Importance Of Solar Panels Inverters: Maximizing Solar Energy Efficiency
Solar inverters, or PV inverters, are essential to solar energy systems. They are mostly regarded as a solar PV system’s brain. An inverter converts the AC power from the solar PV modules into useful DC power. Electronic appliances in homes are powered by DC power.
This article will discuss solar panel inverters. It will cover their importance and impact on solar power system performance.
What is a solar panel inverter?
Your solar PV system generates direct current (DC) electricity, which a solar inverter converts into alternating current (AC) electricity. You can use this electricity in your home’s or business’s circuits. A solar inverter is a box that is often placed on a wall outside your house, in a garage, or in the laundry room, while your solar panels are installed on the roof to receive the most sunlight.
As the most technical part of your solar PV system, the solar inverter can also be the most expensive and, regrettably, more likely to fail first. Solar inverters should always be set up in shaded areas to maximize performance and lifespan.
Why do we need a solar panel inverter?
A solar inverter, a crucial part of solar PV modules, converts the DC electricity from solar panels into AC. Solar panels can only provide DC electricity, which is insufficient for most home electronics which run on AC current. The prime purpose of an inverter is to convert DC power into AC power. Solar inverters are also known as solar converters, which indicates the importance of solar panel inverters for PV modules.
AC electricity powers most daily life equipment such as lights, computers, and other appliances. The solar inverter uses maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to optimize the performance of the solar modules, and manages the flow of electricity between the solar panel array, the battery bank (if present), and the electrical grid. Inverters also help to regulate the voltage and frequency of the AC electricity to ensure that it is stable and safe for use. These are the main reasons why solar panel inverters are so important.
How do solar inverters work?
The process of generating solar power begins when the sun shines on your solar panels. As a result, the electrons in your solar panel cells move, creating energy, which is then absorbed by the cells’ circuits to be converted into direct current, or DC, electricity. This DC electricity is then transformed into alternating current, or AC, by a solar inverter. AC electricity is what powers appliances, lights, and other fixtures in your home or workplace.
What are the different types of solar inverters?
There are four main types of solar inverters your home or business solar PV system is likely to have:
String Inverters:
A string inverter’s solar PV module connects multiple strings to a single central inverter, which is why this type of inverter is also known as a central inverter. The electrical current flows from solar panels to the string inverters, which make power available for home appliances after converting it into AC power. String inverters are the most affordable option for homeowners as it offers a consistent supply of sunlight and requires basic roof layouts.
Advantages
Easy to Maintain: The structure of string inverters is the simplest, which is why these inverters can be installed in the basement, garage, and other easy-to-access locations.
Durability: Due to the less complexity, these inverters can be quite durable.
Economical: These inverters possess a simple setup, and you only need one central inverter for several solar arrays. Hence, making string inverters the most affordable investment in the U.S. Solar market.
Disadvantages
Faulty Performance of One Panel: Since the bus model is used to construct the system for a string inverter, the underperformance, or fault in one panel can lead to the breakdown of the entire structure.
Shading Impact: The optimization of the string inverter is not possible according to the performance of each panel. So, this type of inverter is not good for a rooftop that faces problems like shading.
Complex Systems: These inverters do not perform well in the system where the attachment of solar panels is not possible in a string manner.
Sizing: You will not be able to expand your PV module using string inverters. The sizing of the string inverter is selected before installation, and is based on the number of panels included in your solar system. So, a change in the number of panels may not be possible after installation.
Micro Inverters:
In the case of Micro inverters, a small inverter is attached to each of the solar panels. The conversion of DC to AC power happens right in the panels. This type of inverter is better to maximize energy production for complex roof layouts like roofs facing multiple directions or roofs with shading issues.
Advantages:
Shading: Micro inverters are the perfect choice for homeowners whose roofs deal with the issue of shading. These inverters maximize the performance of panels individually at the site. This will eventually lower the impact of shading on solar PV modules. Hence, the importance of choosing the correct type of inverter for your specific solar array.
Complex Structure: These inverters are suitable for the complex-design solar arrays. You can arrange your panels in every possible way to fit your particular needs by using micro inverters.
Sizing: By utilizing micro-inverters, you can increase or decrease the size of your solar system according to your home’s electrical power requirements. This is possible due to the fact that every panel comes with its own inverter.
Disadvantages:
Expensive: Micro inverters can be costly to install, since every single solar panel requires an inverter to function. This increases the installation cost of the overall solar system.
Difficult to Maintain: Servicing of these panels can be a bit difficult, since rather than having to maintain a single central inverter, you need to clean the inverter of every single panel.
Power Optimizers:
A power optimizer is a combination of both a string and a micro inverter. They work with a single central inverter, just like a string inverter, with a small inverter attached to each of the panels. Power Optimizers are ideal for homes with complex layouts including chimneys, gables, and other obstructions. These inverters are also suitable if you are looking to maximize solar production without investing in expensive micro inverters.
Advantages:
Maximizing Energy Output: Power Optimizers maximize energy voltage before sending it to the string inverter. By optimizing the energy output of each panel, these inverters can attenuate the effect of shading affecting individual panels.
Disadvantages:
Costly: Power optimizers not as costly as micro inverters, but are more expensive than string inverters — they can hike the price of your system by a few hundred dollars.
Maintenance: The servicing of these panels can get a bit pricey and tricky, increasing maintenance costs.
Hybrid Inverters:
These inverters are the amalgamation of PV inverters and battery inverters and are available in straight-string and optimized string configurations. Hybrid inverters were recently introduced, showcasing the swift evolution of panel-inverter technology.
Advantages:
Dual Conversion: Hybrid inverters, as the name suggests, can convert DC to AC power and convert AC to DC for battery storage. Due to their dual nature, these inverters are perfect for converting AC power to DC electricity for home appliances. And can also convert DC electrical energy into AC, allowing you to charge solar batteries and electrical vehicles.
Cost Effective: The technology of Hybrid inverters is revolutionizing for homeowners looking for an energy backup solution. These inverters will also save you the extra buck in case you want to add a battery to your system.
Disadvantages:
Expensive: Their modern, cutting-edge technology makes these inverters a bit pricey.
Unsuitable for Complex Roof Layouts: Hybrid inverters can’t handle complex rooftops or shade.
What is the importance of solar panel inverters?
1. Maximizing Energy Production:
One of the most crucial roles of the solar panel inverter is to maximize energy production. Solar panels produce DC electricity, which is not reliable or efficient as AC electricity. Inverters convert DC electricity into more dependable and efficient AC electricity. A quality inverter can increase the efficiency of a solar power system by up to 20%.
2. Ensuring System Safety:
Solar panel inverters play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of a solar power system. Inverters regulate the voltage and frequency of the electricity produced by the solar panels to ensure that it is safe for use. They also monitor the system for any potential faults or failures and shut down the system if needed to prevent damage or injury. This is why solar panel inverters are so important.
3. System Monitoring and Management:
Solar panel inverters also offer system monitoring and management capabilities. Many modern inverters come with built-in monitoring systems that allow users to track the performance of their solar power system in real-time. This can help users identify any issues with the system and take corrective action to ensure that the panels are performing optimally.
4. Compatibility with Battery Storage
Finally, solar panel inverters are vital for adding battery storage to a solar system. Battery storage lets users save excess solar energy for use at night or when solar production is low. Inverters play a critical role in managing the charging and discharging of the battery to ensure that it is operating efficiently and safely.
The solar energy requirements of each home will vary, so calculating the amount of energy your home requires will help you decide what kind of solar inverter you will need. With a quality solar panel inverter, there is almost no limit to what you can do with the power. It is always advisable to seek professional help if you need to consult or make a purchase.
SolarSME is a top-rated solar installer near you. Our energy experts can guide you to choose the most suitable solar system and inverter based on your home’s specific power needs. Call or book a free appointment.
