Equipment decoder — what's actually in your quote?

Converts sunlight to DC electricity. Monocrystalline cells (single silicon crystal) are the current standard — higher efficiency per square foot than older polycrystalline.

Also called: mono PERC, mono panel, black panel

Converts DC from panels to AC for your home. A string inverter handles all panels (or a string of panels) through one box, usually mounted near your electrical panel.

Also called: central inverter, SolarEdge, Fronius, SMA

One small inverter per panel — converts DC to AC right at the panel. Each panel operates independently, so shade on one panel doesn't drag down the rest.

Also called: micro, Enphase, IQ8, panel-level inverter

A small box behind each panel that optimizes DC voltage before sending it to a central string inverter. Hybrid approach: panel-level optimization with a single inverter.

Also called: optimizer, SolarEdge optimizer, DC optimizer

Stores excess solar energy (or grid energy) for use during outages or peak pricing. Typical usable capacity: 10-15 kWh per unit. Powers critical loads during grid outages.

Also called: Powerwall, Enphase battery, energy storage, backup battery, ESS

Your utility replaces your old meter with a bi-directional one that tracks both electricity consumed and exported. In NY, exported kWh earn credits on your bill.

Also called: bi-directional meter, net metering, NEM

Software/hardware that tracks your system's energy production in real-time. Most modern inverters include basic monitoring. Some add consumption monitoring too.

Also called: solar monitor, Enphase app, SolarEdge app, Sense, Emporia

A secondary electrical panel that contains only the circuits you want backed up during an outage. The battery feeds this panel, not your entire main panel.

Also called: backed-up panel, sub-panel, essential loads panel

Replaces your main electrical panel and/or service entrance to increase capacity from 100A/150A to 200A. Required when your existing service can't handle solar + existing loads.

Also called: 200A upgrade, panel swap, service entrance, meter base

The aluminum rail system that attaches panels to your roof. Penetrations go through shingles into rafters, sealed with flashing to prevent leaks.

Also called: racking, IronRidge, Unirac, rail mount, flush mount