A solar inverter plays a vital role in any solar system by converting the direct current (DC) generated into usable alternating current (AC). Knowing how it works will also help you appreciate the solar system’s efficiency. Below, we shall try to understand a high-quality solar inverter and its functions.
Contents
What Does a Solar Inverter Do?
At the most basic level, a solar inverter’s primary activity is transforming solar power-generated DC electricity into AC-helpful electricity. Solar panels receive solar energy then convert it to Direct Current (DC). However, most homes and businesses operate on AC power, which means the solar panel-generated electricity must first be inverted before it can be used or put back into the power grid.
Apart from converting power, solar inverters equally do additional primary activities:
Performance Analysis:
Some inverter manufacturers include this additional feature in the product – software that enables quantifying and tracking the energy produced by your solar system.
Synchronised to the grid:
If your system has been grid-tied, the solar inverter will balance the amount of solar energy produced, the regulated grid power voltage and the electricity supplied frequency.
Protection features:
If there is a fault or power spikes, inverters will cut off the power to the system to avoid trouble and secure the system.
How Solar Inverters Work: The Conversion Process
This changes from DC to AC electricity through electrical transformations of horizon commodities in the inverter, where each performs a particular activity.
Step 1: Collection of DC Power – The sun illuminates a solar panel, where the energy is converted into electrical energy and collected as direct current power. This is the raw electrical current that has to be modified for use in the house.
Step 2: Conversion to AC Power—Within the inverter, rectifiers and switch transistors are the main components that convert the DC to AC. This involves alternating the direction of the current through the windings inwards and outwards at a frequency of about 50 Hz or 60 Hz; however, it is needed in every domestic electrical system.
Step 3: End Result—The DC power is then transformed into AC power, which is extremely useful for powering specific devices or exporting it to the electrical network if your system has surplus power.
Solar Inverters Types
Various kinds of solar inverters are used in the market based on the configuration style of the solar systems and their requirements. There are three principal types:
String Inverters:
These inverters are regarded as the most popular in residential and small-scale commercial solar systems. In string inverter systems, most spanned solar panels are connected serially on a single string, and all the energy generated is channelled to one inverter for its changeover. String inverters are affordable and appropriate for homes with structures with uniform roof angles and consistent light exposure.
Microinverters:
Microinverters are inverters designed to be fixed onto each panel separately. When one of the panels is shaded or poorly performing, it does not lower the system’s overall output. This type of microinverter is suited for areas with different roof angles and shading; however, its installation cost is higher than that of a string inverter.
Power Optimisers:
Power optimisers are elective components that supplement the central inverter. These devices are added to each panel to produce more efficient DC power for the string inverter. Power optimisers provide a middle-ground solution, improving system performance without the total cost of microinverters.
Conclusion
A solar inverter converts solar energy into usable power. By understanding how these devices work and the types available, you can design or upgrade your solar power system. Selecting the best solar inverter based on your plan for optimal energy yield, cost, or ease of installation ensures that your solar energy system will function effectively over time.
