Solar Inverters What Are They And How Do They Work?

If solar panels are the heart of a system, then inverters are the brain. Typically, an inverter’s main job is to convert DC power produced by solar arrays into usable AC power, AC current is the standard flow of electricity required to power your home appliances and connect to the National Grid. It is usually equal to either 120 volts or 240 volts depending on the country. Simply without a solar inverter in your system, you would be unable to power your home safely from your solar energy.

Recently its role has become more involved. Certain inverters now enable monitoring so we can see how your system is performing.

What Does a Solar Inverter Do?

As previously mentioned, PV inverters are considered the brains of a solar energy system. This is to say, without the solar inverters, the whole system cannot function. Below are a few essential job duties for solar inverters.

1. Convert Direct Current to Alternate Current

This is a solar panel inverter’s basic function that helps create power that is usable in homes and commercial properties.

2. Maximize Power Output

Solar inverters continually keep track of the solar array’s voltage to discover the maximum power at which the modules can function. If modules are degraded, or shading happens from environmental factors, the inverters can unintentionally identify the string’s wrong peak. This reduces the system’s general energy production.

1. Interface with The Grid

New smart inverters have advanced from one-way to two-way communication with the grid, helping with grid-supporting function. Smart inverters can carry out certain grid-supportive functions related to communication, frequency, voltage, and controls, owing to advanced software.

One of these grid-assistance functionalities is the ability to ride through minimal disturbances, such as voltage change. A smart inverter can turn into standby mode in the event of a voltage change and assess how long the disturbance occurs, and switch off if it persists.

2. Report on Power Production

Solar inverters help you to keep track of your solar system’s power output. The latest inverters come with communication capabilities via Wi-Fi, hardware Ethernet, or Bluetooth. With their technology, you can view the error codes, power reduction data, and diagnostics from inverters on their dedicated smartphone apps or computers.

3. Ensure Safe System Operation

Solar inverters are required to switch off in case of an electric arc, which is possible due to material degradation and system aging. Inverters are programmed to spot these arcs.

How Does an Inverter Save You Money

Back in 1956, solar systems were only 6% efficient and cost a staggering $300 per watt.1 Now, with advancements in solar panel technology and more efficient solar inverters, the average solar system performs at 14 to 18 percent efficiency, costing as little as $3 per watt.

Types of Solar Inverter

There are 2 main kinds of solar inverter – string and micro – while you also now have the additional option of a hybrid inverter which also acts as a solar battery too.

• String Inverters

Also called central inverters, string inverters are commonly found in grid-tied systems and work with multiple solar panels wired together. These devices convert power for all of the modules at once, meaning if one panel in the system produces a reduced output it can be difficult to determine which panel is malfunctioning and influencing the entire system. There are however two big benefits to opting for string inverters:

1. The technology has been used for many years meaning it is a tried, tested and commonly used option.

2.String inverters cost a lot less to install than micro inverters.

• Micro Inverters

This kind of inverter works with panels on an individual level, with one inverter being installed on or behind each module.Although they are more expensive, micro inverters come with many benefits:

1. They don't see performance reduction from shading like string inverters do, meaning they can sometimes generate more yield.

2. They are easier and safer for engineers to install thanks to the lower DC input reducing the risk of injury from electrocution.

3.They are seen as the most reliable inverter type and tend to have longer warranties.

1. Hybrid Inverters

As solar technology has developed there have been great advancements in solar inverters. In addition to converting the generated electricity from DC to AC, modern solar inverters can also double up as solar batteries.

Best Solar Inverters Growatt

Growatt is a trusted name for solar products around the world, with 1.3 million of their solar inverters installed in more than 100 countries.

1. Wide range of outputs from 1 kW up to 630 kW
2. Can achieve high efficency levels (99%)
3. Compact design for simple installation
4. Check performance online

Basengreen provides you with an intelligent inverter solution that optimizes your system, and maximizes power generation, all while lowering the cost of energy produced by your solar system, get in touch with us now.