To store energy for yourself – in case of a blackout or extreme weather when the grid is down – you need to store it locally. But you can only store DC power in the battery. So, you’ll need an energy storage inverter to convert the AC power that your PV inverter produces back into storable DC power.
The main difference with energy storage inverters is that they are capable of two-way power conversion – from DC to AC, and vice versa. It’s this switch between currents that enables energy storage inverters to store energy, as the name implies. In a regular PV inverter system, any excess power that you do not consume is fed back to the grid.
To achieve this, local energy storage is essential. However, only DC power can be stored in batteries. Consequently, an energy storage inverter becomes essential to convert the AC power generated by the PV inverter back into storable DC power, ensuring efficient energy storage.
However, energy storage inverters offer a distinctive feature – they facilitate two-way power conversion, allowing the seamless transition between DC to AC and vice versa. This unique capability enables energy storage inverters to effectively store energy, as the name suggests.
You may already know that regular PV inverters convert direct current (DC) energy to alternating (AC) energy. The main difference with energy storage inverters is that they are capable of two-way power conversion – from DC to AC, and vice versa.
Inverter generators rely on fuel-powered engines and provide higher power outputs, making them suitable for a wider range of applications. On the other hand, portable power stations utilize battery storage technology, offering quieter operation, zero emissions, and greater portability, albeit with lower power output.