All About Solar Inverter

Everthing to know About Solar Inverter

Its not all about Panels

Solar generation system is a combination of many key elements working in tandem to deliver the best solar experience.
Moving up the ladder from solar panel we land on solar inverters. Solar inverters are an essential element of the whole solar generation system and make it possible for consumers to utilize energy harvested from sun to the optimum. Let’s have a deep dive into all aspects that make a solar inverter.

What is a Solar Inverter?

Inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current DC generated by solar panels in alternating current AC to be utilized in appliances in your homes.

Common Terms Related to Solar Inveter

Strings

Shading

Blackout

Maximum Power Point Tracking

Energy Production

Efficiency

Temperature Coeffecient

Solar panels connected in series are called “strings”.

Strings of solar panels that are obstructed from sunlight by tree, building shadow or any hurdle.

Electricity grid power outage.

Circuit that tracks point of panel where product of voltage and current generated is the highest.

Log of data in kwh that records solar electricity produced by installed panels

Overall percentage the depicts the performance of panels in comparison to others. It is the percentage conversion of power from sun to electricity.

The value which measures deterioration in output as temperature of panel is increased.

Why do we need Solar Inverter?

Inverter may seem like an excessive component but it is crucial for operation of solar generation system because Solar Panels cannot generate AC current which is required for operation of conventional grid connected appliances. Inverters integrate the energy generated by solar panels with electricity grid.

Types of Inverters

We will go through different inverter types based on particular parameter

Configuration

Off Grid

Convert DC energy from solar panels to AC for direct consumption on the premises. Especially useful for premises that are in remote locations without electricity grid access.

On Grid

Convert solar panel generation from DC to AC and integrate it directly with electricity grid. They are mostly cost effective options allowing to gain return on investment by feed in tariff functionality according to your regional electricity distributor rates.

Hybrid

Reaps benefits of both worlds allows direct consumption of solar energy as well as option to connect with grid. It also contains circuit to manage battery backup ensuring optimal charging and battery health.

Phase

Single Phase

These inverters generate single phase AC mostly used in homes.

Three Phase

3 phase AC commonly used in industry. The choice is simply based on power requirements with three phase capable of delivering greater power in a smaller footprint.

Power Quality

Single Level

These inverters can be on grid or off grid type with advanced electronics circuitry for cost effective, and reliable power inversion. Single-level inverters are cost effective, simple and easy to install making them ideal for small residential applications.

Multi Level

These inverters can be on grid or off grid type with sophisticated electronics circuits to improve the quality of output AC generated. Multi-level inverters have quality AC output with improved efficiency, reduced noise and reduced harmonics making them ideal for high power applications.

Solar Inverter Configurations

String Inverter

A single inverter designed to connect with multiple series connected solar panels. These series connected solar panels are called “strings”.

Most widely used solar inverter in Australia
Commonly used for on grid configurations.
Provide panel data for whole system.
Cannot identify individual panel issues.
Decreased efficiency once parts of strings are shaded from sun.

Micro Inverter

Inverter with a smaller footprint connected with each solar panel separately managing just that single panel.

Each panel is individually managed.
Shading of individual panels does not drop total system efficiency.
Provide Individual panel data.
Allows for more scalability.
Better identification and rectification of individual panel issues.
Increased system cost because of increased hardware.

Hybrid Inverter

Inverter with solar harvesting capabilities along with battery charging capabilities.

It is the most flexible inverter allowing solar, grid and battery backup to all work together.
Battery charging and management capabilities.
More input or output options than any other configuration.
Availability of backup power in case of grid outage.
More Costly than on grid option.
Environmental impact because of battery backup.

Cost of Solar Dream

Now you have a grasp of available options in solar panels so let’s address the elephant in the room, How much do they cost?

Factors effecting cost of system

To estimate your solar system cost

Specify energy demand / solar system size

Demand can be estimated from annual energy consumption from your electricity bills, use the calculator to get daily energy demand and suggested systems that meet your needs.

Choose your panel tier.

Specify the dimensions, alignment and angle of roof or specify the dimension of ground location proposed for installation.

Get quote based on your custom demands or choose from available options