How do Inverters Work with Solar Panels?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably already know that solar panel systems are all the rage these days! Not only do they help the environment, but they also help you save up on your electricity bills. In fact, there are many benefits of solar panel systems (Why is solar energy important) – but that’s not what this blog is about.

If you’re looking to invest in a solar panel system for your home or office, you should know what a solar system actually is. Solar energy systems consist of solar panels or photovoltaic panels, solar inverters, and a rack to keep everything in place. Some systems might also have a battery, but solar inverters are the real MVPs of a solar system. Solar inverters or PV inverters make it possible to power your house with solar energy. They convert DC power to AC power, i.e., energy from solar panels into usable electricity.

This blog explores how inverters work with solar panels, and it will tell you everything you need to know about solar energy systems – so read till the end!

What is a Solar Inverter?

Besides converting DC power into AC power or consumable electricity, solar inverters also help maximize power. They track voltage to determine the maximum power for modules to function and ultimately reduce the system’s general energy production. Some solar inverters also maintain two-way communication with the grid, which helps deal with minimal disturbances like voltage change. If the issue persists, they can switch off to prevent damage to the system, ensuring safe operation. Plus, modern smart inverters are fully equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth and can track and report your solar system’s power output.

How do Solar Panel Inverters Work?

A solar panel system generates DC power, but the appliances at your home or office run on AC power. This means you need a way to convert the DC power to AC power, and that’s where your solar inverter comes in. The inverter uses a transformer to convert DC into AC by running the DC power through 2 or more transistors, which turn on and off super-fast and feed two varying sides of the transformer. Energy might be stored in the solar panels until needed or sent directly to the inverters.

Types of Solar Inverters

Now that we know how inverters work with solar panels, let’s dive into the different types of solar inverters. They all have specific benefits, and choosing the right one will depend on your usage. Some examples are as follows:

Microinverters

Microinverters are small – almost the size of a book. They’re still useful, though, because they optimize each individual solar panel and help to generate more energy in shady conditions. You can attach a single microinverter to each solar panel and even monitor its performance. These inverters are ideal for panels facing different directions. They also offer high scalability, so it’s a good idea if you plan on expanding your solar panel system later on. The great thing about these inverters is that slow energy production at one panel won’t affect other panels or the entire system. These systems don’t even generate a lot of heat, meaning you don’t need to provide mechanical cooling devices, and they last longer than string inverters. However, this technology comes at a price – and that price is higher than it is for string inverters. Each panel needs a separate inverter, so you’ll need to buy more inverters to begin with. Also, troubleshooting and maintenance will be more complicated.

String Inverters

String inverters are the most common type of solar inverters for use in homes, and one inverter is usually enough for an entire solar system. We call them “string” because they’re connected to a string of solar panels rather than just one. This also makes them cost-effective compared to other inverters and generates energy in bulk compared to microinverters. These are excellent for spaces where all panels are facing the same direction, and there’s little interference. However, some modern string inverters don’t have this requirement either. Additionally, these solar inverters are the least expensive, simplest to install, and don’t have a lot of components that need to be managed. Troubleshooting and repair are also easier since there’s a single, centralized inverter. However, one drawback is that if one panel slows production for some reason, it will affect the entire system. Not to mention, these inverters handle lots of power from multiple solar panels and can heat up, meaning you’ll need to set up fans or cooling units to dissipate this heat.

Power Inverters

Power inverters have benefits similar to those of microinverters, but they’re also cheaper. In this system, inverters are present at each panel, but instead of converting DC to AC at each individual panel, power is passed to a centralized string inverter. This string inverter converts energy into usable electricity and then forwards it for use to the house or grid. This makes it more efficient by combining the best of both worlds!

How to Choose a Solar Inverter?

Every home or office will have unique solar needs. However, a good starting point is to determine how much energy you use. You could also just skip the hassle and contact a solar system installation service to pick the right system for your needs. Keep an eye out for types and sizes, and don’t compromise on solar inverters because they’re literally powering the rest of the system.

Remember to ask the following questions when choosing a solar inverter for your solar panel system:

• Is the solar inverter CEC-approved?
• What size solar inverter is best?
• Is the solar inverter weatherproof?
• Does it come with a warranty?
• Can I expand my solar inverter?
• Will I be connected to the grid?
• How long will my solar inverter last?

Get the answers to all your solar energy queries at info@dsgenergy.com.pk, and rest assured that we’re the top solar energy provider in Pakistan.