Enecsys PV micro-inverter becomes the world's first without electrolytic capacitors to gain UL certification

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The patented design of the Enecsys Micro-inverter uses a rugged topology that eliminates electrolytic capacitors and opto-couplers, components that limit operating life and compromise reliability. Enecsys 240 W micro-inverters are the first micro-inverters without electrolytic capacitors to achieve UL certification. The same product is also certified for use in Europe, making Enecsys the first company to introduce a truly global solar PV micro-inverter.

The inverter has an operating life expectancy of greater than 25 years, matching that of PV modules. This transforms the economic model of PV systems through greatly enhanced system reliability, energy harvest, ease of installation and improved system safety.

PV systems based on micro-inverters harvest from five to 20 percent more energy over the life of the system, compared to traditional string inverter based systems.

In a micro-inverter based system, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is performed on each solar module and thus maximizing energy harvest even under partial shading, module mismatch or obstructions from leaves or debris. Systems are simpler to design and install and are safer, because the high-voltage DC present in conventional PV installations is not present.

No string inverter is needed because the DC output of each solar module is converted to AC using a micro-inverter mounted on the rack behind each module. This eliminates the central point-of-failure and the primary failure mechanism found in traditional inverters systems and micro inverters currently available in the market.

The reliability of Enecsys Micro-inverters has been verified using HALT, HASS and accelerated life tests to IEC61215, the same methodology used to test PV modules. The micro-inverters maintain full performance from -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C, ensuring efficient operation in real-world conditions. The Enecsys Wireless Monitoring System provides real time performance information for each solar module in order to maintain the high performance of the PV system throughout the operating lifetime.

The Enecsys Micro-inverter is designed to operate in both North American (60Hz) and European (50Hz) electricity grid systems. The micro-inverters are safety and EMC evaluated to EN 62109, UL1741, TUV and CE. Country-specific requirements, including VDE V 0126-1: 2006 compliance, are achieved through the use of specific Enecsys installation products.

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