Photovoltaic Solar Panel System Details - Part II

Inverterswired in what is known as strings and larger solar
There are nearly as many inverter manufacturers aspanel systems will have multiple strings. A combiner
there are solar module manufacturers and while thebox is a simple electrical component for combining and
choices appear to be endless inverters are primarilyhousing the wiring coming from your solar panels. 
used for converting the Direct Current (DC) voltageDepending upon your particular solar system design
generated by your solar panels into Alternating Currentyou may or may not even need one of these
(AC) voltage used by your home or business. Thesecomponents.  For many systems the wires coming
systems are sized in accordance with the amount offrom the strings of solar panels are combined inside
voltage output your solar panels will be generating andthe inverter so there is no need to use a combiner
generally are sized slightly larger than the voltage theybox.  However, if the distance between your panels
will be converting. These systems are also typicallyand your inverter is significant, or if you have more
mounted indoors and in close proximity to yourthan 2 or 3 strings in your solar system, then a
electrical breaker panel.combiner box may be useful.
String CombinersSolar Module Mountings
To understand this devices purpose it is important toProbably one of the most important considerations is
understand how solar modules are wired andthat of the solar module mounting system you choose.
configured in your overall system. Solar modules are