Solar energy systems require both efficiency and resilience to meet the demands of modern off-grid and grid-tied applications. The Sol-Ark 15K Whole Home hybrid inverter stands out for its industry-leading efficiency and advanced grid-support features, ensuring reliable performance in diverse conditions. By combining cutting-edge technology with flexible energy management tools, these inverters provide an optimal solution for homeowners and businesses alike.
The 15K Whole Home Inverter – 97% Efficiency Across All Power Levels
Off-Grid High Efficiency
High-efficiency solar and battery inverters provide longer autonomy than lower-efficiency options. The Sol-Ark 15K boasts 97% efficiency at half to full-rated power and a 96.7% CEC PV-to-AC efficiency, a weighted measure across all power levels. This ensures more of your daytime loads are powered by renewable energy, conserving stored solar power in the battery for nighttime use.
On-Grid High Efficiency
The Sol-Ark 15K’s efficiency also benefits grid-tied systems by reducing reliance on stored power during the day. This leaves more energy to offset evening loads, enhancing overall system effectiveness.
Transformer-based inverters, by contrast, often reach only 80% efficiency, losing nearly a quarter of solar power during conversion to AC power. This inefficiency reduces the battery’s charge capacity.
Consider these efficiency comparisons:
- 8,000 W x 90% (CEC list low efficiency) = 7,200 W
- 8,000 W x 96.7% (Sol-Ark) = 7,736 W
- Difference: 536 W x 5 peak sun hours = 2.68 kWh gained daily.
Sol-Ark 15K Whole Home Creates Grid Resilience
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) defines a resilient grid as one that “withstands, responds to, and recovers rapidly from major power disruptions” (NREL, n.d.). High-efficiency battery plus solar inverters, such as Sol-Ark’s models, play a crucial role in bolstering grid resilience.
Traditionally, utilities restricted grid-interactive inverters due to concerns about overloading or disconnections caused by service abnormalities, such as voltage imbalances or drops. These inverters were programmed to cease all export immediately when abnormalities occurred, limiting their contribution to grid resiliency.
Advancements in Grid-Support Technology
Modern dynamic inverters, such as those in the Sol-Ark lineup, automatically adjust output in response to subtle grid changes. For instance, they can stabilize voltage or frequency fluctuations without manual intervention, mitigating the risk of grid overloads or outages. This innovation led to the establishment of the UL 1741SB standard, which defines Grid Support Interactive Equipment. Certified inverters actively support the grid using advanced, automated responses. Sol-Ark inverters meet UL 1741SB standards and operate in Category B (normal conditions) and Category 3 (abnormal conditions), covering the broadest set of grid support parameters.
Additional Hybrid Inverter Features
Sol-Ark hybrid inverters come with certifications for a variety of jurisdictions and advanced tools, including:
- Time-of-Use Controls with seasonal schedules
- Grid Peak Shaving to lower energy costs
By supporting grid stability and offering customizable energy management, Sol-Ark inverters provide unmatched reliability for both off-grid and grid-tied applications.
References
National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (n.d.). Power system resilience. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/research/power-system-resilience.html
UL. (n.d.). UL 1741 standard for inverters, converters, controllers, and interconnection system equipment. Retrieved from https://ul.com