Pitched roof, peak performance:
a smarter, safer solar solution that
transformed a home rooftop system
| Type | Region | Product | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | Hunan, China | 11 × HMS-2000-4T | 25.96 kWp |
In Hunan, a residential solar project needed to tackle the unique challenges of integrating advanced solar technology into a pitched-roof environment. To do this, the system comprised 44 state-of-the-art solar modules and 11 Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T microinverters, with each PV module installed slightly raised and in parallel along the sloped roof. This not only overcame the rooftop’s technical obstacles but also pushed the boundaries of residential solar solutions in China.
Their Story
Sloped roofs, steep learning curves
A local resident in Hunan, China, wanted to take advantage of the long humid summers by adding a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to their roof. They contracted the installation project to Chint Anneng, a PV company specialized in residential projects.
But there was a problem – the residence’s pitched roof design was incredibly steep.
Aside from the usual issues with partial shading typical of steep rooftops, this also meant three more challenges for the design and construction team:
- Constructing an advanced PV system on such a steep incline would be extremely complicated, with additional safety measures needed for the team during installation.
- The lack of broad application of microinverters in residential settings in China meant the team had little prior experience installing these PV systems for residential projects.
- Typically, residential projects have a very short construction timeline – often allocating just one or two days for installation – so the team needed to work quickly but precisely to make sure the project was completed on time.
Their Solution
Making connections with an advanced photovoltaic system
Beginning on September 18, the project team addressed the initial challenges by using prefabricated DC cables in three different specifications. This streamlined the process by eliminating excess wiring, while also reducing the risk of connection errors.
Not only did this measure improve the overall construction quality of the project – it also helped the team keep the project on track and complete the installation on time.
With a total DC capacity of 25.96 kWp, the new PV system used 44 P-type monocrystalline silicon double-glass solar modules – each boasting a power output of 590 Wp – paired with 11 Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T microinverters.
Each PV module was installed in an elevated position along the slope of the rooftop. This vertical space between the modules and the roof provided better ventilation while also making installation easier for the team.
The PV array was then laid parallel to the roof, with supports robustly fixed to a solid beam at multiple different points.
Anneng also chose to use single-phase microinverters to form a three-phase mode, which then used a 0.4 kV three-phase connection to feed all electricity back into the grid.
The project was completed on September 28 and the PV system was connected to the grid a few weeks later on October 10.
Hoymiles is the clear choice for residential PV projects
For Anneng, Hoymiles was an obvious partner. A leading microinverter provider in China with strong research and development capabilities and a proven track record in global markets, Hoymiles offered the reliability and innovation they needed to make this daring project a success.
In addition, Hoymiles microinverters provide multiple advantages over traditional string inverters:
- Enhanced safety – unlike string inverters, which operate at high DC voltages (500-1000V), Hoymiles microinverters stabilize the DC voltage at around 40V. This dramatically reduces the risks of electric shocks and fire hazards to make maintenance and emergency response safer.
- Optimal efficiency– the module-level MPPT technology tracks the maximum power point of each solar module. This ensures that even if one module is shaded, degraded, or faulty, the remaining modules still operate at peak efficiency to maximize power generation.
- Durability– engineered to last long, Hoymiles microinverters meet the 25-year service life requirement of PV systems to remove the need for mid-life replacements. With aluminum casings, IP67-rated protection, and natural heat dissipation, these inverters also resist corrosion, moisture, and noise challenges.
- Flexible design– the microinverters’ parallel connection and adaptability to different roof orientations means they can be used optimally in the available roof space. This flexibility provides the highest possible return on investment for residential PV systems.
Their Success
“The client chose Hoymiles microinverters as they provide a safer, more efficient, and long-lasting solution suited to the project’s steep rooftop conditions.”
From tight construction timelines to complex roof conditions, Hoymiles’ advanced microinverter technology allowed the Anneng team to overcome a wide range of challenges in the residential project.
The system’s exceptional performance – even under partial shading – and unparalleled safety standards make it a benchmark for residential solar projects in China, continuing to inspire similar transformations towards clean, reliable energy across the region.
