Westinghouse pioneered the concept of integrating a microinverter with a solar panel to create an "AC solar panel".

Westinghouse Solar

Westinghouse introduced the first alternating current (AC) electrical system and has been a key innovator in the electric industry ever since. The company also pioneered long-distance and high voltage power transmission and played a major role in the development of the national grid.

The company entered the renewable energy market in 2001 with the inception of Westinghouse Solar. The company sells solar modules for residential and commercial applications. In 2007, Westinghouse Solar pioneered the concept of integrating a microinverter, wiring, and racking directly with the solar panel. The innovative concept quickly gained industry acclaim, and won the 2009 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough award. These integrated AC solar panels reduce the number of components for rooftop installation by 80 percent, greatly reducing labor costs.

Currently, black-framed AC Westinghouse solar panels (actually manufactured by Suntech) are combined with Enphase M190 Microinverters.(August 2011.) Eventually they will use the newer Enphase M215 Microinverter. The AC solar panels are made to be mounted using Andalay racking, which is similar to the Zep system of racking. No rails are required and grounding for inverters and panels are integrated. The warranty is separate for solar panel and the inverter. The solar panel is back by a 25-year warranty, while the Enphase inverter is guaranteed for 15 years.

The Westinghouse AC solar panel concept greatly simplifies the process of installation for do it yourself installers. Contact one of our experienced sales technicians at (800) 472-1142 for more information on Westinghouse AC solar panels.