Solar Panel Inverters: What Are They and How Do They Work?

What is a Solar Panel Inverter and How does it work?

Solar panel inverters is a device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity. DC current produced by solar panels is not compatible with most home appliances or fed back to the utility grid which AC current can. Therefore, the solar inverter is essential for making solar power usable and beneficial for your home or business.

What Does Solar Panel Inverter Do?

Solar inverters plays the important role in PV systems, here are some of the functions of solar panel inverters:

Conversion of DC power to AC power

Solar panel inverters change the type of current from DC to AC to power most home appliances.

Maximizing Power Output

Solar inverters use maximum power point tracking(MPPT) to adjust the voltage and current to get the most power from the solar panels under different environmental conditions. SVC Solar Inverter with Built-in MPPT solar charger.

Protecting the System

PV inverters usually have safety features such as anti anti-islanding protection to prevent the inverter from feeding power to the grid when the grid is down and fault detection which shut down the inverter in case of any malfunction.

Monitoring Performance

Solar inverters have display panels or communication ports that show the status and data of the solar system, such as power output, voltage, current, temperature, and energy production.

The Different Types of Solar Panel Inverters

There are different types of solar panel inverters, string inverters, microinverters, and hybrid inverters. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog we will explore the key characteristics of each kind of solar panel inverter. So that choosing the right solar inverter for your system couldn’t be simpler.

String Inverters

String inverters, also called as central inverters, are connected with a string of solar panels in a series circuit. The DC current from the solar panels flows through a wiring harness to the inverter, which converts it to AC power. String inverters are usually wall-mounted and near the power meter or the main service panel.

As the string solar inverters have the advantages of easy to install, diagnose, and maintain, they are the most common and cheapest type of solar panel inverters.

However, string inverters s have some limitations and drawbacks, such as lower efficiency, reduced power output, and less monitoring. Since the solar panels are connected in a series, the performance of the whole string depends on the weakest panel. If one panel is shaded, damaged, or dirty, it can affect the power production of the entire string. String inverters also cannot monitor the performance of individual panels, only the total output of the string. Moreover, string inverters are not compatible with battery storage systems, and they shut off during power outages for safety reasons.

Micro Inverters

Microinverters are small units that are attached to each individual solar panel, converting the DC power to AC power at the panel level. The AC power from each panel is then combined and sent to the main service panel. Microinverters are usually mounted on the back of the solar panels or on the roof racking

Microinverters have several advantages over string inverters, such as higher efficiency, increased power output, and enhanced monitoring. Since each panel has its own inverter, the performance of one panel does not affect the others. This means that shading, dirt, or damage on one panel will not reduce the power production of the whole system. Microinverters also allow for more flexibility and scalability in the system design, as they can accommodate different orientations, angles, and sizes of solar panels. Microinverters can also monitor the performance of each panel individually, providing more data and insights. Furthermore, microinverters are compatible with battery storage systems, and they can provide backup power during blackouts

But microinverters are more expensive than string inverters, as they require more units and installation time. They also have more wiring and connections, which can increase the risk of failure and fire. Moreover, microinverters are more exposed to harsh weather conditions, as they are mounted on the roof.

Hybrid Solar Inverters

Hybrid inverters are also known as multi-mode inverters or battery-based inverters, as they combine the functions of a grid-tie inverter and a battery inverter. They can use solar power for your home appliances, store excess power in batteries, and connect to the grid, all in one unit. SVC Hybrid Inverter with Three Phases and Single Phase.

Hybrid inverters can provide backup power in case of a blackout, as they can isolate the solar system from the grid and use the batteries to power the essential loads. They can also manage and optimize the power flow between different sources and loads, such as solar panels, batteries, grid, and generators. This can improve the efficiency and performance of the system.

Hybrid inverters are more expensive than string inverters and microinverters, as they require additional components such as batteries, charge controllers, and switches. They also require more maintenance than string inverters and microinverters, as the batteries need to be replaced.

Top Solar Panel Inverter Manufacturer

To choosing the qualified and suitable solar inverter for your solar system is queit important. There are lots of solar panel inverter manufaturer in the market. SVC Energy is one of the top solar panle inverter manufacturer in China who has over 20 years experiences in producing inverters for solar system including off-grid inverters and hybrid inverters. We have provide OEM services to worldwide coutries such as German, South Africa, Middle East, etc. Please Feel free to contact us to customize your solar inverters!