In this article, we are going to talk about the operation of the solar power inverter, which can be helpful in choosing the correct and suitable choice for your solar panel system. The first thing to do is define what the solar power inverter is. A solar power inverter is an important part of a solar panel system, without which the system can’t generate electricity. These inverters are responsible for inverting the direct current (DC) to an alternating current (AC).
Since solar panels are mostly made from silicon, they tend to provide users with a semiconductor surface. The panels are located within a metal frame encased in glass. As the particles of light, which are called photons, hit the silicon of each solar panel, the electrons tend to get agitated.
This process tends to create a photovoltaic (PV) charge, which in sequence produces an electrical direct current (DC) that can not be used directly. The panel’s wiring happens to capture this current, and it’s the solar inverter that helps convert the DC to an alternating current (AC). Solar inverters are the connection between the solar panel system and the existing electrical feed of the power to the electrical grid.
What Does a Solar Inverter Do?
- Converting DC to AC
- Maximizing power output
- Interface with The Grid
- Report on Power Production
- Ensure Safe System Operation
Solar Inverter History
If we start to go back to the solar inverters’ history, we will find the first modern inverters in the year 2000. The first modern inverters were invented by scientists in a lab facility in New Mexico. This device was called a “non-is landing inverter. “Prior to this invention, the process of maintaining a solar panel system was considered a dangerous task to do.
Another reason why it was considered dangerous was that if there were a need for utility, the power line would have to be de-energized for the safety of the workers. And more than that, since the photovoltaic systems don’t notify you whether the system was shut down or not, the installation of the solar panels was not supported by the utility companies. All this has changed since the invitation of modern inverters in 2000.
Nevertheless, the complete history of solar inverters goes back as far as the 19th century. Even though most people are more acquainted with the name Nikola Tesla for the invention of ultramodern electric vehicles, there are a few who know that the origins of solar inverters also go back to Nikola Tesla. Because of his many differences and disagreements with the famous Thomas Edison, Tesla’s passion was in AC with its permanently changing energy strength. We must also keep in mind that without Nikola Tesla’s work and, more importantly, inventions, the solar panel inverter we use today wouldn’t be available for use.
How does a solar inverter work?
In this section, we are going to talk about the work process of solar inverters. Direct current flows in one direction, but the appliances at home use the AC to run, so adaptation has to occur. The solar panel inverter is the unit responsible for this adaptation and accomplishes this over four separate steps.
DC-to-AC solar power inverter steps:
Step 1)
In the first step, the inverter channels DC through its internal transformer
Step 2)
After that, the transformation happens, and the inverter transformer function tends to lower the voltage and switch it from DC to AC.
Step 3)
In this step, the DC runs through two or more transistors in order to be suitable for appliances at home.
Step 4)
In the final step, the transistors are rapidly turned on and off so that they can feed the transformer’s two different sides.
A comparison between on-grid and off-grid solar inverters
Solar inverter connected to grids has gained popularity nowadays. This connection was made while wiring the system during the installation process. If the customer’s solar system produces more power than they use or need, the power is going to be transferred to the utility meter and then to the grid.
With the help of an on-grid solar inverter, which is also known as grid-tied, they will be able to either build credit to reduce their bills for when they tend to need the grid – which is called net metering – or, in another case, depending on where they live, they can get paid a feed-in-tariff (FIT). The advantage here is mostly for customers so they will have the chance to not only reduce their electric bills, but more so, the grid is going to act as their battery storage.
With all said above, it’s also possible to add a group of batteries to this type of system and accumulate energy all by yourself, but keep in mind that you will need a battery-specific inverter to convert the electricity from AC to DC to store and discharge.
In the case of an off-grid solar inverter system, this inverter is connected directly to the residence or commercial site to work with the building’s mains. The user doesn’t have any access to the grid, so a battery, which surely isn’t inexpensive, is needed in order to store the extra energy. But even that may still not be enough to make sure the required energy is always available, so having a generator as a backup is a logical idea.
To get more information and growatt off-grid inverter price, contact the numbers are available on the site.
growatt is the best company to buy all kinds of solar inverters
In total, solar inverters have proven themselves to be among the important parts of the solar energy systems, that are responsible for converting the DC electricity that has been generated by solar panels into more usable AC electricity for appliances for home use.
Understanding the concept of how solar inverters work is important for appreciating their role in maximizing the productivity and performance of solar panel systems. With improvements in technology, solar inverters have evolved, too, and now provide users with great features and capabilities to optimize the utilization of solar energy.
It doesn’t matter if it’s string inverters, microinverters, or power optimizers we are talking about; the main function of solar inverters remains the same: to both convert and optimize solar energy for the practical use of power.
As solar energy resumes to pave the way for sustainable power generation, the importance of solar inverters in empowering this transition cannot be enhanced. Remember that each of the inverter types comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. By considering the role and differences of these solar inverters, you will be able to make an informed decision in order to come closer to maximizing the efficiency, productivity, and performance of your solar panel system.
By consulting with a reputable solar installation company you can make sure that you have chosen the most suitable solar inverter for your specific needs, goals, and condition.
You can start your journey towards a sustainable future by exploring the options available in this concept and taking the first step towards solar energy independence. Since we are a Growatt inverter distributor, our team of experts will be here to provide you with the Growatt inverter price and additional information such as Growatt hybrid inverter price. Feel free to contact us if you need more information.
