What is a solar inverter and how does it work?
Your solar panel system’s solar inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the panels into alternating current (AC). AC is the typical electrical flow needed to run your home’s appliances and establish a connection to the National Grid. Typically, it is equivalent to either 120 or 240 volts. You couldn’t use solar energy to power your house without a solar inverter securely.
What does a solar inverter do?
Solar Panels inverters are considered the brains of any Solar PV system. Their essential features include:
The capacity to switch between direct and alternating current.
Maximising power generation.
Communicating with the National Grid.
Providing input on the generation of power.
Ensuring the safe operation of your solar PV system.
There are four main types of solar inverters
In this guide, we will explore the key characteristics of each kind of solar panel inverter. Scroll down to continue reading.
1.String inverters
Due to their low cost and simplicity of installation, string inverters are the most popular form of inverter. Your entire installation acts like a single large solar panel since all of the solar panels run into a single string inverter. As a result, if one panel’s generation is lowered for some reason, the other panels also experience a drop in electric output, which can be problematic for homes that are subject to shade.
A dependable, well-trusted technology that supports many strings of panels.
Restricted design freedom that might not be suitable for more complex applications.
The performance of the entire system is impacted if one panel is damaged or shadowed.
2. Micro inverters
These inverters cost more upfront (£100–£150 each) than string inverters, but they end up being more cost-effective overall. You will need as many microinverters as there are solar panels because they are connected to individual solar panels. The key advantage of this configuration is that the solar panels work independently of one another; as opposed to a string inverter, the other panels won’t be impacted if one panel is shadowed by a nearby tree or chimney.
Another advantage is that you may make adjustments to the underperforming solar panels by fixing them or relocating them to a place that receives less shade because you can monitor the generation from each solar panel.
Allows for the monitoring of individual solar panels, which is useful for identifying problems with specific panels and checking performance levels.
Burst Mode, a characteristic of micro-inverters, increases conversion efficiency while converting low power levels from solar panels.
Have a higher initial cost.
3. Hybrid Solar inverter
A hybrid inverter is definitely something to take into consideration when establishing a new Solar PV system with storage. We are aware that an inverter is required to convert DC electricity produced by solar panels into AC electricity in order to power the appliances in your home. Solar batteries, however, only hold DC-format electricity. In addition to converting the incoming DC power into AC, a hybrid solar inverter can transfer any excess DC power to be stored in a solar battery or sold to the grid. The electricity can then be inverted to AC to be utilised in your home when your saved energy is needed.
Brands which manufacture hybrid solar inverters, include Solis & Growatt.
Hybrid inverters can be fully integrated into your solar battery, centralising the monitoring of the operation of the array.
Installing an AC-connected battery system over a new inverter is more cost-effective if you already have solar and want to add a battery to your system.
String inverters cost 50% less than hybrid inverters. Additionally, they can only work with DC-linked batteries, which can occasionally restrict your options for batteries.
4. Power inverter
Power inverters are likewise found on each individual panel and provide many of the same advantages as micro-inverters. Power inverters, also referred to as DC power optimizers, provide panel-level optimization and performance monitoring. In contrast to a micro-inverter system, the optimiser transfers the DC power to a string inverter rather than converting it directly to AC at the roof level. It is probably installed close to your battery storage system. They frequently cost less than micro-inverters since they operate at the module level.
The market leader for power optimisers is SolarEdge. Capable of boosting production, spotting problems, and providing arc fault detection.
Power inverters are a cheaper alternative to Micro-inverters.
Power inverters minimise the effects of shade and even mismatched modules, allowing for maximum energy generation.
An increased ROI is guaranteed by the record-breaking 99% efficiency of SolarEdge String Inverters.
Get a free no obligation Solar Panels Installation quote
Lifespan of solar inverters
Due to the fact that they only need to convert the DC produced by a single solar panel, micro-inverters have a longer lifespan than string inverters (roughly 250 watts). Due to the string inverters’ need to convert all of the solar panels combined electricity, the transformer is put under a lot of strain.
While micro-inverters frequently come with a 25-year warranty and typically last as long as your solar panels, string inverters must be replaced at least once during the lifespan of your solar array.
Solar Panels Installation
We want to make your solar journey as smooth as possible. Our partner is an MCS-accredited solar panel installer. After you’ve had your solar panels installed you can start to reap the benefits of generating your own renewable electricity.
Accredited Solar Panel Installers
Rest assured our partner is MCS accredited. All our engineers are committed to the quality workmanship of the highest standards.
Free solar panels quote
Use our quote form to get a free solar panels quote. Arrange a home visit with our solar designers.
