Large Residential

Nichols Family Residence

Overcoming shade, enhancing aesthetics.

Location	St. Helena, CA
System Size	9 kW AC
Estimated Monthly Production	1.5 MWh
Modules	Sharp 170W

"Microinverters made a huge difference in the feasibility and productivity of our solar power system and have enhanced the value and beauty of our home."

Mr. Nichols, Homeowner

Multiple Roofs and Shading Angles

The Nichols family home is a large, stylish home, with multiple flat-roofed buildings. The roofs have parapets around the edges to conceal heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment residing there. The parapets and HVAC system create shading issues from multiple angles. A typical solar power system for the home would require multiple inverters, and the power production would be limited by the erratic shading characteristics of the roof profile. In addition, the family was highly concerned about equipment disturbing the architectural quality of the home.

Site Profile

Type	Residential
Size	Large (4)
Aesthetics	High (5)
Shading	High (4)
Roof Complexity	High (5)

The Microinverter Difference

Working with Borrego Solar Systems, the Nichols selected a solar power system using Enphase Microinverters to address the challenges posed by their home's design. Enphase Microinverters eliminate the need for a centralized inverter - or multiple centralized inverters in the case of the Nichols' home. Because Enphase Microinverters convert power at the source, they are able to maximize the energy production of each module rather than calculate yield based on the average production of all modules. This mitigates the impact of shading on modules near parapets and HVAC equipment. Finally, the microinverters are installed beneath the solar modules, dramatically reducing the equipment needed on the buildings and minimizing any aesthetic impact.

Using the Enphase Microinverter System made a solar power system economically and aesthetically accessible for the Nichols family. Each of the 100 panels installed is able to perform at its maximum capacity, with no additional equipment required for a multi-building site. In addition to these benefits, the Enlighten website allows the owners to view the status of their system at any time, to ensure that the energy produced is meeting system expectations. If a module’s performance degrades due to dust, debris, or damage, the system owners will be automatically notified, and the problem can be immediately addressed.

Results

• Minimal equipment for multi-building site
• Cost-effective for large, complex installation
• Eliminates production impact of multiple shading angles
• Minimizes aesthetic impact for stylish home