Will the U.S. Ban Chinese-Made Inverters for Solar Power?
The United States is reportedly drafting a ban on foreign-made solar panel inverters, directly targeting Chinese-made products. China is the world’s largest producer of solar inverters by volume.
Reuters reported earlier this month that the ban could come before the end of the year. It follows developments in Europe, where some Chinese inverter models have already been banned from publicly funded projects. Lawmakers and industry groups have cited concerns with non-domestic products, claiming that because inverters often connect to internet servers, they have inherent cybersecurity risks.
If you are considering a solar installation on Long Island, it’s worth knowing where the inverters helping to power your home come from.
What is a Solar Inverter
A solar inverter is a device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that powers your home.
There are two types of inverter systems used for solar installation on Long Island.
- String Inverters: A single unit is connected to all solar panels in an array. This is the most affordable option but is the least reliable. Whole-system efficiency drops if the array is partially shaded, and every panel goes down if the inverter ever fails.
- Microinverters: A small, intelligent inverter is connected at each panel. This improves overall energy efficiency, increases savings, and improves reliability. Because each panel is part of a modular array, the failure of one or more microinverters won’t affect the rest of the system.
There is a cost difference between string and microinverters. This usually works out to around $1,500 to $3,500 across the whole system, depending on its size. This extra cost is recovered over the 25+ year lifespan of a solar panel array. Microinverter systems are more efficient in shaded and overcast conditions, so total lifetime solar production and savings are higher.
American Made Inverters for Your Long Island Solar Installation
Power Solutions is a top-rated solar contractor serving all of Long Island. We primarily use Enphase microinverters for residential solar installations in Suffolk and Nassau Counties.
- Microinverters are more efficient than older string inverters. They convert energy at the panel, so the system stays efficient even with partial shading of the solar array.
- Enphase inverters are made in the United States at facilities in South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
- Whenever possible, Power Solutions installs domestically produced solar equipment, including Qcells solar panels, which are primarily made in Dalton and Cartersville, Georgia.
Get a Free Estimate for Residential Solar Panels in Suffolk or Nassau County
Power Solutions is your Long Island solar contractor. You can get a free ballpark estimate and energy savings assessment to find out if solar panels are right for you. We use drone technology and AI to predict lifetime solar production and generate a cost/benefit analysis.
Power Solutions provides options for residential solar, including prepaid leasing through the Participate Energy Program, where you can get connected with a significant discount, thanks to commercial tax credits that homeowners don’t have direct access to. If you prefer to own your system outright, $0-down financing is available with an interest-free period.
Get your free ballpark solar estimate today, or reach out to us at (631) 348-0001.
