The solar inverter is an important component of any residential solar system. It converts the uneven direct current produced by solar panels into an alternating current. It does this by using switching and control circuits to change the varying voltage of the direct current into an alternate current.

It can be done by a string inverter or a microinverter. Both devices complete the same function but they do it differently.

It converts DC power to AC

A solar inverter converts DC power into AC power. This is necessary because homes are wired to conduct alternating current, while solar panels produce direct current. This is similar to how yen doesn’t work in the US. You’ll need to exchange it for dollars before you can buy lunch.

This is why most PV systems have an inverter. The inverter converts DC energy into the type of electricity your home’s outlets use, allowing you to power your appliances.

The inverter does this by using a transformer that lowers the voltage and changes it to AC. It then uses transistors that are rapidly turned on and off, creating an alternating current. This happens hundreds or thousands of times per second, mimicking the effects of AC power. The resulting AC can then be used to power your appliances. If you want a more reliable inverter, you can opt for a SMART inverter, which will monitor your batteries and adjust the system to optimize output.

It can store energy

Best Solar inverters are gaining popularity as a way to connect solar panels to grids. They can maximize the amount of power that is absorbed by appliances by synchronizing voltage and current. This is especially important when the grid has fluctuations that can disrupt the flow of electricity.

A solar inverter is also capable of storing energy for use in emergencies. A battery can be connected to the inverter and used to store excess solar power for later use. This is a great solution for homes that experience frequent blackouts or load shedding.

The inverter can also monitor the productivity of a solar panel array and relay its performance characteristics to a monitoring system. Some inverters are designed as a separate unit and installed on the roof, while others come integrated with solar panels, like the micro-inverter made by Enphase or Chilicon. This type of inverter is often referred to as a “panel optimizer.” It can increase the amount of power that a solar panel produces by constantly measuring its MPPT and relaying it to a central monitoring system.

It can communicate with the grid

A solar inverter can communicate with the grid to ensure that any excess energy is either sent back into the electricity grid via an energy meter or stored in your solar battery storage system. This is known as Net metering. In addition, the inverter can be programmed to disconnect from the grid in case of a power outage. This feature is particularly important to protect line workers who may be repairing the grid.

Solar inverters convert DC into AC and can communicate with the grid to determine your current consumption and send energy back if necessary. They can also monitor your PV array’s productivity, and even identify faults that could cause damage to your system.

Inexpensive inverters turn the DC side of the power on and off 120 times a second, resulting in a square wave that can be used for many devices. However, this method causes excessive clipping, which can limit your solar energy output and prevent you from qualifying for net metering.

It can protect you in case of a power outage

Power outages can occur due to trees falling over power lines or damage to the grid. The duration of these outages varies, depending on the issue and can range from a few hours to a full day or even a week or more. This is why having a backup power source is essential, especially if you live in a place with frequent outages.

Solar systems with battery storage have the ability to disconnect themselves from the grid during a power outage, allowing homeowners to continue using energy from their system without putting line workers at risk. This feature is available on hybrid inverters, which also allow you to monitor and optimize your energy use, making you more energy-independent.

If you’re considering a solar + battery system, be sure to find a reputable installer who offers these features. They’ll be able to advise you on the right size of battery for your home and discuss any rules or interconnection regulations that apply in your area.