Welcome to solar power. Solar-generated energy is one of the few sustainable, low-carbon energy technologies with the potential for large-scale use around the globe. Solar power is a trend with serious momentum; as rapid technological advances make solar power more and more efficient and cost-effective, more and more individuals, businesses, and communities are tapping into the endless power of the sun to meet their energy needs.
Solar systems require an investment in various pieces of equipment, including solar panels, inverters, and battery storage. While you might have an idea of the function of solar panels and batteries, you might not be as familiar with solar inverters. The following is a brief guide to the basics.
The Job of a Solar Inverter
Inverters convert direct current (DC) electricity that comes either directly from solar panels or from battery storage to standard alternating current (AC) electricity that is used to run all commercial appliances. An inverter is the gateway between the photovoltaic (PV) system and the users of energy.
In addition to electricity conversion, inverters perform a number of other functions critical to the optimal performance of your solar energy system such as data monitoring and advanced utility controls. A reliable, high-functioning inverter keeps the whole system running efficiently with high energy production and low maintenance costs.
Types of Solar Inverters
Solar inverter technologies can be classified into two basic groups: string inverters and module-level power inverters, or MLPEs.
String inverters are by far the most common inverters around the globe and the most cost-effective. String inverters are a tried-and-true technology that have been in use for decades. The operating principle is simple: each "string" of solar panels is tied to a single inverter that provides the needed AC power. They are simple to install, simple to operate, and budget-friendly. Their output is capped by the lowest producing panel in the string; they function best when each panel receives equal amounts of sun constantly throughout the day.
There are two kinds of MLPE systems: microinverters and power optimizers. In a microinverter system, each solar panel is equipped with its own small inverter that converts the DC power collected by that panel to AC electricity on the spot. If your solar system faces multiple directions or some panels experience shading throughout the day, microinverters are the way to go. Because each panel has its own inverter, these systems are more expensive than single-inverter systems, but their flexibility allows for the use of solar power in much more challenging circumstances.
Power optimizers walk a fine line between string and microinverters. Each solar panel in an optimized system is fitted with its own optimizer that conditions the DC power and sends it along to a string inverter. Optimized systems are not as costly as microinverter systems and are more efficient than standard string systems.
Other Considerations
In addition to deciding between a string inverter or microinverters, you also need to decide between a grid-tied system vs. an off-grid system. A grid-tied inverter regulates the voltage, converts it to AC, synchronizes the phase and frequency of the current to fit that of the utility grid, and sends excess power to the grid for storage. Conversely, off-grid inverters send excess power to and draw stored power from on-site batteries for complete energy independence from the grid.
Contact The PowerStore today with all your solar inverter questions. We offer wholesale solar inverters in all varieties from leading manufacturers. Don't wait! Call 888-244-2979 today.