How Microinverters Improve the Security and Installation Convenience of Photovoltaic Systems

In a recent safety audit conducted by the Clean Energy Association (CEA), alarming findings were uncovered regarding over 600 rooftop photovoltaic systems worldwide. The audit revealed that an overwhelming 97% of these systems exhibited significant safety concerns. This comprehensive investigation spanned across countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, India, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and France.

The CEA report highlighted several prevalent safety issues that were identified within the audited systems. These included grounding problems in 49% of the sites, component damage in 47% of cases, and misaligned connectors in 41% of installations. Additionally, 40% of the systems suffered from poor termination and improper connector assembly, 31% had hotspots on the components, 27% had cables laid on sharp edges, and 26% experienced connector breakage, damage, or water ingress issues. Furthermore, 19% of the systems exhibited hotspots on the enclosures.

According to a CEA spokesperson, the majority of these safety issues stem from improper installation practices, emphasizing the importance of timely detection and resolution to mitigate fire hazards, security risks, and potentially costly incidents.

The CEA’s findings indicate that grounding issues commonly arise between the inverter or equipment solder pad, the photovoltaic array blocks, and the row of components, as well as along extended conduit lines. Component damage often results from improper installation or cleaning methods, including walking on the components or exposure to extreme weather events such as hail or strong winds.

Microinverter technology has emerged as a widely discussed solution to address safety concerns in photovoltaic systems. In comparison to traditional string inverters, microinverters offer certain advantages in terms of installation convenience and safety.

Firstly, microinverters offer a more convenient installation process. Traditional string inverters require the series connection of multiple photovoltaic modules to a single inverter, necessitating a significant amount of DC wiring and connectors, resulting in a more cumbersome installation process. Microinverters, on the other hand, can be directly installed beneath each individual photovoltaic module, with each module having its independent microinverter for DC to AC conversion. This reduces the complexity of wiring and connections, simplifying the installation process.

Secondly, microinverters provide advantages in terms of safety. As microinverters are installed beneath the photovoltaic modules, the length of DC wiring is greatly reduced, mitigating the risk associated with wiring installation. Furthermore, microinverter systems eliminate high-voltage DC current flow, thereby reducing the risk of electrical shock and fire hazards. Microinverters also incorporate intelligent monitoring and safety protection features, allowing real-time monitoring of the photovoltaic module’s operation status and automatically disconnecting the circuit in the event of anomalies, ensuring the safe operation of the system.

In the field of microinverter technology, Beny stands as a leading manufacturer, offering a high-quality range of microinverter products. Beny’s microinverters utilize advanced power conversion technology, delivering high efficiency and stability. The product range includes various power options, catering to different scales and types of photovoltaic systems.

Beny’s microinverter products boast easy installation characteristics, enabling quick installation beneath the photovoltaic modules. The product design takes into account safety requirements and incorporates multiple protective measures such as overvoltage protection, over-temperature protection, and short-circuit protection, ensuring the safety and reliability of the system during operation.

The issue of security in photovoltaic systems demands attention, and the safety audit results from the CEA serve as a reminder to pay attention to details and adhere to regulations during the installation process. Compared to traditional string inverters, microinverter technology offers advantages in terms of installation convenience and safety, effectively reducing safety hazards. As a reputable microinverter manufacturer, Beny provides high-quality products, offering reliable support for the secure operation of photovoltaic systems. In the development of the photovoltaic power generation industry, it is crucial to prioritize safety and select suitable technologies and products to ensure the effective utilization and secure operation of clean energy.