Solar inverters

What does an inverter do?

Solar inverters transform Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC), the form that all solar panels produce. This way, they become central to a solar power system as they are on throughout the day.

MPP tracking

With solar panels, everyday environmental factors like sunlight intensity and panel temperature change throughout the day. These factors have a big impact on the electricity generated by solar panels during that time. Take a look at the solar inverter, it’s able to detect exactly what combination of panels will produce the most power and work with them seamlessly.

Types of solar inverter

There are two different categories of inverters you need to consider when you’re thinking about your system: the solar inverter technology and the type of devices it will operate for.

Solar inverter technology

String inverters convert power from a whole string of solar panels. They’re popular for being cheap and convenient, but they tend to be the least efficient

Power optimizer: One of these devices is attached to each individual panel. It tracks the real-time power usage of the module and converts this information into optimized DC power that is then sent to the string inverter. Combining string inverters with power optimizers will require a decoupling of your systems to handle the shading, but it is possible to save money in the long term

Most solar inverters are connected to multiple panels and convert the power from AC to DC. The microinverter is a newer member of this group of devices that increases the efficiency by converting AC power directly into usable DC voltage, allowing each individual panel to output its own isolated amount of AC. So eco-friendly solar system upgrades are more cost effective than ever with the use of power inverters that can also save you from going into a shade. However, unfortunately, these inverters are the priciest for solar systems.

The type of solar power system the inverter is for

Make sure that the solar inverter you choose is compatible with the solar system type that you have installed.

Grid-tied inverters are for grid-tied solar systems, a common system type. They manage a two-way relationship with the grid, exporting solar power to it and importing utility power from it as needed.

Inverters are a component in hybrid solar systems and provide the same function as grid-tie inverters, but they can also charge and draw power from battery setups.

Off-grid inverters help in off-grid solar systems by giving back up power to the solar system even when the grid is down. This means that you will have your own electricity even during blackouts and delays in power. The devices are powered by a battery which then does not rely on the grid for backup, i.e., it is independent from it.