Enphase and Sol-Ark are two companies that specialize in designing and manufacturing solar power inverters. Let's compare the two companies and their inverters.
Enphase
Enphase is a California-based company that was founded in 2006. They are known for their micro-inverters, which are small inverters attached to each solar panel, rather than a single inverter for the entire system. This allows for more flexibility in system design and helps to maximize energy production by allowing each panel to operate independently. Enphase also produces a range of monitoring and control systems, which allow homeowners to track their system's performance in real-time.
Sol-Ark Inverters
Sol-Ark, on the other hand, is a Texas-based company that was founded in 2014. They produce a range of inverters designed to work with both grid-tied and off-grid solar power systems. Sol-Ark inverters are known for their high efficiency and reliability, and they come with a built-in battery charger, making them a great choice for homeowners who want to add battery backup to their solar power systems. Sol-Ark also produces a range of monitoring systems that allow homeowners to track their system's performance in real-time and identify any issues quickly.
Differences
The main difference between Sol-Ark inverters and Enphase microinverters is the way they convert the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used by your home's electrical system.
Sol-Ark inverters are designed to be a central component of a solar power system. They convert the DC power produced by the solar panels into AC power that can be used by your home's electrical system or stored in a battery bank. Sol-Ark inverters can interact with existing solar, oil generators, with AC or DC.
Enphase microinverters, on the other hand, are installed on each individual solar panel in the system. They convert the DC power produced by the solar panel directly into AC power that can be used by your home's electrical system. This allows each solar panel to operate independently and at maximum efficiency, even if some panels are shaded or experiencing different levels of sunlight.
Another difference between Sol-Ark inverters and Enphase microinverters is the level of system monitoring and control. Enphase microinverters come with a monitoring system that allows you to track the performance of each individual panel in real-time, while Sol-Ark inverters typically offer monitoring at the system level, but not the panel level unless compatible 3rd party optimizers, such as Tigo, are installed with the SolArk system.
Bottomline
Ultimately, the choice between Sol-Ark inverters and Enphase microinverters will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you want a system that is optimized for maximum energy production and flexibility in panel placement, Enphase microinverters may be the better choice. Also, Enphase currently introduced the Sunlight Backup system that can generate power even in the event of a power blackout (works only with IQ8 micros). If you want a more versatile system that can work with both grid-tied and off-grid systems, and comes with a built-in battery charger, Sol-Ark inverters may be the better choice.
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