Our Solar Energy Project began Yesterday …

Our microFIT Solar Energy Project began yesterday when the solar panels, micro inverters and rails were delivered by Waterloo Energy Products.

33 panels, like this, will be installed on the back half of our roof.

Enphase Micro-inverters, one per solar panel, convert direct current (DC) electricity from each solar panel to alternating current (AC). The output from each micro-inverter will be combined and fed to the electrical grid. Micro-inverters contrast with conventional string or central inverter devices, which are connected to multiple solar panels.

Micro-inverters have several advantages over conventional central inverters. The main advantage is that if any one panel is blocked or shaded by trees, snow or debris, only the energy output of that panel will be affected instead of the output of the entire panel array. Each micro-inverter harvests optimum power by performing maximum power point tracking for its connected panel.

Earlier this week, electricians wired up the new electrical box and meter which will monitor and feed into the main electrical grid.

The completed electrical box. Once the panels are installed and connected a second meter will be added to this panel to monitor the solar panel output.

The solar support brackets, tracks, wiring and micro-inverters were fastened to the roof today.

Some close-ups of the micro-inverters and tracks that will support the solar panels.

Stay posted as the project continues over the next couple of days. T