CyboEnergy, a subsidiary of CyboSoft, General Cybernation Group Inc., (Rancho Cordova, California), recently released in the public its patent-pending CyboInverter, the world’s first solar power Mini-Inverter at Intersolar North America in San Francisco.
The 4-channel CyboInverter can connect to four PV solar panels using standard MC-4 connectors. Multiple CyboInverters can easily daisy chain with AC cables, which connect to the power grid on one end.
Because the CyboInverter can perform Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for each connected solar panel, it solves partial shading problems. It can connect to panels with different sizes or brands oriented in different directions or angles. This “anything goes” design significantly improves the scalability, flexibility, user-friendliness, and ROI.
As an example, one can install a small 1KW solar power system with four 250W solar panels and one 4-channel CyboInverter. During the first installation, a licensed electrician installs solar panels, Mini-Inverter, AC junction box, THHN wire, conduit and breaker to the service panel, and puts the system in service. Later, additional panels and CyboInverters can be easily added by a simple AC cable daisy chain, which can be done by almost anybody. “Since many states in the U.S. no longer offer incentives for solar power systems, this scalable approach can encourage homeowners to make a low risk yet affordable investment to build a personal power plant that can grow. This is a sustainable business model that could reach a critical mass and have a powerful impact on the energy industry,” Dr. Cheng added.
So, what really is a Mini-Inverter? CyboEnergy gives the definition based on the table shown below comparing (1) Centralized or String Inverters, (2) Microinverter , and (3) Mini-Inverters.
