When we talk about solar inverters, it does sound familiar to most of us who are interested in solar power, but what exactly is it and how does it work? Why is it important? How does it help?
What is Solar Inverter
To answer the first question, a solar inverter, also known as a PV (photovoltaic) inverter, is an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used by household appliances or fed into the electrical grid. When solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, they produce DC electricity, which is not suitable for household appliances or the electrical grid. A solar inverter converts this DC electricity into AC electricity, which is the standard form of electricity used in households and fed into the electrical grid.
Solar inverters are an essential component of a solar panel system, and they are available in different types and sizes, depending on the brand of the inverter. They are typically installed near the solar panels or in a central location in the building, and they can also come with additional features, such as grid-tied functionality, battery backup, and monitoring systems.
How Solar Inverter work?
To get a better understanding of it, here’s a step-by-step explanation of how a solar inverter works:
- Solar panels generate DC electricity when exposed to sunlight. This DC electricity flows through the wires of the solar panel system and is sent to the solar inverter.
- The solar inverter receives the DC electricity and uses electronics to convert it into AC electricity, which is the type of electricity used by household appliances and the electrical grid.
- The AC electricity produced by the inverter is then sent to the electrical panel, where it is distributed to the household appliances that need it or fed into the electrical grid.
- If there is more electricity generated by the solar panels than the household needs, the excess electricity can be fed back into the electrical grid. This is known as “net metering,” and it allows the homeowner to receive credits for the excess electricity generated by the solar panels.
- Solis solar inverters come with an additional feature: monitoring systems. The monitoring systems can track the performance of the solar panel system and detect any issues by using an app.
Speaking of issues, did you know that some solar inverters have a considerable number of safety features? Due to its main functions, the inverter is known as the “heart and brain” of the PV system.
How Solar Inverter help?
Good solar PV inverters should be able to automatically protect when the positive input terminal of the inverter is connected with the negative input end of the negative electrode. If the ground resistance of a PV string connected to a solar inverter is too low, the solar inverter generates a Low Insulation Resistance alarm.
Solar inverters can also work as an output over current protection. This means it should be able to ensure that it acts timely when the load short circuits or the current exceeds the allowable value so that it can avoid the damage of the current. When the operating current exceeds 150% of the rated value, the inverter should be automatically shut down. When the current is returned to normal, the equipment can work properly.
Then comes the input over-voltage protection. When the input voltage is higher than the prescribed over-voltage disconnect value, which is higher than the rated voltage of 130%, the inverter should be able to automatically shut down to protect itself and make the corresponding display. Moreover, a solar inverter also has AC and DC surge protection.
The solar on-grid inverter should have a lightning-prevention protection function, and the technical index of the lightning protection device should ensure it absorbs the expected impact energy. Overall, a solar inverter is a vital component when it comes to solar power installation.
In Verdant Solar, we will conduct a visit to your house in order to provide a detailed solution based on the condition of your house. Connect with us to know more about solar installation!
