LG recently launched the NeON® R ACe, a new solar panel that features built-in microinverters wired onto the back of every panel. If you’re not sure what a microinverter is, here’s a quick explanation.
Solar power systems include more than solar panels. The panels are mounted on a racking system and connected with wiring. In addition, every system requires at least one inverter to transform the Direct Current (DC) power generated by the solar panels into Alternating Current (AC). AC power is what is used by most home appliances.
Usually a series of rooftop solar panels are wired into a single inverter, which is often mounted in the garage to protect it from outdoor elements. The DC power from the panels flows through the wiring into the inverter, where it is converted to AC before being fed into the home.
With the NeON® R ACe, each solar panel has its own small inverter – or microinverter – connected to the back of the panel. DC power is converted to AC on the roof beneath each panel and then fed directly through wiring into the home.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of systems. For example, string inverter systems tend to cost less than microinverter systems (because there is only one inverter). A string inverter is also easily accessible if maintenance or repair is needed.
On the other hand, the NeON® R ACe with its built-in microinverters is faster and easier to install. A microinverter system also meets solar system shutdown requirements without needing additional components. Another great advantage of the NeON® R ACe is that because of the microinverters, it’s possible to monitor the performance of each individual solar panel instead of only the system as a whole. Many homeowners really like this feature; LG provides monitoring software that is easily accessible on a computer or mobile app. If one panel fails or stops performing well (a rare occurrence), it won’t affect the performance of the other panels in the system, and the panel with the problem can be quickly identified.
Which system is right for your solar project? An LG PRO solar installer in your community can talk you through both options and help
you decide. In the meantime, you can download
our two-page flyer
that describes single inverter and microinverter systems in more detail.
Interested in talking to an LG PRO? Fill out this form
today so we can connect you with a trusted solar installer in your community.
When you go solar, ask for the brand you can trust: LG
