Inverters are essential components in solar installations, both residential and commercial, as they convert direct current (DC) from solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is used by most appliances and the electrical grid. Here’s why inverters are indispensable:
Sometimes mistakenly called a converter, solar panel inverters deal less with voltage level and more with current type, switching power from DC to alternating current (AC) — what most home appliances use to function. Without a solar inverter, energy harnessed by solar panels can’t easily be put to use.
They can adjust their energy intake, helping to increase overall output efficiency for your solar array. Sometimes mistakenly called a converter, solar panel inverters deal less with voltage level and more with current type, switching power from DC to alternating current (AC) — what most home appliances use to function.
Without a solar inverter, energy harnessed by solar panels can’t easily be put to use. There are three types of inverters commonly used in solar power systems: Microinverters: A microinverter is a small inverter situated close to a solar panel, which converts the DC electricity produced by a single panel.
Inverters, particularly those converting DC from solar panels to AC, can experience efficiency losses during the conversion process. This means not all of the solar energy captured is effectively converted into usable power.
As such, solar inverters and panels perform separate but highly complementary functions. Generally, solar panels are installed outdoors, where they get the most sun exposure. This is because for the panels to generate electricity, they need to be exposed to sunlight. The more sunlight they get exposed to, the more electricity they can generate.
Types of Inverters. There are several types of inverters that might be installed as part of a solar system. In a large-scale utility plant or mid-scale community solar project, every solar panel might be attached to a single central inverter.String …