What is a Solar Inverter and How to Choose the Right One

After rising electricity prices, most people are shifting towards solar panels. Along with solar panels, it is equally important to know about inverters. The sun is a great source of energy because it provides free energy. The better the solar inverter, the better the power output and the savings in bills. So it is important to know that What Is a solar inverter، And how does it work.?

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What are solar inverters

When the light from the sun falls on the panels, a device is attached to the panels which converts this light into electricity and makes it usable. This device is called an inverter. An inverter converts direct current into alternating current and from this current all household appliances can be operated. Inverters also connect the solar system to the grid. It is an important part of the solar panel system. They are of three types. String inverter, micro inverter and power optimizer.

How Solar Inverters Work

Knowing how an inverter works is as important as knowing about solar panels. Because by knowing this, maximum power generation can be achieved. Basically, this process starts with sunlight falling on the panels. When light falls on the cells of the panels, it creates a direct current in the panel due to the photovoltaic technology. However, this current is not usable in homes, so there is a device with the panels that converts this current into alternating current. This device is called a solar inverter. Its purpose is to convert direct current into alternating current so that it can run all household appliances. It is also used to feed excess energy into the grid.

Types of Solar Inverter

There are basically three types of inverters. Although all three have the same basic purpose of converting solar energy into electricity, it is important to understand the difference between them. These three types are as follows.

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1. String Inverter 

It takes the DC input from most solar panels and converts all the energy into AC. That is, this inverter works to convert the highest amount of energy. In this system several solar panels are connected together with an inverter. The inverter takes direct current from all these panels and converts it into alternating current. 

2. Micro inverters 

They are located on the solar panel. It converts the usable power instantly. That is, each panel is equipped with separate micro-inverters that convert the direct current coming from this panel into alternating current and use it to run household appliances.

3. Power Optimizer

 In the optimizer system, a string inverter is connected to the optimizer. That is, the amount of DC power generated in the panel comes to this inverter. The inverter collects this power from each optimizer and A simultaneously converts it into electricity and sends it to the home or grid.

4. Off grid inverters

Off-grid inverters are designed to work alone. They are not connected to the grid. Their main purpose is to provide electricity by converting DC power into AC power.

5. Inverters/Chargers

A charger is responsible for converting AC current from generator to charge the DC battery bank current. Off grid  charger converts both , AC to DC power and also DC to AC power to run appliances. 

6. Hybrid Inverters

A hybrid solar inverter is made by connecting a battery and a solar inverter. It supplies power from the panel and simultaneously supplies power from the grid.

Key Features and Considerations

  • There are three considerations when buying a solar panel inverter. Capacity, Efficiency and Brand. These three are very important. In simple words, the capacity should be up to 75%.
  •  In addition, its key features include connecting the inverter to the grid and adjusting the power with the output of the grid. In addition, smart inverters also have safety features such as shutdown during grid outages and worker protection.

Benefits of Solar Inverters

Benefits of Solar Inverters

Benefits of solar panel inverters are given as,

  • Inverters convert sunlight into electricity and make it usable. Apart from this, this electricity is sent back as credit to the grid. 
  • Modern inverters are adept at providing maximum power. 
  • Solar inverter can also be used for net metering. Surplus electricity generated during daylight hours is fed into the grid and the electricity consumption in the home is monitored. 
  • System performance and power output can also be tracked through the inverter, i.e. ensuring control over panel performance. 
  • They have the strength to withstand the harshest weather conditions and also reduce the risk of downtime. Now, since they convert sunlight into electricity, they are environmentally friendly. Because their use does not even emit carbon.

Solar inverters price in Pakistan

The minimum price of an inverter in Pakistan is RS 75,000 and the average can go up to RS 450,000.

Conclusion

Solar inverters are considered an important part of a solar panel system as they convert sunlight into usable electricity. With the innovation in technology, its prices are reducing to a considerable extent. Before buying an inverter, it is very important to know What Is a solar inverter. Only after knowing them fully can the customers make the right decision and their investment can prove profitable.