Solar inverters work by converting the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity using electronic components. This AC electricity can then power home appliances or exported to the grid. Home appliances run on AC power which is why inverters must change the DC power created by solar panels.
As more residential homeowners become interested in reducing energy costs and increasing energy independence, solar power systems have emerged as a popular solution. Central to these systems are solar inverters, which play a vital role in converting the sun’s energy into usable electricity for your home. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the workings of solar inverters, highlighting their importance in a solar energy setup and why they could be the perfect addition to your solar investment with Perth Solar Force.
How Solar Inverters Work:
- Solar panels absorb sunlight to create DC electricity
- The DC electricity flows through connecting wires into your inverter
- The inverter’s transformer changes the Direct Current’s voltage level
- The inverter’s transistors rapidly switch the direction of the DC input, converting it to AC electricity
- The AC electricity goes into your home eclectic panel to power home appliances. Any unused electricity will either go to the power grid or your solar battery (if you have one).
Types of Solar Inverters
When investing in a solar system, understanding the different types of inverters available is crucial. Here are the main types of solar inverters typically used in residential applications:
String Inverters
Also known as central inverters, these are the most common type for residential use. A string inverter connects to a series of solar panels (known as a string) and converts the DC electricity generated into AC electricity. They are cost-effective and work well in conditions where solar panels receive uniform sunlight.
Microinverters:
These inverters are installed at the back of each solar panel, converting DC to AC at the panel level. They can optimise the output of each individual panel, making them well-suited for installations where panels may be partially shaded or oriented in different directions. Microinverters typically offer higher energy yields and simplify system expansion.
Power Optimisers:
These are not inverters per se but work together with a string inverter to optimise the output of individual solar panels, similar to microinverters. They are installed on each panel and improve performance by mitigating shading issues and panel mismatch losses.
Hybrid Inverters:
Also known as battery-ready inverters, these integrate with solar battery storage systems. They enable homeowners to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night or during power outages, increasing energy independence.
The Importance of Solar Inverters
In the context of Australia’s increasing energy demands and the desire to reduce environmental impact, solar inverters serve several key functions:
1. Conversion of Electricity:
The most fundamental role of a solar inverter is converting DC electricity from solar panels to AC electricity. Without this conversion, the power generated by your solar panels would be unusable in most home appliances.
2. Optimising Energy Production:
Solar inverters are equipped with technology that allows them to maximise the energy output from solar panels. They use maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to ensure the solar system generates the maximum possible power, even on cloudy days or when panels are partially shaded.
3. Monitoring System
Performance: Modern solar inverters often have monitoring capabilities, enabling homeowners to track the performance of their solar system in real-time. This feature can help identify issues early, ensuring any problems can be addressed promptly to minimise disruptions in energy production.
4. Providing Safety Features:
Safety is a big concern with any electrical system. Solar inverters include features that ensure the system operates safely, such as automatic shutoff in case of an electrical fault or grid failure.
5. Interfacing with the Grid:
Solar inverters help facilitate this connection for those who opt to stay connected to the grid. They synchronise the AC power phase with the grid supply, ensuring that any excess electricity generated can be fed back into the grid, providing potential financial benefits through feed-in tariffs.