the inverters offered by PV Powered?

PV Inverter Meter

If you have a solar panel system on your home and are tied to the grid, you’ll also need a PV inverter meter.  By using a meter, you’ll be able to track power demands, energy generation and also keep on top of any potential issues with your system.

Before we review information you can obtain from a PV inverter meter, we should go over the purpose of a solar inverter.  Basically, an inverter is required to change the direct current (DC) that is generated by your solar panels from the absorbed solar energy into alternating current (AC) that you can use as electricity.

The following video shows a solar inverter installation:

A solar inverter

Now that you know about PV inverters, let’s review the information you can obtain from a small, wall-mounted inverter meter:

1. Energy Produced by your Solar Panels.  Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), your meter can give you up-to-date information regarding the energy produced during the past 24 hours.  Some models may be able to report cumulative energy production too.  Consider the estimated annual production of kWh for which your system was designed and divide by 365.  If you are below that number, you may wish to make some adjustments, such as cleaning the panels or making sure that vegetation is not shading them.  Or, you may have a blown fuse.
2. Output Power (AC).  A PV inverter meter can tell you in watts the amount of alternative current (AC) power your solar panel system is producing.
3. Direct Current (DC) Voltage.  This value may change due to outdoor temperatures, as the voltage rises as temperatures drops and vice-versa.  Make sure that the voltage stays within the inverter’s voltage input specifications.
4. Direct Current (DC) Amps.  This value shows the amount of irradiation to which your panels are exposed. Of course, it will be lower on cloudy days.
5. Advanced meter calculations.  Sign me up for one of these fancy devices that can tell you about CO2 offsets that you are achieving by using a solar power system.  Others include an error menu that can pinpoint where problems may be occurring.

How are you using your PV inverter meter?  Can you better maximize your energy production and use by paying closer attention to its functions?