This guide helps you read and interpret the technical specifications on Portlandia Electric Supply product pages so you can choose the right equipment for your project.
How to Read Product Specifications
Every product page on portlandiaelectric.supply includes a specifications table with key technical parameters. These specs determine whether a product is compatible with your system, meets code requirements, and will perform as expected.
Key Principles
Match ratings to your system design. Voltage, current, and power ratings must be compatible across all components.
Check certifications. Look for UL, IEC, and IEEE standards — these are required for code compliance and permitting.
Review compliance flags. Products may be marked as BAA (Buy American Act) compliant, BABA compliant, or rapid-shutdown ready.
Download datasheets. When available, manufacturer datasheets provide the full specification set.
If you are unsure whether a product meets your requirements, contact us at [email protected] or call 1-888-876-0007. Our NABCEP-certified staff can help.
Solar Panel Specifications
Solar panel (module) specs tell you how much power the panel generates and under what conditions.
Specification | What It Means | Why It Matters |
Power Output (Pmax) | Maximum power in watts (W) under Standard Test Conditions (STC) | Determines total system size — multiply by number of panels for array wattage |
Module Efficiency | Percentage of sunlight converted to electricity | Higher efficiency = more power per square foot |
Tolerance | Power output variation (e.g., 0/+3%) | A +3% tolerance means you may get more than rated power |
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | Voltage with no load connected | Used for string sizing and inverter input limits — critical for cold-climate design |
Short Circuit Current (Isc) | Current when output terminals are shorted | Used for overcurrent protection sizing |
Rated Voltage (Vmp) | Voltage at maximum power point | The operating voltage when the panel is producing its rated power |
Rated Current (Imp) | Current at maximum power point | The operating current at rated power |
Cell Type | Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film | Affects efficiency, appearance, and cost |
Cell Count | Number of cells (e.g., 72, 144 half-cell) | Affects panel size and voltage |
System Voltage | Maximum system voltage rating (e.g., 1,500V) | Must not be exceeded in string design |
Front/Back Load Rating | Mechanical load capacity in Pascals (Pa) | Determines wind and snow load survivability |
Operating Temperature Range | Temperature range for safe operation | Typically -40°C to +85°C |
Certifications | UL 61730, IEC 61215, etc. | Required for permitting and code compliance |
BAA/BABA Compliance | Buy American / Build America Buy America | Required for certain municipal and federal projects |
Example
A Mission Solar MSE430SX9Z panel lists Pmax = 430W, efficiency = 19.6%, Voc = 49.28V, and cell type = Mono PERC with 72 cells. This tells you each panel produces 430W, occupies a standard 72-cell footprint, and the Voc of 49.28V must stay below your inverter's maximum input voltage when multiplied by the number of panels in a string.
Inverter Specifications
Inverters convert DC power from solar panels into AC power for your home, business, or the grid.
String Inverter Specs
Specification | What It Means | Why It Matters |
Rated AC Power Output | Continuous AC output in kW or VA | Must match or slightly exceed your array's DC output |
Maximum DC Power | Maximum DC input from the solar array | Array DC power should not exceed this rating |
Maximum Input Voltage | Highest DC voltage the inverter can accept | String Voc (cold-corrected) must stay below this |
MPPT Range | Voltage range where maximum power point tracking operates | String Vmp must fall within this range |
Number of MPPTs | How many independent string inputs | More MPPTs allow optimizing different roof orientations |
Maximum Input Current | Maximum DC current per MPPT | Determines how many strings can be paralleled |
CEC Weighted Efficiency | California Energy Commission efficiency rating | Higher = less energy lost in conversion |
Phase | Single-phase or three-phase | Must match your electrical service |
Protection Rating (NEMA) | Enclosure rating (e.g., NEMA 4X = outdoor rated) | Determines if suitable for outdoor mounting |
Grid Compliance | UL 1741 SA, IEEE 1547, Rule 21 | Required for utility interconnection |
Microinverter Specs
Specification | What It Means |
Rated Output Power | AC output per unit (e.g., 350W) |
Input Voltage Range | Compatible panel Voc range |
Maximum Input Current | Must match panel Imp |
Number of MPPTs | Typically one per panel |
Communication | Power line carrier (PLC) or wireless monitoring |
Hybrid / Off-Grid Specs
Specification | What It Means |
Battery Voltage | Compatible battery bank voltage (e.g., 48V) |
Charge Controller Type | Built-in MPPT or external |
Grid-Tie Capability | Can sell excess power to grid |
Backup/Off-Grid Mode | Can power loads during outages without grid |
Transfer Time | Switchover time from grid to battery |
Battery Storage Specifications
Specification | What It Means | Why It Matters |
Usable Capacity (kWh) | Energy available for use | Determines how long the battery can power your loads |
Total Capacity (kWh) | Rated capacity before depth-of-discharge limits | May differ from usable based on DoD |
Depth of Discharge (DoD) | Percentage of capacity safely usable | Higher DoD = more usable energy per cycle |
Chemistry | LFP (lithium iron phosphate), NMC, lead-acid | LFP is safer and longer-lasting; lead-acid is cheaper but shorter-lived |
Cycle Life | Number of charge/discharge cycles at specified DoD | Determines battery lifespan — typically 4,000–10,000 cycles for LFP |
Round-Trip Efficiency | Energy retained through charge/discharge | Higher = less energy wasted |
Continuous Power (kW) | Sustained output power | Determines what appliances can run simultaneously |
Surge/Peak Power (kW) | Short-duration output for motor starts | Needed for well pumps, AC compressors, etc. |
AC vs. DC Coupled | How the battery connects to the solar system | AC-coupled works with existing grid-tie inverters; DC-coupled is more efficient for new installs |
Voltage | System voltage (e.g., 48V, 400V) | Must match inverter or charge controller |
Generator Specifications
Specification | What It Means | Why It Matters |
Rated Power (kW) | Continuous power output | Must cover your essential loads |
Standby vs. Prime vs. Portable | Application type | Standby = automatic backup; Prime = continuous duty; Portable = movable |
Fuel Type | Natural gas, propane (LP), diesel, gasoline | Determines fuel supply infrastructure needed |
Fuel Consumption | Gallons or cubic feet per hour at rated load | Affects operating cost during extended outages |
Transfer Switch | Automatic (ATS) or manual | ATS switches automatically during outages; manual requires flipping a switch |
Voltage / Phase | 120/240V single-phase, 208/480V three-phase | Must match your electrical service |
Noise Level (dB) | Sound output at specified distance | Important for residential zoning compliance |
Enclosure Type | Aluminum, steel, or composite | Affects corrosion resistance and longevity |
Starting Method | Electric start, remote start, two-wire start | Automatic start requires compatible transfer switch |
HVAC Specifications
Specification | What It Means | Why It Matters |
Tonnage (Tons) | Cooling capacity — 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr | Must match building load calculation (Manual J) |
SEER Rating | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio | Higher = lower operating cost; minimum 14 SEER required by code |
BTU Rating | Heating or cooling capacity in British Thermal Units | Used for sizing furnaces, mini-splits, and packaged units |
Split vs. Packaged | Indoor/outdoor components vs. all-in-one unit | Split = separate indoor air handler + outdoor condenser; Packaged = everything in one cabinet |
AFUE | Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (for furnaces) | Higher = more heat per dollar of fuel |
HSPF | Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (heat pumps) | Higher = more efficient heating |
Refrigerant Type | R-410A, R-32, R-454B | R-410A is being phased down; newer refrigerants have lower GWP |
Voltage / Phase | 115V, 208/230V, 460V; single or three-phase | Must match available electrical service |
Sound Rating (dB) | Operating noise level | Important for residential and noise-sensitive installations |
Product Datasheets and Documentation
Many product pages include downloadable datasheets, installation manuals, and specification sheets. These documents provide:
Complete technical specifications
Installation requirements and clearances
Warranty terms and conditions
Compliance and certification documentation
Wiring diagrams and connection details
If a datasheet is not available on the product page, contact us at [email protected] and we will provide it.
Compatibility and Substitution Guidance
Checking Compatibility
When selecting components for a solar or electrical system, verify compatibility across:
Panel-to-inverter: String Voc (cold-corrected) must be below inverter max input voltage; string Vmp must be within MPPT range; total array current must be below inverter max input current.
Inverter-to-battery: Battery voltage and communication protocol must match inverter requirements.
Generator-to-transfer-switch: Generator kW and voltage must match ATS rating.
HVAC-to-electrical: Equipment voltage, phase, and circuit ampacity must match available service.
Product Substitution
Sometimes a specific product is out of stock, discontinued, or unavailable for your timeline. In these cases, our team can recommend equivalent substitutions that match the key specifications of your original selection.
Substitutions are based on matching critical parameters (power output, voltage, efficiency, certifications, compliance flags) — not just brand. We carry 229 manufacturers, so equivalent options are usually available.
If you need help finding a substitute for a specific product, contact our procurement team at [email protected] or call 1-888-876-0007.
Need Help?
Technical questions: [email protected]
Procurement / substitution: [email protected]
Phone: 1-888-876-0007
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