A solar power inverter is an important part of your solar energy system. It needs to be properly sized to match the wattage of your solar panel inverters, or you will experience performance and efficiency problems. Consult with a solar installation professional for proper sizing recommendations.
The most common type of solar inverter is a string inverter. They are typically installed close to your service panel and electric meter.
They convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity
Solar power systems are a great way to reduce your energy costs. However, solar panels are the most visible part of a solar system and many people are unaware that inverters are equally important. Inverters convert DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity for use in your home. They also provide other grid services, such as anti-islanding protection and power factor correction.
The sun’s rays hit layers of semiconductor material in your solar panel and free electrons to create electrical energy. Solar panels then transfer this energy through wires to an inverter, which transforms it into AC household electricity.
Inverters for solar are the brains behind a solar power system, performing critical functions like maximum power point tracking (MPPT), battery charging and grid integration. They are also able to track how much electricity your solar panel is producing and can even communicate this data to you through a mobile app or web portal. Inverters come in either string or central forms, with some allowing for the use of battery storage in conjunction with your solar system.
They help your solar system be more efficient
Your solar installer will choose the right inverter for your system based on its size and how much sun it gets throughout the day. They will also consider factors like the complexity of your roof, shading, and the purpose of the system.
Two numbers to look for in an inverter are peak efficiency and weighted efficiency. Peak efficiency is what the inverter can achieve under optimal conditions. However, you aren’t going to see those conditions on every sunny day. A weighted efficiency rating takes into account DC input levels, providing a more accurate gauge of how efficient an inverter will be on average.
Another way to increase your solar system’s efficiency is by using a hybrid inverter. These are newer inverters that can monitor your batteries and grid connections. They will switch between your solar energy and grid electricity depending on the situation, and they can even charge electric vehicles. They are more expensive than traditional inverters, but they can save you money over time.
They help you connect to the grid
A grid-tie inverter is a key component of your solar energy system. They convert the direct current electricity gathered by your solar panels into alternating current, which is the type of power that most appliances use. It also connects to the public electricity grid, so that if you produce more energy than your household needs, it can be sold back to the utility company for a lower electric bill.
Inverters help maximize solar production by monitoring the voltage and optimizing how the panel operates. Some of them even monitor your entire solar energy system and let you track its performance with a website or smartphone app. They also ensure that the electricity doesn’t flow into the power lines, keeping repair workers safe while they are working on the grid.
Other types of inverters include microinverters and power optimizers. These devices are installed on each panel and offer more precise energy optimization, mitigating the effects of shading and mismatched modules.
They help you control your system
Solar power inverters not only perform the conversion of DC into AC, but they can also monitor your system and communicate with computer networks. They also play a key role in grid services, like grid-forming, which helps start up the power grid when the power goes down. Advanced inverters can also operate as a black-start inverter to help you keep your lights on during a grid outage.
Inverter efficiency ratings are important to know, but it's also worth noting that a string inverter won't always reach its peak efficiency rating (under Standard Test Conditions). Instead, look for weighted efficiency figures.
A microinverter installs an inverter at the panel level, so each panel's production is independent of its neighbors. This means that if one panel is shaded, it doesn't affect the others' output. However, it is a more expensive solution than a central inverter.
